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Cal Xandera

Angoustrine

Situated in Angoustrine, 4.6 km from Municipal Museum of Llivia, Cal Xandera features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Located around 10 km from Real Club de Golf de Cerdaña, the inn with free WiFi is also 11 km away from Font-Romeu Golf Course. The inn has family rooms. Beautifully renovated, characterful property and rooms. Outstanding ambience. Delightful and helpful host.

Gîte de montagne du Plateau de Lhers

Offering a barbecue, children's playground and sun terrace, Gîte du Plateau de Lhers is set in Accous in the Aquitaine Region. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including skiing and horse riding. The inn also offers bike hire. The nearest airport is Pau Pyrénées Airport, 55 km from the property. location, host, hospitality. best stay in the Pyrenees

Hospedería Villa de Pintano

Situated in a picturesque Aragonese medieval town, Hospedería Villa Pintano country guest house offers a seasonal outdoor pool, restaurant, and sun terrace with views of the surroundings. Hospedería Villa Pintano is located 20 km from Embalse de Yesa Lake, and the historic town of Sos del Rey Catolico is a 40-minute drive away. Pamplona is 80 km away. Pintano is a very small atmospheric old hill town in the Spanish Pyrenees. It's basically in the middle of nowhere, but we made it a stop on our way back to Madrid from the French border near Jaca. A great choice because the inn is comfortable and the innkeeper (Jose) a really nice guy. He fed us an excellent 3 course meal, with wine, for 15 euros. A modest Spanish breakfast (coffee, toast and a packaged cake) is also included. A bit interesting to drive to the top of the town through the narrow alleys, but any passenger car can make it.

Posada Sarigarri

Abaurrea Baja

Posada Sarigarri is set in the natural setting of Aezkoa Valley, within the impressive Navarran Pyrenees and next to the Selva de Irati Nature Reserve. Free parking is available onsite. The Posada features spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and a cosy dining room with fireplace. There is also a lounge with bar and library where board games are available. Lovely small village in good location for the area. Hostess very welcoming, kind and jovial. Good food.

Auberge Chez Gabrielle - Vallée de Lesponne

Beaudéan

Auberge Chez Gabrielle - Vallée de Lesponne features a shared lounge, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Beaudéan. Providing a casino, the property is located within 30 km of Lourdes Train Station. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and free WiFi. At the inn , all rooms come with a wardrobe. Each room is equipped with a kettle, while some rooms are equipped with a kitchen with a fridge, an oven and a microwave. Charming, amazing view, beautiful location. Lots of character! Convenient for the hike. Friendly staff and great food!

Auberge Les Myrtilles

Set in the French Pyrenées, Auberge les Myrtilles is a inn offering a shared lounge with TV and a sun deck with a panoramic mountain view. Free WiFi access is also available throughout the property. Auberge des Myrtilles rooms feature a terrace and views of the mountains and river, as well as private bathrooms with free toiletries. The owner-operators were warm and welcoming, creating a memorable stay. Immaculate facilities.

Hospedería Prepirineo

Undués-Pintano

Offering a restaurant serving local cuisine, Hospedería Prepirineo is located in Undués-Pintano. Set by Regal River, the air-conditioned Inn has free Wi-Fi and impressive views. Each room with simple décor features a TV and private bathroom including a bathtub. Towels and bed linen are provided. With a combination of wood and stone, the property has a shared lounge and games room available for guests. it’s position in the countryside and the uniqueness of the village. This was our second stay here and it was as pleasant as the memories of the first visit. The staff are helpful and the food is good.

Auberge du Crabère

Set in Melles, 43 km from Col de Peyresourde, Auberge du Crabère offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Offering a bar, the property is located within 30 km of Luchon Golf Course. The property is non-smoking and is located 36 km from Comminges Golf Course. The inn offers a children's playground. Guests at Auberge du Crabère will be able to enjoy activities in and around Melles, like hiking, skiing and cycling. Love the staff, very friendly.

Gite d'étape Les Diligences

Roquefixade

Gite d'étape Les Diligences features a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Roquefixade. All rooms feature a kitchenette and a shared bathroom. Foix Castle is 16 km from the inn and Museum of Montségur is 16 km away. The Gite is simple , yet clean and fully equipped. The gite had a small garden to relax which our dog enjoyed as well

Biescas San Roque

At the inn , rooms include a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, towels and a terrace with a mountain view. At Biescas San Roque, each room is equipped with a shared bathroom with a bidet.

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FAQs about inns in Pyrénées

Which inns in pyrénées have nice views.

Auberge Chez Gabrielle - Vallée de Lesponne , Auberge Les Myrtilles , and Hospedería Villa de Pintano have received great reviews from guests in Pyrénées about the views from these inns

Guests staying in Pyrénées also loved the views from these inns: Posada Sarigarri , Gîte de montagne du Plateau de Lhers , and Hospedería Prepirineo .

Which inns in Pyrénées are good for families?

Many families visiting Pyrénées loved staying at Hospedería Villa de Pintano , Posada Sarigarri , and Auberge Chez Gabrielle - Vallée de Lesponne .

Similarly, Cal Xandera , Gîte de montagne du Plateau de Lhers , and Auberge des Pyrénées are also popular among families.

Which inns in Pyrénées are good for couples?

Couples traveling in Pyrénées loved staying at Biescas San Roque , Posada Sarigarri , and Hospedería Villa de Pintano .

Similarly, these inns in Pyrénées were also highly rated by couples: Auberge Les Myrtilles , Cal Xandera , and Auberge Chez Gabrielle - Vallée de Lesponne .

Why should I book an inn with Booking.com?

We make it quick and easy to book an inn in Pyrénées. Here’s what we offer:

• Free cancellation on most stays • We Price Match • 24/7 customer support in 40+ languages

How many inns in Pyrénées are listed on Booking.com?

There are 18 inns in Pyrénées you can book on Booking.com.

What are some of the best inns to stay at in Pyrénées?

Posada Sarigarri , Hospedería Villa de Pintano , and Cal Xandera are some of the popular inns in Pyrénées.

In addition to these inns, Gîte de montagne du Plateau de Lhers , Auberge Chez Gabrielle - Vallée de Lesponne , and Auberge Les Myrtilles are also popular in Pyrénées.

How much is an inn in Pyrénées for this weekend?

The average price per night for an inn in Pyrénées for this weekend is $17, based on current Booking.com prices.

Does Booking.com offer inns with free cancellation in Pyrénées?

Most inns on Booking.com offer free cancellation.

Inns that guests love in Pyrénées

Hôtel vesuvio, inn in lourdes.

8.5 Very Good 618 reviews

Food was excellent all three meals. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner excellent. Staff is very caring. Owner is very kind, loving, understanding go over and beyond to make the customer happy. Hospitality all above average.

ALBERGUE SAN NICOLAS

Inn in larrasoaña.

8.5 Very Good 70 reviews

Wonderful dinner

Hôtel Roissy

8.0 Very Good 1,358 reviews

the room was clean enough space it was a room with a view breakfast and dinner were fine

Sport Hotel Village

Inn in soldeu.

8.5 Very Good 350 reviews

Amazing location right next to the gondola with lockers and ski shop all within the same complex. The food was great. We opted for half board in the buffet restaurant which had a great variety for breakfast and dinner. Rooms cleaned every day with a turn down service. Junior Suited are large and spacious for a family of 4. The staff delighted to help at every opportunity, despite it being the final week of the season.

O Chardinet d'a Formiga

Inn in aínsa.

9.5 Exceptional 152 reviews

Ferran is an absolutely fantastic host, his care and attention comes through in everything about his guest house, cannot recommend highly enough. Simply superb! Suggest taking advantage of the delicious breakfasts and dinners that can be included, fresh produce, beautifully prepared and served. His partner too is super friendly and helpful, all in all, a perfect place to enjoy a few nights away with a variety of nice walking and outdoor activities in the surrounding area.

7.7 Good 217 reviews

The main positive point is certainly the location. This farm is perfectly located in a lovely Mountain area, far from everything but so quiet. Another important point is the owner. This person is so sympatic and it is possible to have breakfast and dinner for a very democratic price. But to visit this accommodation, you have to accept the house décoration and a rustic confort. But for the price...

Hôtel Sainte Marie

9.3 Wonderful 248 reviews

Old fashioned Lourdes Guest House seemed perfect place to stay in Lourdes. Room simple but beautiful. Very clean and room tasteful , all you needed was provided and lovely bathroom. Very peaceful hotel and location superb. View of the town and river-tranquil. Did not have breakfast but dining area looked beautiful and lovely balcony/vernanda to sit and have coffee if guest wanted. Receptionist very helpful and everything was clear from the beginning. Great place to stay visiting Lourdes . Access to everything you needed . Highly recommend

El Lagar del Vero

Inn in huerta de vero.

7.9 Good 445 reviews

Dinner was lovely, service was exceptional, room was rustic but comfortable and quiet

El Callejon De Andrese

Inn in loarre.

8.7 Excellent 520 reviews

Very rustic place. Innovative room with large corner bath in the room. Very friendly host. Decent breakfast. In a very small Spanish town which is almost like stepping back in time. Short distance from Riglos which was my reason for visiting the area.

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Savvy Travel Advice

A Guide to Visiting the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia: A Lesser Known Region of Spain

Last updated: May 17, 2022 - Written by Jessica Norah 86 Comments

A lot of people visit Barcelona and Costa Brava every year; however, many fewer people visit the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia. This lesser known region of Spain offers a perfect place to escape from the often crowded coast, whether you visit it in conjunction with the more popular spots or dedicate an entire trip to this region.

Here in the Spanish Pyrenees you’ll find several ski resorts, a network of hiking trails and cycling paths, extinct volcanoes, hearty Catalan food, medieval towns, and rich cultural attractions.

The Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia is a great region for those wanting to get out and explore nature, enjoy the peaceful rural countryside, or hideout in the mountains. On the other hand it also offers a plethora of outdoor activities, museums, festivals, hot air balloon rides, and a seemingly infinite amount of quaint Romanesque churches. 

This guide will cover how to get to the Spanish Pyrenees region, how to explore the area, and a comprehensive guide of what do in the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia. Specifically we explore the three  comarques (or counties) of la Garrotxa, el Ripollès, and la Cerdanya.

Table of Contents:

Planning your Trip to the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia

We’ll share how to get to the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia, best ways to get around the region, discuss the best times of the year to visit, where to stay, and also provide additional travel resources.

Getting to the Spanish Pyrenees from Barcelona or Girona

If you are flying, the two major airports in the area are the Barcelona Airport (largest airport) and Girona Airport . If you are traveling by train, Barcelona is a major destination and easy to get to from cities across Europe. Barcelona is also a major cruise port and you can get bus connections here from just about anywhere in Europe as well.

From Barcelona or Girona, there are connections  to the Catalan Pyrenees region by car, bus, train, taxi, or rideshare. Check here for  train service information  and here for bus info on the  Teisa Bus website . If you are planning to ski, there is also a ski bus in the winter from Barcelona to La Molina and Masella (the Skibus ALP 2500 bus) that takes about 2 hours.

For those who are driving from Barcelona or Girona to the Spanish Pyrenees, it is about a 1 hour to 3 hour drive depending on where you are headed. From Barcelona, it is an approximate 1 hour 45 minute drive to Olot, 1 hr. 30 min drive to Ripoll, and a 2 hour drive to Puigcerdà. From Girona, it is an approximate  50 minute drive to Olot, 1 hr. 20 min drive to Ripoll, and a 2 hour 30 minute drive to Puigcerdà You’ll need to allow more time depending on things like traffic around Barcelona and winter road conditions.

Getting around the Spanish Pyrenees Region

It depends of course where you are coming from and where you are heading, but you can get around the Catalan Pyrenees region by car, bus, train, taxi, or bike. I personally would recommend either driving or taking buses depending on the type of trip you are wanting to do.

The bus service is pretty good to most of the cities and larger towns of the region, use the helpful  Teisa Bus website to check on routes, times, and fares. However, bus service may not get you to all the small towns, trailheads, and nature parks you want to visit, so be sure to check bus schedules to make sure your trip is possible or be prepared to take taxis to cover any gaps.

Train service is very limited within the Girona Pyrenees (check here for train service information ) and you’ll likely need to combine train with bus service to get around the region.

Bike transfers are possible as well for those who want to come out by bus or train and then do a biking trip, check with local bike rental shops to schedule transfers. You can join a self-guided or guided bike tour as well, and you can check on some options here . 

Guided tours are also possible, and there are a number of day tours from both Barcelona and Girona which include some of the highlights of the Girona Pyrenees. See the Guided Day Trips section below for more information.

Understanding the Geography of the Region

A quick bit of geography as it is a bit complicated to explain even what region we are referring to as it encompasses parts of the Pyrenees mountains, Catalonia, and the province of Girona; however, we cover none of these in their entirety!

The Pyrenees extends for about 300 miles (490 km) from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea, running through Spain, France, and Andorra, and the mountains form a natural border between France and Spain. So the Pyrenees covers a very large area and even within the Spanish Pyrenees they run through a number of areas of Spain (Catalonia, Aragon, Navarre, and Basque).

Obviously this post will not cover the entire Pyrenees region, so we’ll be focusing on only those parts of the Pyrenees in Catalonia in this post and specifically those within the  province of Girona . The areas within Girona we visited were the comarques (similar to counties) of la Garrotxa, el Ripollès, and the eastern part of la Cerdanya (also known as Baixa Cerdanya, the county is split between Girona and Llieda provinces).

These areas close to both Barcelona and Girona , and are convenient for those coming from Barcelona or the Costa Brava area. When I was thinking about trip planning and in how to break up sections of the trip, I found it helpful to look at information by each of the three comarques : Garrotxa ,  Ripollès , and  Cerdanya . 

Guided Day Trips to the Pyrenees

If you don’t want to drive or take public transportation, or have limited time, a guided tour can be a good option. There are a number of guided day tours from both Barcelona and Girona that include many of the highlights of the Pyrenees.

Here are a several tour options from Barcelona:

• This full day tour from Barcelona has you hiking from Queralbs to Núria , one of the most iconic hiking routes in Catalonia.
• This  small group tour  from Barcelona includes a drive through the La Garrotxa Volcanic Park and stops in the medieval villages of Castellfollit de la Roca, Besalú, and Santa Pau.
• This full-day  tour  is focused on hiking within the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, a 3-course restaurant lunch, stops at waterfalls, and visits to Castellfollit de la Roca and Besalú.
• This full day tour includes time in Vic, Queralbs and the Vall de Núria.
• This  private tour  includes a hot air balloon ride over the Volcanic Park, brunch, and a visit to the medieval village of Besalú.

Here are a few tour options from Girona:

• This day tour  from Girona includes a visit to the Monastery in Ripoll,  Castellfollit de la Roca, and  Besalú.
• This  tour includes hiking within the La Garrotxa Volcanic Park, a packed lunch, a waterfall, and visits to the towns of Santa Pau and Banyoles.
• This  small group tour  includes stops in Castellfollit de la Roca, Besalú, and Banyoles

Language Spoken in the Girona Pyrenees

Most people in the area speak Spanish and Catalan. French is probably the most popular third language spoken here. English and German are fourth languages, and you can often find tourism materials in these five languages. This also reflects the tourists who visit the Pyrenees which tend to be primarily Catalan, French, and Spanish.

Although those running hotels and other tourist oriented businesses often speak English (or at least some English), we’d recommend learning a few essential phrases in Catalan or Spanish, or have a translation guide or app handy.

