Souto da Retorta (Eucalyptus of Chavín) - Image 1
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Souto da Retorta Chavín

4.6
·3k reviews·Viveiro, Spain

A serene forest preserve famous for its ancient, gigantic eucalyptus trees and aromatic air, offering a peaceful mill race walk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
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Souto da Retorta (Eucalyptus of Chavín) - Image 1

Souto da Retorta Chavín

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene forest preserve famous for its ancient, gigantic eucalyptus trees and aromatic air, offering a peaceful mill race walk. Reddit

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A really lovely walk along a mill race, under the shade of huge trees. All very relaxing, and impressive. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a relaxing meal amidst the towering trees and serene atmosphere. :sandwich:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Well-maintained paths are great for walking, but good shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gigantic Eucalyptus Trees

Gigantic Eucalyptus Trees

Marvel at ancient eucalyptus giants, some over a century old, creating a unique, aromatic forest canopy.

Reddit
Mill Race Walk

Mill Race Walk

Enjoy a serene stroll alongside a picturesque mill race, shaded by impressive trees.

Reddit
Galicia's Tallest Tree

Galicia's Tallest Tree

Seek out 'The Grandfather,' Galicia's tallest tree, a truly impressive natural landmark.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Aroma

Breathe deep! The signature eucalyptus scent is a highlight. Wear comfortable shoes for the well-maintained paths, and consider bringing a picnic to fully enjoy the relaxing atmosphere under the giant trees. Reddit

Navigating Access

Parking can be limited and busy, especially during peak times. While some original paths might be closed, a parallel forest route offers a less scenic but accessible alternative. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden light, pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#locaesquisofrenica #MENTIRAAAAAJAJAJA #quetristeeeeeee #retortaaaaafrita #VIRGEEEENNNNNN
@26.colooo
5.7K likes • 37.9K views

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a relaxing meal amidst the towering trees and serene atmosphere. Reddit :sandwich:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Well-maintained paths are great for walking, but good shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:

#pelotudaaaaaaaaa#🏳️‍🌈 #retortaaaaafrita #VIRGEEEENNNNNN #tiktokhacemeviral
@26.colooo
3.1K likes • 14.6K views
🌲🌳 Souto da Retorta (Chavín)🌳🌲 #soutodaretorta #chavin #viveiro #lugo #galicia #amariñalucense #paisajesdeensueño #eucaliptos #verdequetequieroverde #magico #aguacristalina #galiciacalidade #costalucense #amariña #pazyrelax #lugaresunicos #conoce_galicia #megustaelnorte #veranodiferente #vacaciones22 #turismo #vivehoy #galiciamaxica #desconectar #relax #descubrirviajando #vivirydisfrutar #disfrut...
gemita72
17 likes • 267 views

👃 Breathe in the Scent

The eucalyptus aroma is a key part of the experience; take deep breaths! :evergreen_tree:

🚗 Arrive Early

Parking is limited and can get busy, especially on weekends. Reddit :car:

Souto da Retorta. (Chavín, Viveiro)
joseantoniomarcote
5 likes • 113 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a relaxing meal amidst the towering trees and serene atmosphere. Reddit :sandwich:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Well-maintained paths are great for walking, but good shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:

👃 Breathe in the Scent

The eucalyptus aroma is a key part of the experience; take deep breaths! :evergreen_tree:

🚗 Arrive Early

Parking is limited and can get busy, especially on weekends. Reddit :car:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the relaxing atmosphere and the impressive, ancient eucalyptus trees that fill the air with a heavenly scent. The mill race walk is a particular highlight, offering a serene experience. Some note limited parking and occasional path closures, but the natural beauty and free entry make it a worthwhile visit. Reddit+2

"A really lovely walk along a mill race, under the shade of huge trees. All very relaxing, and impressive. Take a picnic it's a beautiful place to stay for a while. Not sure on fishing rules but that stream probably has some nice trout in it."

Tom Wykes

"You can’t access anymore the oldest biggest tree. The original pathway following the river is currently closed and lot of trees are marked up (hoping they won’t cut them out). There’s a parallel path in the forest much less scenic. Parking is small and extremely busy. The forest smell was heaven !"

Ella A.

"Beautiful eucalyptus trees in a small forest, surrounded by villages. It won't give you that true forrest feeling, but worth a visit. Some beautiful reptiles and insects, like butterflies and dragonflies can be seen."

