About this place
Macizo Central ourensán is a vast mountain complex in the province of Ourense, in Spain's Galicia region, designated as a special area of conservation. The range stretches across an area of roughly 30 by 40 kilometers, covering tens of thousands of hectares of largely uninhabited highland terrain that lies between the Chandrexa de Queixa and Portas reservoirs.
What makes up this mountain massif?
Rather than a single peak, Macizo Central ourensán is a group of several sierras belonging to the wider Galician massif: Serra de Queixa, Serra de San Mamede, and the Fial das Corzas range, which borders the O Invernadeiro Natural Park. Elevations within the massif range from around 300 meters in the valleys up to the region's highest point, Cabeza de Manzaneda (also known as A Cabeza Grande), which rises to nearly 1,780 meters.
What can you find in the municipality of Manzaneda?
The municipality of Manzaneda sits right at the heart of the massif, and it's here that Galicia's only ski resort operates — the Cabeza de Manzaneda ski station. That makes the region a winter draw in a part of Spain more commonly associated with Atlantic coastline than mountain snow. Outside the ski season, the area is a destination for hiking and cycling, with trails crossing terrain of significant elevation changes and varied landscapes.
What kind of nature does this mountain range hold?
The massif is known for its near-untouched ecosystems. Within its boundaries lie the O Invernadeiro Natural Park, the valley of the Návea River, and Souto de Rozavales, a forest of centuries-old chestnut trees. Higher up, the mountains host birch and holly forests that are distinctive for this region and uncommon elsewhere on the Iberian Peninsula. The terrain is home to wildlife typical of the mountains of northwestern Spain, including wolves, wild boar, and deer.
Why is this area worth visiting?
Macizo Central ourensán combines several features that are rare by Galician standards: a high-mountain landscape, a working ski resort, extensive nature reserves, and terrain that remains sparsely populated and largely untouched by development. It appeals to travelers looking for active outdoor pursuits — skiing on the slopes in winter, or hiking through forests and river valleys in summer and autumn. The proximity of the Chandrexa de Queixa and Portas reservoirs adds further scenic appeal and offers opportunities for nature photography.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Macizo Central ourensán located? It is a mountain range in the province of Ourense, in the region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain, encompassing the municipality of Manzaneda among others.
What is the highest peak of the massif? The highest point is Cabeza de Manzaneda, reaching about 1,780 meters above sea level, also known locally as A Cabeza Grande.
Can you ski here? Yes, the municipality of Manzaneda is home to the only ski resort in all of Galicia, making the region unique within the autonomous community.
What natural attractions are worth seeing in the area? The O Invernadeiro Natural Park, the Návea River valley, and Souto de Rozavales — a historic forest of old chestnut trees — along with birch and holly forests in the higher elevations.
What wildlife lives in this area? The region is home to wolves, wild boar, and deer, species typical of the mountains of northwestern Spain.
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