We were often presented with menus in Catalan with no English translations in smaller villages and less tourist focused places, and many people in the smaller villages of the Pyrenees speak limited English.

If you are visiting the Pyrenees on a day trip, you probably won’t notice any language issues. But if you stay longer and explore a bit out of the main tourist area, you probably will. But the people here are generally friendly and patient, and in one case, the restaurant owner actually went online and had the menu translated by Google into English and printed just for us!

Best Time to Visit the Spanish Pyrenees

It is hard to say what is the best season but we would probably personally say Fall (autumn) or Spring as temperatures are generally pleasant, it’s less crowded, it is a great time for hiking and cycling, and most of the attractions will be open.

Summer brings warmer temperatures, longer amounts of daylight, more festivals, and attractions will all be open. However, it also brings more crowds, higher lodging prices, and can be very hot.

However, those looking for snow holidays will want to visit in winter. Winter is best for those who enjoy skiing and winter sports as well as those who enjoy the holidays. It is also a pretty quiet time of the year (minus Christmas and festival events) and although the ski resorts can get busy, especially on the weekends, they are not nearly as crowded as many ski destinations in France and Switzerland.

Downsides to winter are that it is cold, mountain roads can get bad in the winter (have tire chains/cables with you), and many places can be closed or have more limited winter hours. Typically snow levels for skiing and snowboarding are best from mid-December through March in this region, but do check the snow and ski forecast ahead before you go.

Where to Stay in the Pyrenees?

You’ll find a variety of accommodation options in the Girona Pyrenees that range from hostels and rural farm stays to hotels and ski resorts. Most places offers a very good value in the Pyrenees and it is easy to find something to suit almost any travel budget.

In terms of where to stay within the area, we’d recommend choosing one base to explore the region rather than multiple hotels if most of the places you plan to visit are within a relatively short drive of each other. Then you can make day trips.

We recommend choosing the location based on what you plan to see and do. For example if you plan to go skiing, stay near the ski slopes and if you plan to mostly travel around La Garrotxa, I’d stay somewhere in that region. However, note that no two places are more than 2.5 hours drive apart in the Girona Pyrenees and most destinations are within a 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive of one another.

If you are planning to try to explore all over the Girona Pyrenees, then we’d recommend considering two bases, one in the west (in the La Cerdanya region) and one in the eastern part (in the Garrotxa region). Those who are skiing will likely want to stay close to the ski slopes to make the most of your ski time.

In La Garrotxa , the biggest city is Olot, and you can explore and compare the lodging options in this region . Some suggestions:

• La Rectoria de Sant Miquel  – Sant Felíu de Pallarols – A cozy B&B is set in a 12th century rectory offering several guest rooms, friendly service, and meals.
• Hotel Vall de Bas  – Joanetes – A large modern rural hotel in a restored farmhouse offers an outdoor swimming pool, breakfast buffet, restaurant, gardens, and terrace.
• Hotel Cal Sastre  – Santa Pau – A historical boutique hotel that offers period features, a resturant, and a location in the heart of medieval Santa Pau.
• Els Jardins de la Martana  – Besalú – A 3-star hotel offering well-rated rooms, a lounge, library, gardens, and a located next to the medieval bridge of Besalú.
• Les Cols Pavellons  – Olot – An upscale hotel offering glass rooms with heated onsen baths, futon mats, private dining options, and lots of little extras for a unique and romantic stay.

In El Ripollès , the biggest city is Ripoll, you can explore and compare the lodging options in this region . Here are some options:

• Hotel & Spa Resguard Dels Vents  – Ribes de Freser – A hotel offering modern rooms, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and swimming pools. Not far from Vall de Núria.
• La Trobada Hotel – Ripoll – A family-run hotel offering good-value simple rooms, buffet breakfast, and a restaurant. A 10 minute walk from the monastery.
• Sercotel Hotel La Collada – Toses – A 4-star hotel offering well-appointed rooms, a spa, pools, restaurants, and a bar within a short drive from the ski resorts of La Molina and Masella.
• Hotel Vall de Núria – Vall de Núria – A simple but comfortable mountain ski hotel next to the Vall de Núria ski resort, offering private rooms, restaurant, cafeteria, and bar. Great location but accessible by rack railway or hiking only.
• Hotelet de Sant Joan – Sant Joan de les Abadesses – A modern but simple hotel offering breakfast and a great location in the city center.

In Baixa Cerdanya , the largest town is Puigcerdà, and you can explore and compare the lodging options in this region . A few suggestions:

• Hotel Bernat de So –  Llívia  – A lovely boutique hotel with a restaurant and bar offering 21 rooms in a converted farmhouse.
• Hotel Del Prado  – Puigcerdà –  A large family-run hotel offering comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant serving regional cuisine. Located just outside of the Puigcerdà city center.
• Mas Sant Marc  – Puigcerdà – A rural B&B in a beautiful old farmhouse with bar, lounge, seasonal swimming pool, and activity facilities. Located outside of Puigcerdà.
• Hotel Solineu – La Molina – A 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a spa center, and free DVD rentals. Great location near the La Molina ski resort.

If you have questions about where to stay in the Pyrenees, feel free to ask us. We’ve stayed in the area many times and have stayed at the majority of the suggested hotels and B&B’s listed above.

Finding Further Tourism Information about the Spanish Pyrenees

It is best to search by area for information. Some information is difficult to find in English online as many websites are in Catalan and/or Spanish only but anything you can’t find online or by translating websites, you should be able to find out by visiting, calling, or emailing the local tourism boards.

In la Garrotxa , check out our guide to things to do in La Garrotxa , as well as the official Garrotxa tourism website . 

For information about Ripollès , take a look at our guide to what to do in el Ripollès , and the Ripollès area tourism  website ,

 For Cerdanya , check out our article covering the highlights of what to do in La Cerdanya as well as  the Cerdanya area website , as well as the city websites for Alp ,  Puigcerdà  and Llívia . 

To find out more information about these areas and the larger Girona province check out the very helpful  Costa Brava Girona tourism board website  to get started as it provides information on all of these  comarques and many more.

For those who plan to spend some time in Barcelona, check out the Barcelona Tourism website as well as our suggested 3-day Barcelona itinerary to get you started.

For those exploring other parts of Catalonia, check out the information-packed official Cataluyna tourism website . The  Spain tourism website is a great resource for those traveling further about in Spain

If you are looking for a map for driving or planning your time in the Pyrenees, you might try this one or  this one . For hiking resources, we can recommend this guide and the local Itinerànnia hiking maps (if you can’t find it online, you can buy them once in the region).

20 Things to Do in the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia

Now that you have an idea on how to get here, how to get around, and where exactly you are planning to go, we’ll tell you about all the things to do in the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia. These 20 things should help get you started in planning you own itinerary, whether you are heading to the area for a weekend ski trip, a 5-day hiking trip, or a 2-week family summer holiday.

If you have any questions about any of these, just ask us!

Escape from Barcelona and the Coast

Even if your vacation plans include Barcelona and Costa Brava, planning some time in this region is a great way to get off the well-beaten tourist path. We love Barcelona, Girona, and the Costa Brava area—great places for culture, food, coastal hikes, and beaches. However, these places are very popular international tourist destinations and can become very crowded, especially in the summer months.

The Spanish Pyrenees are a perfect place to escape and breathe and is great tourist destination in its own right, and is popular among Catalan, Spanish, and French travelers in particular.  Many of those who live in Barcelona and Girona come out to this area for a city break to ski, hike, cycle, attend local festivals, teach their kids about rural life, and stay in second homes.

In Barcelona, the tourism office is actually promoting that visitors leave the city to spend more time in the Pyrenees and countryside as the city center becomes overcrowded in the summer months, frustrating both tourists and locals. The tourist numbers have actually more then quadrupled from 1990 to 2013 , making it one of the most visited cities in Europe and busiest European cruise port (loads of cruise visitors flood the city in the daytime).

You certainly won’t find many cruise visitors in the Spanish Pyrenees area and it is easy to find peaceful spots.

Wander Through Medieval Cities

One of the things we love about Costa Brava, and Europe in general, is all the lovely medieval cities. In most of these towns, you can pick up self-guided maps to explore the historical sites and in some you can also book guided walks. Some historical sites in the region date all the way back to Roman times although most are medieval or later.

If you are interested in a guided walk in a particular town or region, I would call or email the local tourism office in advance to schedule it (and specify if you need it in a certain language such as English). Essentially almost any village, town, or city will have some medieval history in this region and you’ll likely to discover some more hidden spots if you look deep enough but I’ll try to note some of the highlights below.

The most popular medieval city of this entire area is probably pretty  Besalú in La Garrotxa which is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Catalonia. It is filled with historical buildings and structures such as its lovely medieval bridge over the Fluvià river, the Monastery of Sant Pere, Casa Cornellà, Sant Julià church and hospital, and old Jewish Quarter remains.

Each year Besalú celebrates its medieval past with a Medieval Festival, held in September. While this region in general is not hugely popular with international tourists, Besalú is an exception so expect crowds and tour buses here.

Elsewhere in La Garrotxa, you’ll want to be sure to stop in Santa Pau (follow the town’s recommended walking path noted on placards to see all the  wonderful medieval highlights) and Sant Joan les Fonts (medieval highlights are the old Benedictine monastery, medieval bridge, and Juvinyà castle), and with more time explore some of the smaller towns such as tiny El Mallol and precariously perched Castellfollit de Roca. 

In El Ripollès, medieval cities you’ll want to consider for your medieval itinerary are  Ripoll (highlight is the monumental  Santa Maria de Ripoll ), Beget (highlights are Sant Cristòfol church and bridge), Camprodon  (highlights include the monastery of Sant Pere de Camprodon and medieval bridge Pont Nou), and Sant Joan des les Abadesses (Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Abbey Palace).

In the Cerdanya region, you’ll want to be sure to stop at both  Puigcerdà (highlights are bell tower of Sant Maria, main square, old convent of Sant Dominic, and Pont de Sant Martí) and  Llívia  (highlights are the medieval pharmacy museum, Torre Bernat de So, church Església Nostra senyora dels Àngels, and castle ruins), although you’ll find medieval buildings (particularly Romanesque churches) in many of the small villages in this area including Les Pereres, Alp, and Mosoll. 

Go Hot Air Ballooning

If you haven’t ticked hot air ballooning off your bucket list (or have fallen in love with it on another trip as we had), the Spanish Pyrenees is a perfect place for it. Head to the la Garrotxa region and you can book a hot air balloon flight over the  La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park , a large nature park with about 40 inactive volcanoes.

We specifically did this flight with Vol de Coloms from Santa Pau.  Our morning started with a cup of coffee as we watched the balloons inflate, then we got aboard with wonderful views over the area accompanied by a glass or two of champagne, and then after the flight we were treated to a large buffet breakfast of local foods. On a clear day you can see the mountains and all the way to the Mediterranean Sea!

For a full review of our experience (and loads of photos), check out Laurence’s review of our hot balloon flight   here. 

Vol de Coloms also offers fully adapted flights which are accessible for those with reduced mobility and wheelchair users, as well as evening Segway rides in the summer months. If your trip is also taking you to Costa Brava, you can also do a hot air balloon trip along the coast for more wonderful bird-eye views. For more information check out Laurence’s post about his  coastal balloon ride .

Hit the Ski Slopes

The Spanish Pyrenees is a great place for skiing or snowboarding and is a popular place for those from Barcelona to come for a ski weekend during the winter. You’ll find ski resorts in both the La Cerdanya and the Ripollès areas of Girona. The skiing here is reasonably priced and most resorts cater to families and offer ski lessons, beginner slopes, and affordable ski packages.

The four main ski resorts in the Girona region of the Spanish Pyrenees are  La Molina  (the oldest ski resort in Spain),   Vallter 2000 ,  Vall de Núria , and   Masella .  Those interested in cross-country skiing will also want to check out  Guils   which has trails designed for cross-country or Nordic skiers.

If you are planning to ski at both La Molina and Masella, which are a short drive from each other, you’ll want to look at getting the Alp 2500 pass to save money. Laurence has skied at all four of the main ski resorts and you can check out his post that goes into detail about each of the ski resorts in the area  and provides tips for visitors in choosing a resort, getting around, and information on where to stay.

Most of the ski resorts in the area provide additional winter activities in addition to skiing, such as activity parks, snowshoeing, guided hiking, sledding, winter cycling, and snow tubing.

For those with disabilities or limited mobility, check out the   adapted skiing at La Molina w hich can accommodate people with a number of physical and mental health disabilities, including people who are wheelchair bound! The resort offers speciality equipment and adapted slopes, toilets, lifts, and lessons.

In the non-winter months, most of the resorts offer other activities (especially Vall de   Núria  and La Molina) such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, boating, adventure parks, and mountain climbing. In fact, Laurence’s first trip to Vall de Núria was in the summer for a hiking trip .

If you are visiting Vall de Núria (any time of year), you’ll need to get there by booking tickets on the Vall de Núria Rack Railway or by hiking as there are no cars allowed in the resort area.

If you plan to go skiing or snowboard, check out our ski trip packing list for some tips on what to pack for your trip.

Have Fun in the Snow (Non-Skiing Activities)

If you are coming to the Spanish Pyrenees region in winter, you’ll want to partake in some of the fun winter activities. Obviously skiing is a highlight, but even if you are not a skier there are many other fun winter activities available such as snowshoeing, snow tubing, sledding, dog sledding, snowboarding, winter trekking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

You can even do a winter Segway trip at  La Molina  or a winter cycling trip with fat-tired bikes at Guils !

For the less active, there is also sipping hot drinks in front of a fire, spa experiences, shopping, and building snowmen. For more winter activity ideas, check out our post on non-skiing winter activities .

Visit Museums and Cultural Attractions

The region doesn’t have the famous art galleries and museums of Barcelona and Girona, the Gaudí architecture of Barcelona , or the Salvador Dalí spots in Costa Brava ; however, the region is dotted with museums, historical churches and monasteries, medieval buildings, Roman ruins, Romanesque bridges, visitor centers with exhibits, ruined castles, and other cultural attractions. 

There are a lot of specific museums and attractions I could list, but here are some of our recommendations for places you can visit (we’ve visited all of these) divided by the three regions.

In la Garrotxa:   Monastery of Sant Pere  (Benedictine monastery founded in 10th century)   in Besalú , Jewish mikvah and synagogue in Besalú,   Museum of Saints (very interesting museum and workshop) in Olot, Garrotxa Museu de la Garrotxa  (history and art museum with many Art Nouveau works) in Olot, the  Volcano Museum  (for those wanting to learn more about the volcanoes of la Garrotxa) in Olot, and the Monastery of Sant Joan les Fonts and Juvinyà castle (fortified manor house and oldest Romanesque civil building in Catalonia) in Sant Joan les Fonts.

In el Ripollès:  Santa Maria de Ripoll  (large and significant monastery and museum) in Ripoll,  Museu Etnogràfic de Ripoll  (museum about the people and culture of the region) in Ripoll, and  Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses  (also museum and Abbey Palace).

In la Cerdanya:  Museu Cerdà  (former convent that is now a local history and art museum) in Puigcerdà,  Museu Espai Ceretània  (ancient archeological site and museum), and the Municipal Museum of Llívia – Esteva Pharmacy Museum  (small but interesting museum about the city and one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies).

There is more than just museums to see and depending on your interests, you are sure to find some cultural attraction of interest to you. For literary lovers, you may want to check out the signed  Carlos Ruiz Zafón  route in Puigcerdà that traces places mentioned in his novel  The Angels’s Game as well as the Alta Garrotxa area (consider the hike from Montagut to Sant Aniol d’Aguja) where much of Marià Vayreda ‘s La Punyalada (considered one of the finest pieces of Catalan literature)  takes place.