Paul Goudriaan

What People Like

Gigantic eucalyptus trees
Relaxing mill race walk
Invigorating eucalyptus scent

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Occasional path closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Souto da Retorta is located near Chavín. Driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available but can be limited and busy, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Information on direct public transport is scarce. It's best to check local bus schedules for routes to Chavín and then consider a short taxi ride or walk if feasible. Reddit

Parking is described as small and can be extremely busy. Reddit It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, to secure a spot. :car:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Souto da Retorta is a free-to-enter forest preserve. Reddit Enjoy the natural beauty without any admission cost. :moneywithwings:

As a natural forest preserve, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit anytime, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment. :clock1:

Since there is no entrance fee, advance booking is not required. You can visit spontaneously. :calendar:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The original pathway following the river is a popular choice, offering scenic views. However, parts may be closed. A parallel forest path is also available. Reddit Look for signs indicating 'The Grandfather' tree. Reddit

The paths are generally well-maintained, but some sections might be uneven. It's advisable to check current conditions locally for the most up-to-date accessibility information. :wheelchair:

Visitors have spotted beautiful reptiles, insects, butterflies, and dragonflies. Reddit Keep an eye out for local fauna during your walk. :butterfly:

One reviewer mentioned the possibility of trout fishing, but specific rules and regulations are not provided. It's best to inquire locally or check regional fishing permits if you plan to fish. :fishingpoleand_வத:

While not explicitly mentioned, it's generally recommended to check local regulations for pet policies in natural areas. If allowed, ensure your dog is leashed. :dog:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within the forest preserve. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks. :forkandknife:

You'll find dining options in the nearby villages surrounding the forest. Exploring Chavín or other local hamlets will offer traditional Galician cuisine. :restaurant:

Absolutely! It's a beautiful place to stay for a while and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the large trees. Reddit :picnic_table:

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the immense scale of the eucalyptus trees, the serene mill race, and the unique forest light. 'The Grandfather' tree is a must-photograph subject. :camerawithflash:

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden light filtering through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere. Early mornings can also offer soft, diffused light. :sunrise:

The pathways along the mill race and the areas surrounding 'The Grandfather' tree offer excellent vantage points. Experiment with different angles to capture the height of the trees. :camera:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Souto da Retorta offers a wonderful natural playground for families. The well-maintained paths make it easy for children to explore, and the sheer size of the eucalyptus trees is sure to spark their imagination. Reddit Encourage them to breathe in the unique eucalyptus scent and look for small creatures like butterflies and dragonflies. Reddit

Bringing a picnic is highly recommended, as it allows for a relaxed and enjoyable break amidst nature. Reddit While there are no specific play areas, the open forest space provides ample room for kids to wander and discover. Be mindful of the mill race and ensure children are supervised near water. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers

For those seeking a peaceful nature walk, Souto da Retorta is an ideal destination. The aromatic eucalyptus forest and the gentle sound of the mill race create a serene environment perfect for unwinding. Reddit The trails are easy to navigate, making it a pleasant experience for casual walkers. Reddit

While not a strenuous hike, you can extend your exploration by following the stream further upstream towards the hydropower station. Reddit The forest offers a refreshing escape and a chance to immerse yourself in the unique scents and sights of this special Galician woodland. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Eucalyptus Giants

Souto da Retorta is renowned for its gigantic eucalyptus trees, some of which date back to 1880. These ancient giants create a unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere, filling the air with their distinctive, invigorating scent. The sheer scale of these trees is a primary draw for visitors, offering a sense of wonder and connection with nature. Reddit

Walking amongst these towering specimens feels like stepping into another world. The forest floor is often carpeted with fallen leaves, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy creates a magical ambiance. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the power and longevity of nature. Reddit

While the forest is beautiful year-round, the scent of eucalyptus is particularly potent on warmer days. Visitors often describe the smell as 'heavenly,' making it a sensory experience as much as a visual one. Reddit

Exploring the Waterways and Trails

A key feature of Souto da Retorta is the mill race that winds through the forest. Following this waterway offers a tranquil and picturesque walking experience, shaded by the impressive eucalyptus canopy. Reddit The gentle sound of the water adds to the overall sense of peace and relaxation. Reddit

The trails are generally described as well-maintained and easy to follow, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit However, it's worth noting that some original pathways along the river have been closed, with a parallel forest path available as an alternative. Reddit This alternative path, while less scenic, still allows visitors to experience the forest's charm. Reddit

For those who enjoy a bit of exploration, continuing upstream past the main walking areas can lead to a small hydropower station and weir, adding another point of interest to your visit. Reddit

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