The Galicia forest that is one of the most impressive in Europe: more than 60 meters high, centenary trees and hiking

2024-12-06 -

Entre rivers, mountains and incredible valleys, Galicia rises as one of the most impressive destinations in Spain. The region has countless charms, although one must highlight one, that is its incalculable natural heritage. This attracts countless travelers looking to get lost in their lush forests or enjoy landscapes taken from another planet on their cliff coasts. Eucalyptus is one of the symbols and stars in some of the most unique places of the community

So much so, that it has even its own forest known as Souto da Retorta or Eucalyptal of Chavín. It is a unique natural place located on the right bank of the Landro River, in the Parish of Chavín, in the municipality of Vivero. His visit is something essential, since it shows a landscape of great beauty where trees of high height can be contemplated, some of which are up to centenarians. All these charms have made it declared as a natural monument. This is thanks to the history of eucalyptus in Galicia dates back to the 19th century. It was introduced by Fray Rosendo Salvado, a Galician religious who, during his work as a missionary in Australia, decided to bring seeds of this exotic tree to his homeland. , where he founded the Benedictine mission of Nueva Norcia, working closely with the aboriginal communities and experiencing first -hand the local flora. Upon returning to Galicia, it led to eucalyptus seeds, thus initiating the spread of this species in the region, which at that time was completely new for the Galician landscape. In this way, in Chavín, there is one of the most emblematic forests that It retains the footprint of that exotic arrival. This forest, considered one of the most impressive in Galicia, houses a set of approximately 600 eucalyptus that have reached monumental dimensions, with some specimens that exceed 60 meters high and more than a century old. One of the most famous is or Avo (grandfather), which planted in 1880, is more than 67 m high and 10.5 m perimeter. Thanks to the size and longevity of these trees, eucalyptal has become a place of interest not only natural, but also historical and cultural, since it represents one of the first areas in Europe where this species from Australia was successfully adapted But the eucalyptal of Chavín, in addition to its botanical value, has become a tourist and ecological enclave. Its unique landscape, with whitish trunks trees and a dense foliage that filters the sunlight, creates an almost magical atmosphere that attracts visitors and lovers of nature. The place offers hiking and viewpoint routes that allow the magnitude of the forest to be appreciated and contemplate the diversity of flora and fauna that lives in this ecosystem, adapted to the presence of eucalyptus. The path is very simple and winding between the Landro River and the channel Drain of the dam located upstream. Thus, in just one kilometer the grandparents of all eucalyptus are known that today expand through the coastal strip of Galicia. The itinerary begins in the place of Calvoso and ends where the largest eucalyptus is located, the so -called or Avó (the grandfather). The return is done following the same path in the opposite direction.