For Romanesque architecture lovers, there are dozens of Romanesque churches, bridges, and buildings scattered throughout the area. For Catalan modernism (Modernisme in Catalan) and Art Nouveau lovers, you’ll find several examples in the larger towns such as Olot and Ripoll. 

Even in ski resort areas, you can discover some cultural treasures such as the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria in the Vall de Nuria which consists of a small 17th century mountain church and a much larger parochial church (built in 1911). The site is an important place of pilgrimage and worship (Sant Gil is said to have lived here in the 8th century; relics on display include a Romanesque carving from the 12th or 13th century) and it is believed to be an especially important pilgrimage site for shepherds and for those seeking fertility. 

Choose Cozy Lodging Options

As you drive away from the big cities and coast, the Spanish Pyrenees area of Catalonia is a great place to leave behind the chain hotels. Well, in fact, you’ll have a hard time finding many chain hotels in Garrotxa, Ripollès, or Baixa Cerdanya. Here you find boutique hotels, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, hostels, ski resorts, mountain inns, and farm stays.

Or consider renting a cottage or booking an apartment so that you can prepare you own meals and have some solitude. We highly recommend trying some of the charming B&Bs in the area as chatting with local hosts is a great way to learn more about an area.

Count the Romanesque Churches

If you love picturesque old stone churches, the Spanish Pyrenees is the perfect place for you. They are everywhere! You’ll find a lot of medieval churches (5th to 15th century) all over Catalonia. In the Spanish Pyrenees, there are a particularly high number of Romanesque churches (10th to 13th century) as well as a few Gothic churches (12th to 16th century).

Here is a good article to help you better understand the history and context of Romanesque architecture in Spain , and you might consider getting this guide on Romanesque churches in Spain to help with your exploration of the area and give you background on each church since English language is limited at many sites. Many of the churches in this particular area were damaged or destroyed in the area in the 15th century from a series of large earthquakes but many survived or were rebuilt.

We sort of stumbled upon many of these churches as they are scattered throughout the region and we discovered that many of the current towns were built around them. One thing I enjoyed about visiting these churches is that many are located in such peaceful settings.

For a grand example, plan a visit to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll which is one of the largest and most important of the Romanesque basilicas in Catalonia.   You can visit the Benedictine monastery which includes a basilica, cloister, and museum with a self-guided audiovisual tour, and you can also attend one of the regular religious services here. However, most Romanesque churches in the region are much smaller and more humble.

If you are looking for a concentrated area of churches, perhaps the best place to head is to the  La Vall de Bianya  area of La Garrotxa. Here you can follow a route to visit 15 Romanesque churches and hermitages. The route is designed to be done by car or bike with some approaches needed to be done by foot and the whole route is designed to be done over 3 days. For those who want just a sampling, you can also just choose to visit a couple of the churches along the route.

If you are interested in following the Vall de Bianya church route, you can stop at the Vall de Bianya Landscape Interpretation Center in Sant Salvador de Bianya (Sant Salvador de Bianya 17813; phone: 872.00.50.08 or 972.29.09.33 ) for route information for the churches as well as information on the Roman Road and local guided visits. You can also arrange a guided visit to the 12th century Church of Sant Salvador de Bianya at the info center.

If you are interested in seeing interior frescoes, we’d recommend Sant Víctor de Dòrria (el Ripolles) and/or Església de Sant Climent de Talltorta (Baixa Cerdanya). Sant Víctor de Dòrria has original 12th century frescoes and Església de Sant Climent has been heavily restored to look similar to what it would have done in the past. For Sant Víctor, you can arrange a guided visit through the tourism office in Ribes de Freser and for Sant Climent you can arrange a visit via the Museu Espai Ceretània.

Note that most of these churches are consecrated and active churches (although many only are used for special occasions or offer infrequent services) and some are on private property, so do be respectful.

You’ll likely find that most churches are going to be closed and locked, but if you are interested in visiting the interior of one, ask at the local tourism office or see if there if there is a phone number listed on the outside of the church to contact the local person in charge of the keys.

Eat Lots of Tasty Catalan Food

Trying new dishes is one of the many reasons that a lot of people travel. In this region you’ll find all the popular Catalan dishes, but also special local foods and dishes that are unique to the area. Catalan favorites like pa amb tomàquet (bread and tomato with olive oil), Catalan sausages ( butifarra ), hearty meat dishes, mar i muntanya (meat and seafood combo dishes),  seafood dishes, Crema catalana , Catalan wines, and ratafia (a local herbal liquor) are all popular here. 

Catalonia boasts some of the best restaurants in the world, and even far from the bigger cities you can eat at Michelin starred local restaurants such as Les Cols, La Fonda Xesc, and Ca l’Enric or explore more humble eateries or off-the-beaten path restaurants. Many bed-and-breakfasts and inns offer the option for dinner which is another great way to try the local cooking. If you are staying in accommodation with a kitchen, you can also shop at farmer’s markets or local supermarkets and make your own dishes. 

La Garrotxa is known for its buckwheat ( fajol ), onions, haricot beans, beans, yogurt, potatoes, chestnuts, pork, wild mushrooms and truffles, and farro. Some common dishes include amanida de peuada (pig’s trotter salad), Olot potatoes (deep-fried potatoes stuffed with meat),  farinetes (fried buckwheat porridge, sometimes flavored with ratafia), coca de llardons (sweet bread-cake with pork scratchings), and  tortell d’anis (a circular anise-flavoured sponge-cake). T he fesols (white haricot beans) from Santa Pau are probably the most famous foods of this region and are common in many dishes in the area, often combined with sausage. 

T he El Ripollès, a more mountainous region, focuses more on local hearty food and products grown or raised in or near the mountains. Here you’ll want to try local mushrooms, pork sausages, cheese, game, beef, trout, and lamb. Lamb is one of the products the region is most known for. 

The Cerdanya region is known for its meats, sausages, game, cow and sheep cheeses, fruit (particularly pears, cherries, quinces, cranberries, berries, and apples), mushrooms, medicinal plants, yogurt, cottage cheese, honey, jams, and candies. Traditional dishes include trinxat (cabbage, sausage, and potato dish), Conill amb cremalloles (rabbit with mushrooms), tiró amb naps (duck and turnip dish), and fetge amb agredolç (pork liver dish). If you are shopping, you might want to look out for turnips from Talltendre, pears from Puigcerdà, and potatoes from Das .

Attend Local Festivals & Fairs

Spanish people and those in Catalonia in particular seem to love holidays, festivals, and parades. There are loads of saints days, parades, fairs, and other celebrations throughout the year.

Unique features of some Catalan festivals are correfoc (group of people, often dressed like devils, running or dancing with fire or fireworks), castelleres (human towers that can be up to 10 people high),  gegants or giants (people wearing massive papier-mâché heads and costumes), and  capgrossos s (people wearing massive papier-mâché heads and costumes).

No matter where you are in Catalonia, you’ll not need to look hard to find local celebrations of the Parade of the Kings in January, the feast of Sant Jordi (patron saint of Catalonia) in April, Easter, the Feast of Sant Juan in June (summer solstice), local village festivals in August, and Christmas in December. 

September 11th is the National Day of Catalonia and is a more sober and political holiday that commemorates the fall of Barcelona and loss of liberties for Catalonia in 1714. If you are not familiar with the past and current movements for Catalan Independence , this is something to read up on before your trip as it is deeply embedded in the culture here. 

Before your trip or once you arrive, check online (here is a paritial list of some of the larger events that can be searched by region), check local printed tourism guides (we found these super useful in this area), or stop at an information center and ask what is happening in the area when you visit. 

There are loads of events and activities every month of the year, celebrating everything from medieval history to saints to sheep to white beans to witchcraft! One of the larger festivals is the 5-day  Festes del Tura in Olot which is a festival that includes a parade of the giants (gegants), concerts, and fireworks. In some of the mountain towns you’ll find transhumance festivals (Festa de la Transhumància) in the summer which is where livestock is lead to the high mountains for the summer months. The  Cerdanya International Film Festival is one of the most important film events in the area.

Don’t forget the weekly farmers’ markets which take place in most towns and cities throughout the area, and the Christmas markets in December

Take Scenic Drives

This area is made for scenic drives, perhaps interrupted by picnics, hikes, or visits to little villages or off-the-beaten path Romanesque churches. Whether you are looking for mountains, volcanic landscapes, or rural countryside, you’ll sure to find some appealing drives.

One of our favorites was the drive from Castellfollit de la Roca to Beget via Oix along the GIV 5221. We also really enjoyed driving through the countryside and I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful Pyrenees horses.

Just be careful on the secondary roads and mountain roads in winter as they can become too icy to drive safely. We deeply regretted not checking to see if our rental car had winter tire cables before we set out (it didn’t) as we got stuck in a winter snowstorm one evening and had a bit of a scary drive back to our hotel. 

Explore Volcanoes

If you love volcanoes or are a geology lover, you’ll want to be sure to spend some time in the volcanic region of La Garrotxa. La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park  is one of the best examples of a volcanic landscape in Europe, containing over 20 lava flows and 40 inactive volcanoes. The park is huge and a good place to start is to head to make a stop at one of the La Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park information centers  to gather information and learn more about the park.

Here is a list of 12 highlighted towns and sites within the park and here is a list of walking itineraries within the park. There are a number of hiking, long distance footpaths, and cycle paths that run through parts of this park if you want to experience the park while getting some exercise.

Some of the recommended places to stop are El Parc Nou, Montsacopa Natural Reserve, The Museu dels Volcans (Volcano Museum), Sant Joan les Fonts, and Volcà del Croscat Natural Reserve. We can also recommend doing a hot air balloon ride in La Garrotxa  for a real bird’s eye view of the park.

The Catalan Pyrenees are a great place for hiking and it is a popular activity for locals and visitors, with lots of well-signposted trails throughout the region. Whether you want an easy scenic stroll or a week-long hiking adventure, you’re sure to be able to find it in the area.

In Garrotxa, I’d suggest La Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park and the Alta Garrotxa area. The La Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park is a great place for hiking and walking with a number of trails and paths, and here is a list of walking itineraries within the park. Alta Garrotxa Area of Natural Interest  has a number of hiking paths which can be started in either Montagut or Saderness and hikers can follow trails up to Sant Aniol d’Aguja with trail highlights including the Church of Santa Cecilia, Pont d’en Valentí (medieval stone bridge), gorges, sheer cliffs at Salt de la Núvia, and small caves such as Cova del Bisbe. This is also a popular place for climbers.

In Ripollès, consider doing some mountain hiking and take the rack railway up to  Vall de Núria  for some hiking which offers a range of easy round trip hikes to difficult peak hikes that require staying overnight in mountain refuges. Or consider one of the many trails in the Vall de Camprodon (Camprodon Valley) such as the  La Ruta de les Cabanyes de Pastor  which follows a trail of stone shepards’ huts beginning in Villalonga de Ter,  the smugglers’ trail in Beget ( Route 17 Ripollès ), or an easy shady hike from Camprodon to Cavallera tower ( Route 8 Ripollès ).

In the La Cerdanya region, you’ll find a number of signposted trails of varying difficulty levels, including thematic routes such as paths that go through the region’s historical villages and the Camí dels Bons Homes (Way of the Good Men). Many start or go through Puigcerdà which is a good place to get local hiking information for the area.

There are a number of long-distance hiking paths that run through this part of Spain, including Gran Recorrido trails (all marked with red and white signage and symbols). I would take a look at GR 1 , GR2 , GR 3 , GR4 , and GR11 , and if you are planning to hike any of these for a longer distance, I’d get some good hiking maps and consider investing in a guidebook (although note many are only in French or Spanish).

The most popular long distance path (and touristed) in Spain is  Camino de Santiago which terminates in Santiago de Compostela. While the main and most popular routes do not go through this area, pilgrims coming from Barcelona and the coast of western Spain would have used paths such as  Camí Sant Jaume Way (Saint James Way) in Catalonia to link to the main pilgrimage path. One can start of the path in a number of places such as Barcelona, Port de la Selva, or Olot.

In terms of resources, I’d check out local tourism board resources (online and in person) and I’d also recommend the  Itinerannia website (easy to search by region for Ripollès and Garrotxa, length, and level of difficulty), La Garrotxa tourism hiking suggestions ,  Traildino website  (useful basic info and links to external sources for each trail), and the  Federació d’Entitats Excursionistes de Catalunya  (hiking association of Catalonia).

If you are looking for information about hikes in the entire Pyrenees region (including France and Andorra), check out this Pyrenees hiking guide .

Cycling and mountain biking are very popular activities in this area, and you’ll find signposted cycling routes throughout the region. Professional cycling is also a popular sport here and in the summer and the autumn, the Pyrenees are often featured in two of cycling’s grand tours, the Tour de France  in July and the Vuelta a España held in September. 

Although most popular in the summer, biking in the summer can be a hot sweaty affair as temperatures rise so we’ve been advised by locals that the Spring or Autumn are more ideal times if you are thinking of planning a cycling trip in this area.

You’ll find cycling trails throughout the region. One of the main cycling routes in the Girona Pyrenees is the Vías Verde (Greenways)  Carrilet Olot-Girona Narrow Railway Route . It is a 54km (33.5 mile) cycling and hiking route that follows the route of a disused railway line that once connected Girona and Olot.

If you are not traveling with your own bike you can easily rent one (including electronic bikes and mountain bikes) in several cities in the region, including Olot, Les Preses, Ripoll, and Puigcerdà (call ahead as some close on the off-season), or pick one up in the bigger cities of Barcelona or Girona on your way to the area.

Many of the companies that rent bikes also lead guided bike tours, provide transfers, organize biking itineraries, and rent camping gear designed for cyclists. You can also check out this list of self-guided and guiding multi-day cycling trips in the Pyrenees. 

Some online resources to check out: information for cycle routes in la Garrotxa, Catalonia cycling routes , more Catalonia cycle routes , and cycling info for the Girona region .

Be a Kid at the Adventure & Animal Parks

The Spanish love adventure parks and we’ve been to a couple of them in Costa Brava, and they are really well done. In the Spanish Pyrenees you’ll want to head to  La Molina Parc Aventura . They offer three adventure courses (each a different level of difficulty) that are appropriate for children and adults, and include rope crossings, climbing, and ziplining.

The company also offers paintball, zip lining, climbing, and snowshoeing activities depending on the season. We did both the adventure park as well as snowshoeing here and had a wonderful time and the guide was fantastic.

If you are more interested in animals,  Molló Parc , El Parc d’Animals dels Pirineus, has both a small adventure park and a number of animals which range from farm animals to native wild animals. If you have kids who want to spend some time with donkeys, you may want to book a visit to see the donkeys and other farm animals at  Rucs i Aventures .

Take Time to Appreciate Nature and Rural Life

This area of Catalonia is a great place to appreciate the local floral and fauna and the slow rhythm of rural and small town living. Great ways to do this is to take a nature walk, go on a hike, or cycle to explore this area actively. You can also visit farmer’s markets to buy local agricultural products, seek out restaurants that source local ingredients, visit a farm, take a cooking class, or stay in a rural cottage or farmhouse.

There are also a host of festivals throughout the year, many focusing on rural traditions, farming, and local agricultural products.

Make a Detour into France

If you are looking to add a dash of that French  je ne sais quoi  to your trip to Catalonia, head to Cerdanya. Part of this region is in Spanish Catalonia and part is in France.

Not only is part of the area in France, the city of  Llívia  is actually a Spanish exclave, completely surrounded by French territory so you have to drive through France to reach it. In 1659, under the Treaty of the Pyrenees , Spain lost a lot of territory to France, but Llívia was not ceded as it was considered a town rather than a village and because of its status as the ancient capital of Cerdanya. 

Llívia is a great town to explore with its Roman ruins and medieval pharmacy museum. The drive to Llívia takes you past some lovely French countryside and villages, and in this area you’ll find tapas and crêpes coinciding together with many people speaking Spanish, Catalan, and French.

We spent the night at the lovely Bernat de So to explore Llívia and also did a day trip to a French thermal spa, taking in some lovely French Pyrenees views along the way.

For those with some more time who want to take in the Pyrenees scenery, I’d recommend a scenic tourist train ride aboard the  Ligne de Cerdagne or Train Jaune, better know in English as the little Yellow Train.  Cerdanya not only borders France, but it also borders Andorra, and if you are staying in the area you can easily make trips to both France and Andorra.

Delve into History

When I travel, I love to learn about an area and its history, whether it is a very narrow local history of a particular place or town or a broader cultural history of a region. If you enjoy history, this is a great part of the world to spend some time delving into learning some local history whether you learn it in the museums, from guidebooks, talking to the locals, or from reading signs.

Perhaps pick a topic you want to focus on such as learning about the life of a local Catalan artist, learning about the origins of a local festival, learning about the local history of a town, understanding the importance of a crop, uncovering the origins of a ruined castle, bridge, or Romanesque church, learning about the former life of an almost forgotten Roman road or cattle trail, or learning about the Moderisme art movement in this area. Find a statue in a town and uncover what it is about, when it was placed there, and why.

Want to learn about a peasant uprising in La Garrotxa from the 15th century (part of the Revolt of the Remences ), understand the Jewish history of Besalú (guided tours available), walk the remains of a 2,000 year old Roman road ( Capsacosta Roman Road ), or know the story of one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe ( Esteve Pharmacy )? All these are possible and more if you search out the information.

Pamper Yourself and Relax

If you are looking for a break and a bit of pampering, consider adding some swimming, spa treatments, saunas, hot springs, or shopping into your holiday. This area of Catalonia is not necessarily a huge spa destination, but you find spas in several hotels, especially those located in or near the area’s ski resorts.

Some places that offers spas or spa-like services include:  Sercotel Hotel & Spa La Collada , Hotel & Spa Resguard dels Vents ,  Hotel Solineu , Masia el Puig  (Adults Only), and  Hotel Grèvol .

For those who like to swim but aren’t staying in a hotel with a pool, there are municipal swimming pools in many towns in the area, and in the summer you can find outdoor natural bathing pools in some areas that permit swimming.

Another great feature is to look for in-house restaurants at hotels or B&B’s that makes life easier on nights when you want to stay in rather than head out in search of dinner. We had a lovely home cooked dinner our very first night in the area at our cozy B&B   La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda . 

For shoppers, you’ll find more choices in the larger cities and towns such as Olot (by far the largest city in the area and the best for shopping – the local city website can help you find local shops, restaurants serving local dishes, and locally made products), Ripoll, Llívia, and Puigcerdà.

Explore Romanesque Bridges

In addition to the Romanesque churches and abbeys, there are a lot of surviving stone bridges dating back to the medieval period. You’ll find a number of Romanesque bridges, most have been rebuilt or repaired over the centuries, along the rivers and streams around the Spanish Pyrenees. In exploring the region we stumbled across a number of these bridges rather than searching for them specifically.

For those who are really interested, I’d stop in local tourist information centers for information on bridge locations. Some are quite hidden behind vegetation or are on old bridle paths and trails off the road as very few are still in use. 

Some of the bridges we saw were the medieval Besalú bridge, the beautiful Pont de Llierca located between Montagut and Saderness over the Llierca river, Pont d’en Valentí  near Saderness, the Roman Bridge (a.ka. Pont d’Oix) in Oix, the 14th century Pont del Bolacell located on a bridle path near Beget, the medieval bridge in Beget, the medieval bridge in Sant Joan les Font, and the Pont de Sant Marti in Puigcerdà which is the best preserved medieval bridge in la Cerdanya.

So there you have it, our guide to the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia!

What would you enjoy doing in the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia? Have you visited the Spanish Pyrenees? If so, we’d love to hear about any experiences or tips you may have! Have a questions about visiting the Spanish Pyrenees? As always, we welcome your questions and comments. Just leave it in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to answer it as best as we can!

Disclosure: The majority of our lodging, attraction entrances, and transportation in the Spanish Pyrenees was provided by the Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona  in order to experience and write about this region. However, we specifically chose most of the places we visited during our time in the Spanish Pyrenees. As always, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. You can read more in our  Ethics Code  about how we accept work.

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Kathy Kelly Post author

April 14, 2024 at 10:16 am

Hello, Jessica! Thank you for your informative site! My husband and I will be visiting Spain this May, staying 3 nights in Bonansa before heading over to Roses on the coast. We’re older but relatively fit and wonder if you would recommend a couple of areas nearby for light hiking or sightseeing? We have a car. Thank you! -Kathy

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

April 14, 2024 at 11:31 am

I haven’t been to Bonansa (which is in the Aragon region but just next door to Catalonia) but the website Alltrails should be helpful as you can look at hiking trails in Bonansa and the region of Huesca: https://www.alltrails.com/spain/huesca . You can then sort by length, difficulty, etc. I do think you have to sign up for free to the website though to get trail details. We haven’t been to Aragon so I can’t help directly with trails from there but I am sure your hotel will have lots of suggestions for local walks.

But not too far away in Catalonia (less than a 1 hour drive from Bonansa), I can personally recommend checking out the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park – it is actually the only national park located in Catalonia. It has mountains, lakes, alpine meadows, and lots of hiking paths. In winter, there is skiing in this area. The two main entrances to the National Park are in Boí and Espot and I’d recommend stopping at one of the info centers here to get info before visiting (they can tell you which trails are closed/open and which might be best).

In the Boí Valley ( Vall de Boí ), which is even a bit closer, you have the UNESCO Romanesque churches you can visit, many of which are located in small villages and lovely rural settings. A good place to start that journey is at the Romanesque Center (Centre del Romànic de la Vall de Boí) in Erill la Vall. There you can get a lot of information about the churches and how to visit each one and buy tickets. There is also a lot of possible hikes in this area as well around Boi and Taull.

In the city of Lleida, we have visited the La Seu Vella, a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral in a ruined hilltop fortress (hard to miss as it towers over the city). Probably not worth the drive to just visit it but worth a stop if you are driving via Lleida on your way to Roses. There are also other cathedrals, a Templar castle, and some other historic attractions and museums here in the city.

In Roses, in addition to the town itself (we did a boat cruise here and had some great seafood) and some of the other nearby lovely coastal towns and beaches there, I’d recommend a visit to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and hikes within the Cap de Creus Natural Park. There are a number of hiking routes you can take within that park of varying lengths and fitness levels. We did the hike around the lighthouse and the Tudela trail when we visited. Some of the rock formations there were inspirations for Salvador Dali (lots of Salvador Dali sights in Catalonia ). I think there are information points for the park at both the monastery and lighthouse where you can get a route map and ask questions. The Roses tourism office should also be able to help.

Also there is a section of the popular 135-mile coastal hiking trail – Cami de Ronda (Camino de Ronda) – that runs there throught Roses and up to Cadaqués – so you could also choose a part of that trail to walk as well if you like coastal hikes.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions!

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Spain! Jessica

Kathy Post author

April 14, 2024 at 12:11 pm

This is SO helpful, Jessica. Thank you very much! Just what I was looking for! Just a couple more questions: Is the route from Bonansa via Lleida (n230?) as scenic as the alternate route that’s further north (n260)? And would you recommend Lleida as a good spot to stay overnight? I’m also so happy you have a Girona piece on your site, as we want to explore that area, too. We’ll be in Roses for two weeks so lots of time to look around! I signed up for the newsletter 🙂 Thanks again! ~Kathy

April 16, 2024 at 8:51 am

The N-260 is probably more scenic, especially if you like hills/mountain scenery. So I would probably head that way if you have the time – it takes longer with slower roads but more to see along the way than taking the most direct and fastest route. Lots of places you can stop along that route. It will take you thourgh parts of la Garrotxa, el Ripollès, and la Cerdanya (the Girona Pyrenees area). So lots you could do in those areas. In addition to this blog post, we have articles across our two blogs on all those areas I think. It just really depends on what you like to do and see most.

Along the Costa Brava, so much you can do as well once you get to Roses. Girona (the town) is definitely worth a full day as lots to do there – yes we have a full post on the highlights and things to do in Girona . Its a lovely town but it does get crowded as lots of tours stop there so just be prepared for that.

We’ve been to most of the towns and main attractions within the province of Girona – both within the Pyrenees and along the Costa Brava. So if you have further questions as you plan your trip, check out our blogs and if you have further questions, just leave us a new comment!

Best, Jessica

Karyn Post author

June 28, 2023 at 4:59 pm

Awesome Post! Very appreciated! My boyfriend and I are headed to Barcelona for 6 days at the end of April. I was thinking of doing a couple days away from the city and was looking at the Girona province area. It’s a quick trip in general, so was wondering if you had any thoughts on where to head to get away from the city for a couple days? (We won’t be driving, just using transit). Hopeful to get more near the mountain areas. Thanks!

June 29, 2023 at 8:17 am

Glad you are finding our Girona post helpful and happy to try to help and provide some suggestions.

So if you have 2 full days and nights, you might consider taking the train to Girona, exploring the medieval city as there is plenty to keep you busy here for at least several hours or a full day. You can see our guide to things to do in Girona . Then from Girona you can take a bus (Teisa is main local bus company) from Girona onto Ribes de Freser, this journey takes about 2 hour. From Ribes de Freser, you can take the mountain rack railway up to visit Vall de Nuria . A great place to stay for a day or two for hiking and nice mountain/valley scenery. This would give you a combo of a medieval small city and then a mountain valley.

But if you just want the nature and mountain scenery (skipping Girona), you can get from Barcelona to Ribes de Freser directly by train (either going or coming back) check out the schedule for the regional suburban trains from Barcelona. I think the R3 one stops in Ribes de Freser and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. You can check out those trains and current schedules here .

You can also visit the Vall de Nuria as part of a day tour, such as this one , which includes your transport to and from Barcelon and your rack railway ticket.

Just note that in April, you are sort of between the main winter and summer seasons for the mountain areas. So there will likely still be some snow but not necessarily enough for skiing but it may impede some hiking trails and such. So just something to keep in mind when thinking about outdoor activities in any of the main mountain spots. But you can stay about most of these areas year-round.

By train, places like Ripoll, Olot, Alp, and Puigcerdà are also options. Buses can get you to some more places. But if you just have 2 days, then I would probably focus on just one or two places. If there is a place in particular that looks ideal to you, feel free to ask about it!

Anyway hope that helps!

Mamta Post author

December 28, 2022 at 11:09 pm

Hi Jessica. Thanks for this detailed write up. We are arriving in Spain for 10 days in early March. We were earlier planning to club a few days in Switzerland with Spain as we are landing in Munich and flying out of Barcelona. However, my son suggested that we can get a similar experience in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada and we should just restrict our holiday to Spain. Besides this, we are also looking at covering Basque, Valencia, Barcelona and if time permits then even the North western part of Spain. We are not Skiers but love the lake, snow and mountain landscape. Will you be able to suggest which place should we cover in 2 days in the Pyrenees? Thanks a lot

December 30, 2022 at 1:53 am

Yes, I think that your son’s suggestion is a pretty good one. With just 10 days, having 3 of those in Switzerland would not have left you much time for visiting those areas of Spain.

Now, the Pyrenees in Spain are not exactly the same as the Swiss Alps, but there is still plenty of beautiful mountain landscape scenery and lakes to be had, as well as nice walks and hikes.

I think it depends on your route as you have only 2 days to spend and only 10 days total, so it may make sense to plan your general route and then see what stops make the most sense as I wouldn’t recommend driving too far off your route to visit a specific mountain area as there are several options. It also matters how you plan to get around the region as some areas require a car and others can be reached by train or bus.

But one suggestion is to head to the Vall de Boi area and the Aigüestortes i Estany de Saint Maurici National Park which is a wonderful place for hiking (especially in the warmer months) with lovely lakes and mountain scenery. The Vall de Boi is a popular ski destination in the winter and contains several UNESCO-designated early Romanesque churches. It is about a 4 hour or so drive from Barcelona.

Further west from that park is the Pyrénées National Park (Parc national des Pyrénées) which offers great mountain scenery as well but this is just across the Spanish border and is located in France.

Another suggestion within Catalonia, would be to spend a couple nights up at the Vall de Nuria , which should still be covered in snow in early March. A lovely place to relax and do walks and they have some non-ski activities you can do like guided hikes and snowshoeing. Or really you could stay anywhere in or near Alp or Puigcerdà to be within easy reach of both mountains and lakes.

I can’t comment on the Sierra Nevada mountain area as I have not explored that area, but one suggestion would be to head to the Sierra Nevada National Park. But it is Andalucia…so may be in the wrong direction for your trip if your focus is on Catalonia, Valencia, and Basque areas.

Hope that helps give you some ideas! Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Spain.

January 2, 2023 at 1:32 am

Thanks a lot Jessica for the detailed suggestion. So, we are planning to drive from Barcelona to the Pyrenees on the 6th March. Can you help us to decide on one place to choose where we can get a good combination of nice snow and some non skiing activities like snow mobiling or toboggan etc, along with good sightseeing around. My son says that Baqueira is a very famous spot in the Pyrenees but since we are non skiers, would you recommend something else? We want to drive to San Sebastián from the Pyrenees area so don’t want to venture too far in the east. Also, is it safe to drive up to the Pyrenees from Barcelona and should we keep some time out for sightseeing en route. Thanks!

January 2, 2023 at 2:59 am

I would just recommend investigating the individual places you have now on your list as the Pyrenees extend across northern Spain and into France. They cover a fairly large area so there are many ski resports and places you could stop with mountain scncery. Since you are not skiing, I would just focus on the activities that are currently on offer that would be of interest to you. What do you think of the placs you have looked at?

So the resort your son mention is also a possibility. Baqueira is the largest and one of the most popular places to ski in Spain. It is about 4 hours drive from Barcelona. So it just depends what you are looking for. I would focus most of just the activites you want to do and see what is available at the places you are considering.

Any of the Pyrenees village or resort stops will mean a detour from the most direct route between Barcelona and San Sebastián, so you will just make sure you plan the time or that extra time driving.

There is a lot to do/see in that area (we’ve spent weeks just in the province of Girona), but since you have fairly limited time and want to see a lot in 10 days, I would probably focus on 4-5 main stops for your trip. I am not sure you’d have too much time to stop for sightseeing along the way. Otherwise you may feel pretty rushed. But it of course just depends on what you want to prioritize.

In terms of driving, it just depends. Snowfall and winter weather conditions are obviously still likely in March, especially in the Pyrenees area. It is a good idea if heading into the mountains to have winter tires on your car and a set of snow chains in case they are needed. We have had to drive after a snow storm once in the area in January and snow chains were required (we did not have 4WD) to get back to our hotel as the roads became very slippy. That said, the roads were cleared pretty quickly after the snow stopped falling so some people just pulled off the road and waited a few hours.

Hope that helps!

Judy Kliewer Post author

October 26, 2022 at 10:10 pm

Wonderful information!! My husband and I jumped on ridiculous air fares by Delta to Barcelona in January. We’ll be in the area 12 days. We plan to stay in Barcelona 4 nights and the other 8 days exploring the East and central Spanish Pyrenees. I know it’s January but we’ve visited many places in winter and find it a magical time. We love small scenic villages and surrounding places of interest. We’re having a hard time putting an itinerary together. We have to be back in Barcelona on the 28th of January to catch our flight home on the 29th. Can you help us plan an itinerary with places to stay? Thank you so much!

Judy Kliewer

October 31, 2022 at 9:42 am

Happy to try to help and provide some itinerary advice for your upcoming trip to Barcelona and the Spanish Pyrenees. If you can provide some more information about your trip and what you like to do, happy to give some advice.

So it sounds like you will have a total of 8 days/nights. Are you planning to rent a car or travel by train/public transit?

What places are you thinking you would like to include from the research you have done so far? What kinds of activities/things do you enjoy doing? What kind of places do you like to stay? Do you want to stop and stay several nights in each place or just a couple nights in each stop?

LB Hall Post author

June 27, 2022 at 1:34 pm

I really enjoyed your write-up. We are traveling from Madrid to Barcelona in late September via car. We’ve already booked 2 nights in Zaragosa. We’ll then have 4 nights and 5 days to get to Barcelona. I had planed to spend most of the time in the Aragon part of the Pyrenees but your write-up makes me want to spend more time on the Catalan side. Do you have suggestions? We like history, Romans and mountain scenery. We’re not big on crowds and my husband will probably be tired of driving by the third day.

Thanks so much.

June 28, 2022 at 10:12 am

Sounds like a great trip. Unfortunately, you route doesn’t really make that much sense for much of the Pyrenees unless you wanted to detour more north west which will add more driving to your route.

But a suggestion would be to make stop in Lleida (lots of historical buildings in the city, inclyding a hillop fortress and cathedral you can visit) and then head up north to visit Aigüestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park for mountain scenery, hiking, lakes etc. The national park is a great place to experience the Pyrenees and hiking (skiing in winter). It is a huge park so easy to get away from others. If you want to spend time outside doing outdoor activites and want mountain scenery, that would be my pick. There are also historical early Romanesque churches up there around the Vall de Boí that are UNESCO designated and great if you like old churches (you can buy a pass to visit as many as you want). I beleive we stayed in the village of Boí when we visited.

But for less driving and more on your route, you might consider spending some time along the coast on way to Barcelona. The only issue is that there will be more people and crowds. You could still stop in Lleida on the route. Our main suggestion based on your interests would be Tarragona, which is the former Roman city of Tarraco and has lots of Roman architecture in and around the city as well as several museums. We really enjoyed Tarragona and I think you would too if you enjoy Roman history. Reus (birthplace of Gaudi) and Sitges are also good potential historical stops in that area. A visit to Montserrat has both mountains and history as you can visit the monastery here, you can see our tips for visiting Montserrat . Therea are also a lot of hikes you can do in the surrounding park area within the mountains area (Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat). Montserrat is only about an hour or so drive from Barcelona.

Hope that helps give you some ideas. Happy to help if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Spain!

ilan dei Post author

June 3, 2022 at 4:16 pm

Hi Thank you for sharing your knowledge reading your post made it so easy to want to visit this area We looking to stay at farmstay in the area of Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa Do you have recommendation how to find any active farm that accommodating guests? We are 2 adult and 2 teen and planning to stay in the area for few days Ilan

June 4, 2022 at 11:03 am

Glad you are finding our Spanish Pyrenees post helpful. We also have this post specifically covering things to do in the La Garrotxa region which might be helpful as well.

There are a number of rural hotels in that area (many were farmhouses), but one that is specifically a farm that we know of is Can Pei in Oix, part of the Alta Garrotxa. I think, if things haven’t changed, they have horses, chickens, rabbits, and dogs as well as a garden and swimming pool. It does accept children of all ages. It is about a 20 minute drive north of the park and about 25 mile drive from the town of Olot.

A similar farmstay property, also near Oix, is Mas Pineda which is also an active farm with animals like geese, chickens, and sheep. But this one doesn’t offer a pool.

Mas el Carrer is another rural stay listed on the local tourism board, but I don’t think it is a currently active farm. But is certainly located in a rural setting outside Santa Pau.

Hope that helps get you started in finding a farmstay. If you have any further questions as you plan your trip, just let us know.

Happy travels, Jessica

Yvonne Todd Post author

January 19, 2022 at 3:50 am

After buying a small house near Girona in 2019 we were unable to travel there due to the pandemic. We are hoping to get to Catalunya in 2022. Your website is extremely informative, so thank you. Could I ask that you please check some of your links because some of them are for inactive websites (Volcanic National Park and the hiking guide). Thanks again. Great work. Yvonne

January 21, 2022 at 7:27 am

I hope you are able to get back to Catalunya and your home in Girona soon! We love Girona – a great little city and a great base for exploring that region. Glad you found our guide helpful.

And thanks for letting us know some of the websites are inactive – some tourism sites and businesses change their websites without redirecting their links so they break. When we get back home (currently traveling in Uganda) I will take a look and check all the links and update them!

Wishing you safe travels back to Girona in 2022!!

TC Post author

November 19, 2020 at 7:23 am

It’s a good post about the Catalonia pyrenees. Thank you for it, when I can to travel to Catalonia my boyfriend and I will go to visit these places.

November 19, 2020 at 8:32 am

So glad you enjoyed our guide to the Catalonia Pyrenees, and hope you get a chance to visit next year! Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip.

Yas Post author

July 10, 2020 at 3:11 pm

Super informative. Really helped me plan my trip at short notice

July 11, 2020 at 4:42 am

Hi Yas, Happy to hear and thanks for taking the time to let us know our article was helpful in planning your trip. Enjoy your time in the Spanish Pyrenees and exploring Catalonia.

John Weaver Post author

February 4, 2020 at 8:35 pm

Thanks for the great information. My wife and I are traveling to Barcelona in late April. Ideally, we would like to travel from there through/along the Pyrenees for four or five days before reaching San Sebastián. Ideally we would like to spend some time hiking. Is this doable with using trains and buses? We would appreciate any recommendations you might have. Thanks. John

February 8, 2020 at 4:20 am

It is possible, but it does make it a bit more difficult, especially for hiking. The area is not well connected by train, so you will mostly need to rely on the local bus network. In the Girona region, most services are run by Teisa .

From Barcelona, you can easily get the train to towns like Girona or Figueres which are worth exploring. But as you get closer to the mountains, most places are only accessible by the local bus network.

For hiking, you might consider taking the train to Girona, exploring the medieval city, and then take a bus from Girona onto Ribes de Freser. On the way you may want to stop off at places like Olot (to explore Garrtoxa region ) or Ripoll. From Ribes de Freser, you can take the rack railway up to visit Vall de Nuria . A great place to stay for a couple of days of hiking and nice scenery.

From there, you may want to make your way to Lleida. I think the easiest way would be to take the same bus route back from Ribes de Freser to Girona. Then take the train from Girona to Lledia. From Lledia, you can get a bus to the village of Boí, and from there you can access the Aigüestortes i Estany de Saint Maurici National Park which is a wonderful place for hiking, especially in the warmer months, with lovely lakes and scenery. The Vall de Boi is a popular ski destination in the winter and contains several UNESCO-designated early Romanesque churches.

If you get the bus back to Lleida, you can then get a train from Lleida to San Sebastián.

Hope that helps, Jessica

Elizabeth Post author

September 19, 2019 at 7:49 pm

Hello! Thank you for such an informative website on the Catalan area. By far the most helpful of any I’ve visited thus far. Traveling to the area in one week with a group to do a 7 day cycling tour out of Girona, up Costa Brava. We end in Girona on a Sunday, and depart Barcelona that Wednesday. We are traveling with our 9 year old son. Wanting to head into the Spanish Pyrenees but can’t decide where to go. We plan to rent a car. Our interests are hiking, and seeing beauty in the mountains. Castles and volcanoes would be popular with our son. It seems all areas are family friendly, but maybe some more than others? Would you recommend one county over another? Any advice appreciated!

September 20, 2019 at 6:42 am

Hi Elizabeth,

Yes, the entire area is quite welcoming to families and while there are some adults-only resorts and B&B’s, most places are definitely family-friendly. All three areas we describe would be a good place for a family.

I would say if volcanoes and mountains are priorities, I’d spend many some time around Olot (volcanos/hiking) and then maybe also spend a night or two up at Nuria in the mountains (mountain, rack railway ride, hiking, children’s activities). Nuria is very family-friendly and local school groups are often staying up there.

There is an adventure park (outdoor zipline courses, etc.), segway tours, and a donkey farm in La Cerdanya that are designed for kids that also may be of interest.

There aren’t a lot of castles (well except mostly ruins) in this part of Catalonia. This isn’t in the Pyrenees area, but Montsoriu castle might be a place to consider stopping on your way to Barcelona if you want to combine a hike and castle visit. It is a partially ruined castle with a small museum located on a forested hilltop and requires a short hike (20 to 30 minutes) to reach. Good spot for kids, although note not all info at the site is in English (at least not when we visited a few years ago). It is about a 1 hour drive from Girona in the direction of Barcelona.

It should be pretty quiet throughout the Catalan Pyrenees area this time of year, unless there is a local festival happening.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions.

Enjoy your visit! Jessica

Mark Ristow Post author

August 1, 2019 at 7:41 am

most helpful article on Catalonia Pyrenees. Thank you.

August 2, 2019 at 1:16 am

Hi Mark, Thanks for letting us know and hope you have a great visit to the Catalan Pyrenees! Best, Jessica

Ali Post author

June 1, 2019 at 1:55 am

Catalonia is one of the wonderful place that i really want to see and thanks this amazing knowledge its me help me a lot.

June 1, 2019 at 9:44 am

Hi Ali, You’re very welcome, just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Catalonia. Best, Jessica

Jenni Post author

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 am

Hello. Loved this article. I am curious if you or any websites that you know of have info on Pallars Sobira. I would love to go even further West and see the national parks out there. As well as eat great local foods and stroll around medieval structures. We would be going in May of next year. Thanks!

May 23, 2019 at 9:29 am

Hi Jenni, We have been to this area but we haven’t added it to this guide yet. I don’t know of any great guides (in English) but we definitely can recommend spending time in Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park (lots of hiking/nature opportunities, only national park in Catalonia, mostly in the Pallars Sobira ). We can also recommend exploring the nearby Vall de Boí (Romanesque churches, ski resorts, mountains, nature, local food). There are also hiking and river activities available around the Noguera Pallaresa area. Hope that helps you in your search! Best, Jessica

guy in barcelona Post author

August 27, 2018 at 1:40 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence! That’s the truth: the spanish pyrenees are a beautiful area to be discovered and explored. We live in barcelona and know this to be true! Thanks for sharing this!

August 27, 2018 at 6:53 am

Hi there, Yes, it is definitely a special area and one that not too many people outside of France and Spain often discover. A great place for a weekend or week getaway from Barcelona 😉 Best, Jessica

james gilbert Post author

August 22, 2018 at 12:15 pm

We plan to be in the Pyrenees for about 2 weeks in October. In our mid 70’s so our activity will not be what I wish, but am sure that we will find plenty to do. Your Catalonia Pyrenees site is extremely helpful.

August 22, 2018 at 12:22 pm

Hi James, Thanks for taking the time to comment, and so happy to hear that you found this helpful. 2 weeks should give you plenty of time to explore at a really nice and slow pace. October should be a nice time of year to visit.

Since you have so long, I’d perhaps choose 2 to 3 bases to stay where you can stay for several days at a time to explore different areas of the Pyrenees and not have to move around very much. There is a lot to do even if you are not super active and even for hikes you can easily find some of the shorter and flatter ones to do. Scenic areas like Vall de Núria can be explored easily by people of any fitness level as you can take the rack railway up and then explore as wish once there.

Do let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip. Best, Jessica

Jesse Post author

August 11, 2018 at 10:17 pm

This is a great write-up. My wife and I are going to Catalonia for our honeymoon. We plan to spend three nights in the Pyrenees, after visiting Barcelona and Costa Brava. Our main interests in the Pyrenees will be hiking, eating, scenic drives, and wandering through medieval cities and churches. Of the three Pyrenees areas you focused on, which would recommend as a home base from which to venture out each day? El Ripolles because it’s between the other two? Or should we just focus on one or two of the areas given the short amount of time we have? We aren’t keen on getting different accommodations every night. I’d be grateful for any thoughts!

August 13, 2018 at 11:31 am

Happy to hear that you will be spending part of your honeymoon in the Spanish Pyrenees. It is nice contrast to Barcelona and the Costa Brava – although those are both wonderful destinations as well!

I think either El Ripolles or Garrotxa would both be great for you, and yes I would recommend basing yourself in just one hotel if you can rather than changing hotels. You can see a fair amount of the region using one town or city as a base. I’d figure out where to stay based on the places you really want to see.

You can either explore one area (plenty to do in either for 2-3 days) or just choose one of them. We just wrote specific guides to La Cerdanya and El Ripolles that you can read more specifics about those two areas. The one for Garrotxa should be out on Independent Travel Cats in the next month (if you sign up to our newsletter we sent out updates once a month with new content on both blogs).

For a scenic drive, we recommend the mountain road that goes up to Beget (as long as the weather and roads are OK). You can start the drive in either Camprodon or around Castelfollit de Roca and then head to cute little village of Beget. Great scenic views along the way. Also great scenic views from the rack railway to Vall de Núria.

The churches, hiking, and medieval villages you can find any of the regions. The volcanic park in La Garrotxa is a favorite place for us, but there are lots of hiking trails throughout the Pyrenees.

Hope that helps, and feel free to follow-up as you continue your planning! Jessica

August 19, 2018 at 6:22 pm

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it.

Catherine Barclay Post author

July 6, 2018 at 7:56 pm

Hi Jessica. Love your photos and the terrific detailed information. Is it possible to travel by train from Barcelona to the Pyrenees rather than a car? We’re hoping to travel late next April and will want to escape the busy city before leaving Spain. We’re not hikers as much as walkers and would love to see more of the country side. Suggestions? Thanks. Catherine

July 7, 2018 at 1:02 pm

Hi Catherine,

Glad you enjoyed our article on the Spanish Pyrenees and they do make a great day trip from Barcelona. Spending a day or two the in Pyrenees is a great way to escape the crowds of Barcelona – the city is great but not the most peaceful city (especially when a lot of cruise ships are in port!).

Unfortunately there are not great train connections within this region. But there is one commuter train line that goes from Barcelona to Puigcerda, with stops in Ripoll, Planoles, and Ribes de Freser. From Ribes des Freser you can get the rack railway to Nuria.

You can check the commuter train lines here: http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/barcelona/index.html

So you could probably do the train if you want to visit any of the places along the train line, or you could take the train and then get a taxi or bus to nearby places easy enough (although do check for connections beforehand).

Your other options are to check local bus connections (this is probably not the most efficient option for most travelers, Teisa is one bus company in the area), rent a car, or join a tour from Barcelona (you can join a group tour or book a private tour).

Here are some day tour options if those of are of interest:

• Tour to Besalu & Medieval Villages
• Private Day Trip to Pyrenees towns & mountains at Nuria

Letitia Post author

July 6, 2018 at 5:38 am

Hi- your article was wonderful and has given me a lot of inspiration. My husband and I are traveling to Barcelona without 2 year old daughter for a 5 day mini trip in January over MLK weekend. We would like to rent a car, as this is something we love to do in each country we’ve travelled. We intend to take a one day trip to see the Pyrenees- can you recommend one or two towns we should plan to visit to maximize our time? We’d like to ideally see the mountains, a few quaint shops in a town, some medieval scenery, and have all our meals. We intend to leave early morning and return to Barcelona in The evening. Ideally we would love to be in France for a portion of this adventure if possible. Thank you for your suggestions!

July 6, 2018 at 9:04 am

Hi Letitia,

You can easily do a full one day trip to see a few villages in the Girona Pyrenees. Here are two sets of suggestions:

Medieval Village loop: Based on your interests I’d recommend some combination of the following towns/cities: Besalú (very photogenic medieval village with bridge, although can be busy), Sant Joan les Fonts (pretty town with medieval monastery and bridge), Santa Pau (small medieval village, several restaurants), and Olot (larger city, surrounded by volcanic area, good market for local foods and items, lots of restaurants/shops). You could also do a hot air balloon ride if interested from near Santa Pau.

Mountains & Medieval: If you want a more peaceful place surrounded by mountains, I’d maybe head to Vall de Núria instead and take the rack railway up there – its a beautiful area if you like snow and mountains in the winter. There is a cafe, cafeteria, and restaurant there as well as ski resort and snowshoe tours. So if you decide to do Nuria, I’d perhaps recommend stops in Ripoll (impressive monastery here, several restaurants) and little towns like Queralbs (rack railway station here) that are on the way to Nuria. If you have time, you could also head over to Camprodon (small medieval town with pretty bridge, shops & restaurants) and explore some of the other tiny towns of the Camprodon Valley. Or you can probably visit one of the towns recommend earlier (e.g., Santa Pau, Olot).

I would not recommend driving all the way to France as that would add a lot of time to your day and I don’t think would be worth it. Also the French Pyrenees roads can be not so fun to drive in January. We encountered a snow storm in January there once and the driving was really difficult as we did not have snow chains with our rental (like all the local cars).

Hope this gives you some ideas! Feel free to follow-up if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Barcelona!

July 6, 2018 at 10:30 am

Thanks Jessica for responding- I meant to say in my post we will be traveling WITH our 2 year old daughter, which is why we wanted to keep the excursion to a day and simply visit one or two towns 🙂

July 6, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Hi Letitia, Ah, that makes more sense – the suggestions should give you enough to choose 1 or 2 towns for a day out from Barcelona. If Nuria is appealing they have a children’s winter play area and family activities although your daughter may be a bit young 😉 But let me know if you have any further questions! Best, Jessica

David Post author

May 27, 2018 at 12:56 am

Hi Jessica,

Love your article and photos! One of the best resource I’ve found since researching for my coming trip to Catalunya in early July. Will be based in Girona for 4 nights. Plan to take the family for the hot air balloon from Olot one morning. Do you think we would have enough time to visit Castellfollit De La Roca and Besalu for the rest of the day before driving back to Girona? I know it is a bit of a rush. Don’t suppose we can pack in Beget?

Rgds, David

May 27, 2018 at 1:55 am

Funny enough, we are back in the Girona Pyrenees right now and have visited all these places again over the past week – was just in Santa Pau yesterday 😉

You’ll need to leave Girona very early to get to the hot air balloon place (are you doing the Vol de Coloms?) as you probably already know but there should not be too much traffic that early 😉 The preparation, balloon ride, and breakfast afterward took about 3 hours when we did it so it gives you a lot of time left to explore.

On your way back to Girona I would recommend first seeing Santa Pau since you will be nearby if you are doing the ride with Vol de Coloms (beautiful medieval village, it takes about 1 hour or so to wander around following the town’s suggested route), then you may want to visit Sant Joan les Fonts (pretty town with a big Romanesque monastery, medieval bridge, fortified Romanesque manor house, and an old mill – a great place to explore on foot), then you can stop to see Castellfollit de la Roca (interesting perched village with nice views from top but small with not too much to do here, so won’t take too long to see or explore), and then you can visit Besalú (lots to see/learn about from medieval history to Jewish history, lots of shops, very scenic, but can be very crowded). In July you have a lot of daylight hours so you could visit all of these villages and stop for lunch and even dinner before returning to Girona.

I would not recommend going up to Beget on this day as that is a very winding road and it will be at least an hour up and an hour back. Beget is nice but most of the other villages mentioned offer more to see and do and gives you time to see more places. A great place to explore though on a return trip 😉

Hope this helps, and let us know if you have any more questions about your trip to Girona or the Pyrenees.

Zofia Post author

March 27, 2018 at 2:21 am

Hi J&L, I loved your post! Can you recommend a travel guide to use for Catalonia? something with an almost-as-good a your post with a decent coverage of the Pyrenees? Thanks a lot!

March 27, 2018 at 6:34 am

Hi Zofia, So happy to hear that you enjoyed our Spanish Pyrenees travel guide! It focuses on the area of the Pyrenees within the province of Girona in Catalonia.

There are probably no good Catalonia travel guides like this that are just one article as Catalonia is such as huge area, and most articles about Catalonia tend to focus mainly on the city of Barcelona and the coastal area only. If you are looking for articles, I’d try looking for the provinces of Catalonia that you plan to visit to try to find good guides for them, there are 4 in total: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona.

But a better option is probably just to buy a good Catalonia guidebook, but unfortunately most are still going to focus on Barcelona. A option might be this one by DK Eyewitness which looks like it does cover the rest of the region. Most Spain guidebooks will also give a good coverage to the region but you are better off looking for a specific one if this is the only area you are visiting.

We are actually heading back to Catalonia in June 😉

Ann Post author

January 29, 2018 at 3:25 am

This sounds lovely! I’m travelling to the Spanish Pyrenees in July and am already looking forward. I am planning on being based in Besalu for a few days – is this close enough to explore the volcanic park?

January 29, 2018 at 4:04 am

Hi Ann, Yes, if you are based in Besalú or nearby, it should just be a 20 to 30 minute drive to reach the volcanic park, depending on where you want to go within it. Summer is a great time to visit the Spanish Pyrenees if you enjoy hiking, although it can be pretty hot so come prepared with lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water. If you base in Besalu, some places like La Vall de Núria (great place for summer hiking) and the town of Puigcerdà are a bit further away but you should be within a 2 hour drive of just about everything we mention in this article. Hope this helps! Best, Jessica

Tanja Post author

January 24, 2018 at 2:15 am

I somehow never associated skiing and Spain, Stunning photos!

January 24, 2018 at 6:26 am

Hi Tanja, Yes, the Pyrenees (they run through Spain, France, & Andorra) are a great place to go for skiing. The resorts we visited within the Spanish Pyrenees are great for those seeking a less crowded experience and many were family friendly (offering beginner slopes, kids gear rentals, and lessons). There are also loads of other winter activities we did like snowshoeing, sledding, and winter Segway trips. Best, Jessica

Shoba Post author

July 3, 2017 at 1:04 pm

Hi we are currently working in Begur, Spain and hope to do a day trip tomorrow to the Pyrenees. Any suggestions? Thx

July 3, 2017 at 1:57 pm

Hi Shoba, It really depends on what you want to do but you are working only between 1 to 2 hours from most of the Spanish Pyrenees places we discuss in the article so any would be possible. First I would choose one of the three regions to explore. Then choose a focus of what you want to do (e.g., Romanesque churches, medieval cities, Catalan food spots, museums, markets, hiking). If I were visiting for just a day trip I would probably choose to either visit a few medieval cities or head to the natural spaces for some hiking and exploring. Or perhaps a mixture between nature and medieval cities. For example, for medieval cities in La Garrotxa, you might stop in Besalú Santa Pau, and Sant Joan les Fonts OR in Ripollès, you might want to stop in Ripoll, Beget, Camprodon, and Sant Joan des les Abadesses. If you are seeking nature and open spaces I’d suggest considering hiking in La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, Alta Garrotxa Area of Natural Interest, or Vall de Núria. I would also check before you go or stop at a tourism office to see if there are any festivals or markets taking place near where you go as those can be a lot of fun. Enjoy the Spanish Pyrenees! Best, Jessica

Nicholas Langdon-Davies Post author

June 16, 2017 at 8:39 am

Here’s a suggestion – try staying at Cal Sandic in Aransa, near Martintet in the Cerdanya. The views are wonderful. Bed, huge breakfast and almost gourmet level evening meal for 45 euros a head. There are fantastic, varied walks near the village, either in the local woods, in pastureland or up to 2900 metres on the borders of Andorra and France. From Martinet you need a taxi or to dedicate a day’s fairly stiff walking up to Aransa. It’s my favourite spot in the Catalan Pyrenees.

June 17, 2017 at 5:41 pm

Hi Nicholas, Thanks so much for sharing your favorite spot with us – it sound beautiful. Maybe we will check it out on a future visit! Best, Jessica

Taylor Post author

May 16, 2017 at 9:59 pm

That hot air ballooning shot is absolutely incredible! What an adventure!

May 25, 2017 at 2:28 am

Hi Taylor, The Pyrenees is a wonderful place to explore and have an adventure. Hot air ballooning there was one of many wonderful experiences! Jessica

Cília Post author

April 27, 2017 at 6:39 am

Hope you had great days in my land! I’m not exactly from the places you had been (I’m from a little village near Olot, but I live in Vic, maybe you had seen it in guides) but I’ve been at all places you feature, especially in Olot! I think they are the best places of Catalonia, the most original, and I’m very glad you had chosen them to visit because they are very worthy to see, instead of the beaches (that they are the same in all places and very crowded!) Thanks for to make know my land! <3

April 30, 2017 at 11:49 am

Hi Cília, Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and glad that as a local you enjoyed our travel guide and recommendations. I have not been to Vic yet, although we have been to a lot of towns/cities nearby (always new places to visit!). Laurence and I have always enjoyed our time in Catalonia – it is such a diverse and interesting region with so much to do and see. We also love the people and food – and the area we discuss in this post is so much less known than other area of Catalonia such as Barcelona and the coast. We always love getting away from the crowds and tourist attractions when traveling for at least part of our trip – and the Catalan Pyrenees area is a great place for that! Best, Jessica

April 12, 2017 at 2:19 pm

My only experience with Catalonia so far is a brief visit to Barcelona a couple of years ago, but I’d love to get the chance to spend some more time there. There’s clearly so much to see and do, but Besalú sounds right up my alley. Also, your photos are absolutely stunning!

Mapping The Map Post author

April 10, 2017 at 12:58 pm

Thanks for sharing such amazing pictures from our land, Catalonia. Glad you liked it!

April 11, 2017 at 8:05 am

Hi there, thanks so much, means a lot when praise comes from those who live in a destination! Best, Jessica

Anna Post author

April 10, 2017 at 5:59 am

Spanish Pyrenees are amazing…. Haven´t been to Cerdanya, but went skiing to Baqueira and also visited Seo de Urgel and Andorra, Always went in winter though, should try spring/autumn! Loved your photos, thanks for sharing !

April 10, 2017 at 10:53 am

Hi Anna, Glad you’ve visiting the area as well! Yes, they are, very scenic and lots to do in the Spanish Pyrenees no matter the season. Hope you get a chance to return to the area and spend more time in this area. Spring and autumn are particularly great times to visit for hiking, cycling, and climbing. Best, Jessica

Jim ~ReflectionsEnroute Post author

April 10, 2017 at 5:38 am

Beautiful photography of a beautiful place! I had never heard of segway in the snow, it looks like fun. Great article! Thanks for linking in to #wkendtravelinspiration!

April 10, 2017 at 10:48 am

Thanks Jim, yes, we had never heard of Winter Segway tours either! Anything is possible 😉 Best, Jessica

Rob+Ann Post author

April 9, 2017 at 11:31 am

Wow – so much to do and see! We’ve wanted to get back to Barcelona, and to visit Andorra, so this fits in nicely. I can see we’ll need to allow more time, though. (Gosh darn! 😉 Thanks for all of the great ideas and info!

April 10, 2017 at 8:11 am

Hi Rob & Ann, Yes, the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia is a great area to fit into a holiday if you want to visit Barcelona and Andorra. It is actually easy to be in France, Spain, and Andorra all in a single day, although I’d advise taking it much more slowly! Hope you get a chance to return to Spain and spend some time in this area. Best, Jessica

Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields Post author

April 8, 2017 at 10:20 pm

I once spent a week with hubby and the boys in a vacation house in the Spanish Pyrenees. It is a great place to visit and not as crowded as so many European destinations.

April 10, 2017 at 8:02 am

Hi Lyn, Glad to hear you’ve had a great vacation in the Spanish Pyrenees. Yes, that is exactly one of the great reasons to come here is that it is not crowded and very easy to enjoy nature there. Things are also quite spread out which I think helps spread out visitors across the region rather than everyone visiting the same spot or two. Best, Jessica

Ruth Post author

April 8, 2017 at 7:39 pm

Such a beautiful area! Love the old buildings, bridges and volcanoes. How long was your trip? You were able to see a lot. And, agree with what you said about Barcelona. It is a wonderful city but so crowded! That fact would push me to concentrate on the Costa Brava or the Pyrenees (and stop by France too).

April 10, 2017 at 7:53 am

Hi Ruth, It really is a beautiful area. Between Laurence and I, I think we’ve been to the Spanish Pyrenees 3 or 4 times (Laurence has been there more often than me). This last visit in January we were there for 10 days (where the majority of the photos in the post come from) – about half the time doing skiing and winter related stuff and half the time exploring museums, cities, hiking, driving, etc. But we’ve been there in Spring and Summer as well as winter – always something to do but nothing you have to do. Great place to head after Barcelona (we spent a few days in Barcelona beforehand) and easy to add on Costa Brava, the French Pyrenees, or Andorra into the trip as well. Jessica

Paula McInerneu Post author

April 8, 2017 at 3:24 pm

I hope you are going to publish this in an ebook. What an epic guide to the Spanish Pyrenees. Congratulations

April 10, 2017 at 7:47 am

Hi Paula, Thanks so much and glad you liked our guide to the Spanish Pyrenees! Laurence actually did a short ebook on the skiing resorts and winter activities, but no current plans to turn this into an ebook although I guess it wouldn’t be that difficult to do so. Thanks for the idea! Best, Jessica

Anda Post author

April 7, 2017 at 8:31 pm

The Pyrenees Region looks unbelievably beautiful. Besides, there seems to be a lot to do there other than just hiking and sightseeing. I’d love to visit the area someday. #TheWeeklyPostcard

April 8, 2017 at 2:41 pm

Hi Anda, Yes, the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia (well probably all regions of Spain…) is quite beautiful and a really nice place to visit. There is plenty to do but not a lot of must-sees so it feels unhurried and you can spend a day exploring a couple villages and do some hiking. We’ve been a few times between us now – a great place to spend a week! Jessica

Lolo Post author

April 7, 2017 at 7:52 pm

Ok, when I think of Spain, I don’t think of snow! You’ve definitely piqued my interest in this region though! That thermal spa looks amazing!!

April 8, 2017 at 2:38 pm

Hi Lolo, Yes, the Spanish Pyrenees has I think over 20 ski resorts (including the 5 in the Girona province of Catalonia which we talk about). It is a very popular ski destination for Spanish people and neighbors (French) but not as well known outside of the area (e.g., we were often the only English speakers). Many people from Barcelona for example own second homes in the area so they can escape for weekends of skiing, hiking, and cycling. A great place for some winter fun and not expensive compared to many other ski destinations we have visited. Best, Jessica

Leigh Post author

April 7, 2017 at 5:33 pm

Beautiful scenery and food! I’m visiting the Swiss Alps this summer, but will have to consider the Pyrenees for a future trip!

April 8, 2017 at 2:35 pm

Hi Leigh, The Swiss Alps are beautiful and they are more majestic than the Pyrenees on average and a beautiful place to visit in winter or otherwise. Advantages of the Pyrenees over the Alps is that we’ve found it much less expensive, crowded, and more family friendly in the Spanish Pyrenees. That said, both are great but different destinations! Enjoy your trip. Best, Jessica

Staci @ The Voyageer Post author

April 7, 2017 at 4:37 pm

How amazing!! My friend walked part of the Camino de Santiago. You have posted some awesome recommendations and photos here. Thanks for sharing this less-well-known area!

April 8, 2017 at 2:31 pm

Hi Staci, Yes, few people walking the Camino de Santiago come here just because the main touristed path (Camino Frances) runs northwest of it, but feeder trails from Olot, Barcelona, and the coast connect to it. There is definitely lots to do in the area and I hope you get the chance to visit this lesser known area of Spain some day! Jessica

Anisa Post author

April 7, 2017 at 1:14 pm

I need to go back to Barcelona, because we only spent 2 days there. So when we go back, hopefully we can explore more of Catalonia. I’m not much of a skier but would love to do some hiking.

April 8, 2017 at 2:24 pm

Hi Anisa, Yes, Barcelona definitely deserves more than 2 days (we’ve been a few times, and still haven’t seen everything!), and the Pyrenees are perfect for hiking in the Spring/Summer or doing fun winter stuff. Costa Brava is also great for coastal hiking, and in fact some of the long distance paths go from coast to mountains! ~ Jessica

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The Pyrenees Travel Guide

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Basque-speaking, wet and green in the west; craggy, snowy, Gascon-influenced in the middle; dry, Mediterranean and Catalan-speaking in the east – the Pyrenees are physically beautiful, culturally varied and less developed than the Alps. The whole range is marvellous walkers’ country, especially the central region around the Parc National des Pyrénées, with its 3000-metre-high peaks, streams, forests and wildlife. If you’re a committed hiker, it’s possible to traverse these mountains, usually from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, along the GR10.

As for the more conventional tourist attractions, the Côte Basque – peppered with fun-loving towns like Bayonne and Biarritz – is lovely, sandy but very popular, and suffers from seaside sprawl and a surfeit of caravan-colonized campsites. The foothill towns are on the whole rather dull, although Pau merits at least a day, while monstrously kitsch Lourdes has to be seen whether you’re a devout pilgrim or not. Roussillon in the east, focused on busy Perpignan , has beaches every bit as popular as those of the Côte Basque, some nestled into the compact coves of its southern rocky coast, while its interior consists of craggy terrain split by spectacular canyons and sprouting a crop of fine Romanesque abbeys and churches – St-Michel-de-Cuixà and St-Martin-du-Canigou in the Tet vâlley and the Prieuré de Serrabona being the most dramatic – and a landscape bathed in Mediterranean light. Finally, the sun-drenched foothills just to the northwest harbour the famous Cathar castles , legacies of the once-independent and ever-rebellious inhabitants of southwestern Languedoc.

Top image: Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the french Pyrenees, Argeles-Gazost surroundings © PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock

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7 of the best self-guided treks in the Pyrenees

Access into the Pyrenees is easy from the UK and the huge number of trails traversing them in every direction makes them perfect for exploring by foot. Pyrenees specialists Pyrenean Odysseys reveal 7 fantastic multi-day walks in this captivating landscape.

The Pyrenees have a huge number of trails traversing them in every direction. Firstly there are the long distance walking trails, the three main ones being between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea (the GR10 on the French side, the GR11 on the Spanish side and the Pyrenean High Route running between these and staying, as its name suggests, as high as possible). There is also the long distance foothill trail (GR78) which runs from Carcassonne to St Jean Pied de Port linking in with the Camino de Santiago. Along with these long distance trails are the multitude of trails that have always existed within and across valleys where people and animals moved from one place to another on foot, or with donkeys and mules. These paths provide a wonderful network of possibilities from which to create unique point to point treks. Ancient trails for the modern walker traversing villages, valleys and forests, walking along rivers and beside lakes, and even crossing high passes between valleys, or between France and Spain, with the option of a 3000m summit or two along the way. What more could you ask for this summer?

Access into the Pyrenees is easy from the UK, and easier from the French side than the Spanish, partly because the mountains rise so dramatically directly from the plain, making transfer times from the airports and train stations much shorter. There are also airports and fast train lines to cities closer to the central Pyrenees rather than just to the coastal areas. For example Lourdes train station to Luz St Sauveur is a breezy 30 mins, and from the Lourdes-Tarbes airport it is only 45 mins. Pau airport is 1.5 hours and Toulouse airport is 2.5 hours from Luz. In 50kms the altitude changes from 300m to over 3000m. It makes for some dramatic scenery.

The seven treks outlined here are all based in the Central Pyrenees, mainly on the French side, with one including the Ordesa Canyon in Spain. They stretch from the foothills to the high mountains, from 3 to 13 nights, and from medium level to challenging. In short, they are for anyone who walks.

The Secret Seven

1. Gavarnie Balconies 3 days/4 nights

2. Gavarnie - Troumouse 3 days/4 nights

3. Barèges-Néouvielle 3 days/4 nights

4. Pyrenees National Park Trek 6 days/7 nights

5. Lavedan Valleys & Villages Gourmet Trek 5-13 nights

6. GR10 Cauterets-Néouvielle 7 nights

7. Gavarnie-Ordesa 7 nights

Gavarnie Balconies

Discover nature’s colosseum in all its glory. You walk either on parts of the GR10 variant, or up the Way of St James to approach the cirque from the north. Your first night is spent at 1600m on the Saugué Plateau in the heart of a Pyrenean pastoral landscape. Day two takes you down into the Ossoue Valley with the cirque in front of you. Big views all the way down, and again you have a medium or a more difficult option. Your final day takes you right into the Cirque and out via the balcony path. A wonderful finale, where again there are two options. This is a perfect introduction to trekking as you have shorter and longer options each day.

Duration:  three days, four nights

Difficulty:  medium or more challenging. Each day has a choice.

Cost:  375€pp (2P min), includes all accommodation, full board, maps and notes

Not included:  buses Luz-Gèdre, Gavarnie-Luz (2€pp each way), drinks.

Logistics:  Arrive and leave from Luz St Sauveur. Bus to and from start of walk. Bag transfers possible.

Gavarnie - Troumouse: Grandiose Glacial Cirques

Gavarnie is the most famous of the limestone cirques carved out by successive glaciations over the last 2 million years. But its neighbours are equally spectacular, and all three are quite different. This four night, three day trek allows you to traverse across all three glacial cirques while marvelling at the scenery, and wondering about the processes that allowed such geological marvels to form.

Difficulty:  medium-hard.

Cost:  405€pp (2P min), includes all accommodation, full board, maps and notes and collection from the end.

Logistics:  Arrive and leave from Luz St Sauveur

Barèges-Néouvielle Trek

From Luz at 700m to the Glère Refuge at 2103m this trek offers a great variety of scenery in a very short space of time. The first day is short, heading up through the villages to a lovely secluded gite, but the two next days are substantial with a big descent of 1300m on the last day. You can add a day if you’d like to tackle the Turon du Néouvielle Summit (3032m) or the lakes just below it.

Cost:  375€pp (2P min), includes all accommodation, full board, maps and notes.

Not included:  Drinks.

Logistics:  Walk out from, and back to Luz St Sauveur

Pyrenees National Park Trek

In one week this trek takes you through the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, past lakes, glaciers, up a 3000m summit, down through the high pastures, and finally through the three glacial cirques of Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse. A week of highlights in the French Pyrenees.

Duration:  six days, seven nights

Cost:  735€pp (2P min), includes all accommodation, full board, maps and notes, transfer to start and collection from end.

Logistics:  Collection from Lourdes, leave from Luz St Sauveur (bus to Lourdes).

Lavedan Valleys & Villages Gourmet Trek

For those who have no desire to sleep in dormitory accommodation without showers, this trek is for you. Cute B&Bs, family run 2 and 3* hotels, and wonderful food each evening. The trek takes you through a string of foothill villages, then into the higher mountains above Cauterets, over to Luz St Sauveur and up to Gavarnie at the end of the week. A truly varied trek that is as challenging as the Pyrenees National Park trek, but with much more comfortable accommodation. There are also less challenging options on most days and also the possibility of catching a ride with the bags on any day, so there is always an out if your legs are tired or you’d like an easy day. There are also easier walking options available most days.

Duration:  six days, seven nights (can be from 3-12 days walking)

Difficulty:  easy-hard. There are options.

Cost:  905€pp (2P min), includes all accommodation, full board, maps and notes, transfer to start and collection from end, bag transfers.

GR10 Cauterets - Néouvielle

The most physically demanding trek of the selection, this itinerary covers plenty of ground, with logistical backup provided to remove some of the less interesting sections. Two sections of lake filled landscapes are split by the section through the majestic Gavarnie Cirque with its wonderful high mountain pastoral scenery. This central section of the GR10 is worth every step.

Difficulty:  Difficult.

Cost:  735€pp (2P min), includes all accommodation, full board, maps and notes, transfer to start and collections from end + transfer in middle.

Gavarnie - Ordesa Trek

The contrast between the Gavarnie Cirque on the French side and the Ordesa Canyon on the Spanish side of the border is truly astounding. One faces north and the other south meaning the climate is dramatically different in the two neighbouring areas. On one side successive glaciations have carved out a giant semi-circular natural colosseum, on the other the size of the glaciers was limited by the south facing aspect and erosion by water has played a larger part.

Difficulty:  Medium.

Cost:  735€pp (2P min), includes all accommodation, full board, maps and notes, transfers during the trek.

Logistics:  Arrival in Luz, leave from either Torla (Spain, bus to Sabiñanigo once per day, then to Huesca) or Gavarnie (bus to Lourdes once per day). Taxi possible. If you are leaving from Spain then you must carry all your baggage with you for a 3 hour descent over the border before you reach a road head and the possibility of a taxi.

For more information or to book a trip visit pyrenees-mountains.com

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Gallivanting Laura

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Europe , France , Travel , Travel Tips , Where to Stay · 14 September 2022

Where to Stay in the French Pyrenees: Trip Planning

Are you planning a trip to the French Pyrenees Mountains and wondering where to stay and base yourself? This is a vast area with a lot going on, and to help with the planning process, I’m sharing popular areas with things to see and do. This guide also covers how to get there, where to eat, drink and where to stay in the French Pyrenees.

The Pyrenees is a mountain chain that forms the natural border between France and Spain while engulfing the country of Andorra. It’s a year-round playground for lovers of the outdoors, breathtaking scenery and a range of thermal bath and spa wellness experiences. It’s my kind of heaven and one for your bucket list. If you’re still looking for some destination inspiration, check out my detailed Pyrenees hiking and sights guide .  

• How to get to there
• When to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Pyrenees National Park

Where to Eat & Drink

Things to do in the pyrenees, how to get to the french pyrenees.

Due to the remote location of many sights and hikes in the Pyrenees, determining the best way to get there is vital. The closest airports are Lourdes-Tarbes-Pyrénées and Pau-Pyrénées , but Montpellier and Toulouse-Blagnac may  offer more flight options and are a short drive away. 

The easiest way to explore the area is by car and the way I recommend seeing the Pyrenees. It gives you more freedom to explore and pull over at scenic spots as you drive around. I highly recommend renting a car from your arrival airport so you can start your journey when it suits you.   

However, if a car isn’t an option, several train stations and a local bus network will allow you to get around. Naturally, they won’t be as quick as your own transport, but there are options. For example, the village of Lourdes has a  TGV train connection to and from Paris that takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. A shuttle bus (navette) runs between the stations in Cauterets and Lourdes . But another option to go sightseeing from Lourdes is a Pyrenees  tour available that includes visiting a market, Pyrenean town, the Cirque de Gavarnie and stopping for an aperitif. 

When to Visit the Pyrenees

The whole area has a lot to offer during any season, so it depends on what you’d like to do. The Pyrenees are at their busiest during the summer months as visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking and general outdoor sightseeing. If you can try and visit off-peak during the shoulder seasons, this would avoid the crowds and give the best experience (April through mid-June, September and October). The Pyrenees is also home to several ski resorts and thermal baths. These are the busiest during the winter and vary depending on the snow conditions.

Where to Stay in the French Pyrenees

This selection highlights the best French Pyrenean towns to stay in while exploring the Pyrenees.

One of the first places I recommend staying is Cauterets . This small French Pyrenean town is an excellent place to base yourself for a few days. It has several amenities, things going on , and it’s close to hiking trails and sights. This classic mountain town also has two thermal baths and a UNESCO world heritage church. Cauterets is also on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route, making it a significant historical stop for many.

There are a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget. For apartments, homes or chalet rentals,  VRBO offers a great selection . If you’re looking for a hotel, I recommend the  Hôtel du Lion d’Or . It’s a 3-star and one of the oldest in the town, so it’s full of charm and unique decor. It is family-run, and they serve homecooked food all day to enjoy.

Bagnères-de-Luchon

This mountain town is known as the Queen of the Pyrenees, and for good reason. There are endless activities and sights to see, so a great place to base yourself on your adventures. The tourist information centre is brilliant, and the staff will help you out with any questions or other recommendations you need. The peak season is during winter as there’s a popular ski resort, Superbagnères , located just up the mountain. Luchon has many restaurant choices, cafes and supermarkets too. The border with Spain is only 10 kilometres from the town centre, so if you fancy visiting, it’s not far away.   

We stayed at The Jardins de Ramel , a holiday rental complex offering small apartments with a kitchenette and balcony. The complex has private parking and is located in the centre of town, making it a convenient affordable spot. We didn’t visit during ski season, so the pricing was very reasonable. A one-bedroom apartment was 55€ per night. If this is unavailable, there are other similar affordable  apartment options in Luchon . But if you’d rather opt for a hotel, I recommend the  Hôtel Panoramic . It’s in the middle of town, and some rooms have panoramic views of the Pyrenees (hence the name). There is a great breakfast buffet, and the overall architecture is charming.

We based ourselves in Estaing at a campsite called Camping Pyrenees Natura (hit the translate button if you require it). It’s a 30-minute drive from the town of Lourdes and a further 40 minutes to Cauterets . We hadn’t done much research beforehand, so it was a great budget find and the perfect place to base ourselves. We booked the Coco Sweet Glamping Pod , which has a double bed, kitchen area, lounge and outdoor terrace with a barbeque grill. There are also pitch options available.

The whole campground is set in a picturesque valley with beautiful high mountain views and friendly owners. It’s also a hop skip and a jump from Lac d’Estaing , one of the most popular lakes in the French Pyrenees. They’ve got a small convenience store, restaurant and bar onsite, which is perfect to come back to after a long day of exploring. I can’t wait to return again. 

Where to Stay in the Pyrenees National Park

The Pyrenees National Park is one of the most visited areas in the Pyrenees. There is a high concentration of hiking trails, natural wonders and great sites every visitor should see. The town of Cauterets is the closest to the national park, and where I recommend staying.

La Tute De L’Ours is located in the centre of town and serves great simple food and a selection of quality wines. The décor is charming, and the portions are large.   

L’Arbesquens – This restaurant is known for its melted cheesy goodness – fondue and raclette. As soon as you step through the door, the smell begins to give you a hug. This place is my number one recommendation because the food is out of this world amazing! You’ve likely earned it that day, or you’re going to work it off the next day from hiking, skiing or sightseeing. Treat yourself. 

Les Galeries Gourmandes is a wine bar in the heart of the town centre and the perfect place to grab a casual drink. They have an extensive wine and gin list on offer, as well as typical bar options. They serve tapas too, but I don’t think they’re known for their food.

L’Étape du Randonneur is the restaurant located within the campsite we stayed at, Camping Pyrenees Natura. They allow walk-ins, so you don’t need to be staying there to enjoy their delicious meals. They serve up classic French cuisine with a friendly smile.

Discover the best hiking trails, sights and thermal bath experiences in my detailed guide. Adventure awaits you in the French Pyrenees, enjoy every minute of it.

Thanks for reading, I hope this has been a useful guide on where to stay in the French Pyrenees. Do you have any other places you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments below or find me on   Instagram .

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14 September 2022 at 15:30

Stunning photos..beautiful outdoor places to explore! Thank you for the inspiration

21 February 2023 at 15:34

Of course 🙂

15 September 2022 at 17:10

Your photos look beautiful. I’ve never spent time in the Pyrenees but I’ve been to Montpellier. Will definitely have to visit in the future.

17 September 2022 at 11:44

The French Pyrenees weren’t on my must-visit list, but seeing your photos, I think that needs to change. Simply stunning!

17 September 2022 at 12:03

The French Pyrenees weren’t really on my radar but they are now! How beautiful!! Cauterests looks so quaint. And completely off the beaten track. I’m definitely saving this for future trip planning!

17 September 2022 at 13:10

Despite many trips to France we have not yet visited the French Pyrenees Mountains. But it sure looks like we need to change that! Great to see some options for staying in the region. It looks like there are many spots to choose as a base to explore. Although we would probably pass on the camping option despite how lovely it looks. A very useful guide!

18 September 2022 at 07:57

I have only been to the Pyrenees once and on a school trip. I would love to go back again and explore the different lovely towns.

18 September 2022 at 14:16

This area looks just like the kind of place my husband and I LOVE to explore. Thanks for all of the great tips and photo inspiration.

20 September 2022 at 02:03

The Pyrenees are such a beautiful place to visit. Quaint villages where you can find great food. Thanks for the inspiration.

20 September 2022 at 08:00

We were looking into this on our last trip to Barcelona. Will put the National Park on our list for next time. Looks stunning.

4 October 2022 at 14:29

The photo of that raclette has me running to book tickets! My fav! I also really want to go glamping!

4 January 2024 at 21:26

We’re researching destinations for our summer drive in France and your suggestions are so helpful! Booked a place in Cauterets!

[…] a beautiful spa town in the French Pyrenees, and the perfect place to stay while exploring the area. Home to a ski resort, several hiking trails, thermal baths and […]

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Travel through the most scenic road in the Pyrenees from Spain to France.

Travel through the most scenic road in the Pyrenees from Spain to France. read more

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• Road trips,

France (French Republic)

Languages: French

Currencies: EUR · Euro (€)

Capitol: Paris

Continents: Europe

Borders: Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Monaco, Luxembourg, Spain, Belgium, Andorra

More useful information

Area: 551,695km 2

Population: 67,391,582

Traffic/driving side: right

Landlocked country: No

Independent country: Yes

United Nations member: Yes

IDD Prefix: +33

Timezones: UTC-10:00, UTC-09:30, UTC-09:00, UTC-08:00, UTC-04:00, UTC-03:00, UTC+01:00, UTC+02:00, UTC+03:00, UTC+04:00, UTC+05:00, UTC+10:00, UTC+11:00, UTC+12:00

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Pyrenees landscape, shaped with dramatic snowy peaks, emerald rivers, deep valleys and curly mountain roads is truly breathtaking! My priority for this trip was obviously mountaineering but from the moment I stepped into Pyrenees National Park, I figured I must travel the most scenic road in the Pyrenees from Spain to France via Col du Pourtalet.

My scenic road in the Pyrenees from Spain to France.

There are more than 20 border passing between France and Spain, but the one through the Col du Pourtalet is a highly spectacular mountain road. I drove from Huesca (Spain) to Lourdes (France), 175 kilometres takes 3 hours but trust me it’s well worth it.

It starts with an amazing view of the snowy Pyrenees cordillera spreading for almost 500 kilometres along Spanish and French border.

MY ROUTE: Huesca (488m) – Canfranc (the most beautiful train station in Spain) – Candanchú (1530m) famous ski resort in Huesca, Aragon, Western Pyrenees – Col du Pourtalet  (on the border) – Ossau Valley in French Pyrénées – Laruns   Village – Lourdes (Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame de Lourdes).

How to get a cheap but good car rental in Spain?

I rented my car as usual on RENTALCARS.COM , this is world’s largest online car rental service, comparing offers from majority of rental companies. By selecting your preferences you can get best deal on your desired car category. I chose Drivalia this time and I have to say the service was top class! From shuttle van from the airport to the rental office, smooth pick-up and drop-off. All rental conditions were clearly communicated and explained in details. Really fabulous. I had a car for a week – went to France and around Aragon state without detecting any problems. I also had a full coverage purachased on Rentalcars.com. 

IMPORTANT NOTE : There are two countries you are allowed to drive to: France and Andora. You need to communicate this while collecting the car and purchase extra insurance of Euro 20/per each trip. However the minimum payment is Euro 40, so even if you plan only one trip, report two. You need to specify your plans for abroad trips – otherwise GPS will detect the car crossing the border and you will be fined.

What is the highest peak of Pyrenees?

The highest peak of Pyrenees is Pic Aneto 3404m, located in the Massif de la Maladeta in Huesca Province in Spain.

Pyrenees cordillera : 500 km

Most spectacular Park: Ordesa National Park

Highest peak: Aneto – 3404m.

It takes 2 days to climb Aneto Glacier (1-day for very experienced climbers). At the very top you’ll feel much safer with a rope support. Aneto peak can be climbed all year round but the easiest trail would occur in summer months. 

Driving through Aragon Province in Spain.

Magnificent Gallego River running along the main road is famous for exciting rafting expeditions. The river flows into Embalse de Bubal phenomenal emerald colour lake. There are few viewing points on the way, where you can park safely and take some pictures.

Sallent de Gallego – spectacular village located at the bottom of powerful mountain peaks. With number of good hotels and accommodation options, the place is a great gateaway for skiing and hiking adventures. It also has gorgeous Gothic church from the beginning of the 16th century. This stage of the trip definitely deserves to be called the most scenic road in the Pyrenees.

Enjoy skiing in fabulous Sallent de Gallego in Spain.

Before reaching the French border you’ll drive up to the altitude of 1530m to Candanchú – famous ski resort in Western Pyrenees. This is the very last stage of Spanish Pyrenees, the drive leads along tiny mountain road with many warning road signs. Keep in mind at this altitude the weather can be changable, the wind got very strong on the way back, it was difficult to get out of the car and take a photo. It also got cloudy and the road surface was a bit icy. Even though there was a yellow warning for avalanches the road was opened for traffic.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: In high avalanche danger – the road through Cor du Pourtalet is CLOSED until the conditions are back to safe – there is a barrier which goes down blocking completely road traffic between Spain and France. 

Choose accommodation in Sallent de Gallego.

ROAD ADVICE: There are very few petrol stations in the area – make sure you have enough fuel for few hundred kilometres. The road was almost empty in mid-December (even it is Christmas Season) – make sure you have road assistance in case of any technical issue or emergency. 

Phone signal is very weak in some areas but works fine for the most of the distance. 

There are very few cafes on the way, no harm to have some snacks and thermos with hot tea.

Ski adventure in Sallent de Galleo.

Stay in Sallent de Gallego in one of the top hotels in Canfranc and enjoy popular attractions of Candanchu Ski Resort!

Check best charming and original stays and can’t miss spots to dine – Tripadvisor.

From this point you are leaving the high mountains behind, the road goes pretty flat with more countryside landscape. Fabreges Village with spectacular scenery of emerald Lac de Febreges is a real gem and will definitely encourage you to stopover.

Laruns - typical Pyreneean village in France.

Now it’s time to meet some fabulous old villages in France – with famous Laruns on the top of the list. Laruns – the pearl of the region – is a small village with amazing piece of typical Pyrénéean architecture and most friendly people I’ve ever met in France (very different to Paris ones ;)) ). 

Tourist Information in Laruns – can’t miss it, beautiful building, lots of information & maps, lovely lady will briefly explain the importance of the region, and name most spectacular villages worth visiting in the area: Bielle and Beost (almost on the way). 

Take a break in a coffee place with unbelievable pastries in La Vallée du Pain – local bakery at the round about – couldn’t imagine better breakfast 😉

Best accommodation options in charming Laruns.

World famous Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame de Lourdes.

Lourdes, with same emerald river flowing into the city centre, world famous pilgrime destination and one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world – Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame de Lourdes – Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. This place should be visited once in a life time. The city is b usy all year round, we have visited in low season and I can’t even imagine how crowded it gets in popular months. There are plenty shops around the area with religious souvenires and candles. So if you are looking for salvation – that’s the place 😉

Browse best accommodation options in Lourdes.

Highly impressive Grand Hotel Moderne is an example of 19th-century French architecture and it’s located 50 metres from the gate to the sanctuary complex. Hotel rooms are elegant, decorated in French style, very prestigious and spacious. If you are looking for a little bit of a luxury (still affordable) this hotel is one of the kind.

Check for best ratesin the Grand Hotel Moderne in Lourdes. 

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes  includes several religious buildings: the main sanctuary, Chapelle Sainte-Anne and grotto of Massabielle, which consists with Lourdes Water known for its miraculous healings! People are continuously lining up to walk through the grotto to wet their hands and other parts of the body. The whole complex is walkers friendly, with beautiful river park and lots of water intake. The Sanctuary of Lourdes is one of the most-visited Catholic shrines in the world with most popular grotto place. 

On the way back we have witnessed huge herd of sheeps returning from the uphills, slowly walking the main road of Laruns, blocking the whole traffic. What a wonderful picture!

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About Pyrenees

An exceptionally beautiful region, the Catalan Pyrenees are characterised by rugged mountains and steep green valleys giving way to glossy lakes. Perfect for hiking and climbing in the summer, this part of northeastern Spain is becoming increasingly popular with skiers during the winter months. This is also a region with a rich heritage and some fantastic culinary traditions. Whether you’re dreaming of swish ski resorts or charming little lakeside hotels, our Gurus’ pick of the best places to stay in the Pyrenees has it all.

The Pyrenees famously form a dramatic border between France and Spain . This mountainous setting has also facilitated a unique melding of cultures, perhaps most recognisable in the lilt of the language and the flavours of the food. There are architectural influences, too, from both countries. Take the time to explore the narrow Vall de Boí, or the stunning Valle de Tena, spotting Romanesque churches and ancient monasteries clinging to precarious rocky perches, as well as charming little hamlets with cosy eateries aplenty.

Travel during the summer months to hike, climb or cycle between mountain communities, through flower-filled meadows and forested valleys. In the winter months, you can join Spanish winter sports enthusiasts on the slopes at Baqueira or Formigal . Expect the best places to stay in the Pyrenees to fill up fast at this time!

The Best Places to Stay in the Pyrenees

For a charming b&b.

• Hotel Almud is a charming heritage B&B set inside a traditional stone house near to Sallent de Gállego. Individually decorated rooms have wooden floors, antique furniture, and brightly painted walls. Gather in the cosy bar after days of hiking, cycling or sailing on the reservoir.

For Keen Skiers

• Chalet Bassibe has cosy interiors with exposed beams and pitched ceilings, promising all the charm of a classic chalet. Flexible options for couples, friends and families travelling together make this a great choice for a relaxed holiday in Baqueira. Friendly and well-priced.
• La Pleta , also in Baqueira, is a more modern mountain getaway with 63 crisp rooms and four restaurants. Family-friendly options are available, and there are stacks of activities for guests of all ages. Grown ups will adore the indulgent spa.
• AC Baqueira Ski Resort sits at the foot of the slopes in Baqueira, just 50 metres from the cable car. Chic contemporary style abounds in the 69 rooms and suites. An soothing spa, gourmet restaurant and two bars — one with DJ nights and terrific cocktails — add to the appeal. A five-star ski resort experience.
• Hotel Val de Neu is another five star spot, also close to the ski lifts. Interiors have a sophisticated alpine feel, with 120 indulgent rooms and suites decorated in white and natural tones. Unwind in the spa and hot tub after days of adventure, before feasting on superb cuisine in the restaurants. Families are very welcome.

For Boutique Chic

• Hotel Villa Paulita is a chic art nouveau mansion with modern interiors. Set on the edge of a lake in Puigcerda, it's a wonderful base for those looking to unwind in blissful tranquility, the peaks of the Pyrenees rising in the background. The spa and fine dining restaurant are excellent.
• La Casueña , just outside Lanuza, has chic suites with natural wood tones, crisp white linens and big bathtubs. The views of the Rio Gallego reservoir from the flower-filled terrace are a particular highlight, and the attractive restaurant specialises in flavoursome regional cuisine. Absolutely lovely and affordably priced.
• Bonansa Country Hotel offers stylish contemporary rooms in tiny Bonansa. Perfect for couples, friends and families, the hotel has a swimming pool, a spa and a very good restaurant. Well-located for outdoorsy types eager to explore the landscapes of the Pyrenees.

For Design Aficionados

• Torre del Remei is a superb five-star hotel and a foodie favourite. Built by a disciple of Gaudi's in 1910, the mansion itself is magical, and its interiors have been beautifully decorated. Savour mouth-watering cuisine in the gourmet restaurant, featuring ingredients sourced from the property's own organic gardens. A gem.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com .

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Depending on your destination, fly to Lleida-Alguaire Airport , Girona Aiport , Zaragoza Airport or to either Lourdes-Tarbes-Pyrénées or Toulouse-Blagnac Airport , across the border in France . Continue by road or rail from there. You'll also find high-speed trains from Spanish cities — such as Barcelona — into the Pyrenees.
• The Pyrenees region is wonderful for a road trip, particularly during the summer months! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel between December and March for winter sports, as the highest snowfall is expected during these months. For hiking and mountain biking, visit between May and September, when the mountains are spectacularly green and temperatures average at around 20°C - 27°C.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Baqueira .
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in neighbouring Aragón .
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Monthly Weather in Pyrenees

Best hotels in pyrenees, hotel almud formigal (sallent de gallego) 10 rooms from £72.

A delightful and traditional hotel in a small village. Unique rooms are cosy and elegant with wooden floors, antique furniture, and brightly painted walls. Views of the mountains, intimate bar area. An ideal choice for an active holiday exploring the mountains in the fresh air. See More

Hospes Villa Paulita Puigcerdà, Catalonia 38 rooms from £100

A stylish relaxing country get-away on the shores of its own lake, surrounded by Schierbeck Park, and framed by the Catalan Pyrenees. An art-nouveau mansion with fantastic spa facilities and a gourmet restaurant. For those who like the fine things in life. See More

La Casuena Formigal 10 rooms from £108

A charming and rustic hotel nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, beside a lake, and a few kilometres from the ski resort, Formigal. Large rooms have wooden floorboards and attractive furnishings. Excellent regional cuisine and access to fantastic mountain fresh air and sport. See More

Chalet Bassibe Baqueira (Urbanización Nin de Beret 2) 33 rooms from £108

This modern chalet is located in the Baqueira-Beret ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees. Interiors are warm and inviting, with exposed beams and pitched ceilings; book a family room if you are travelling with children. Soak in the hotel hot tub after a day on the slopes; a charming mountain retreat. See More

La Pleta Baqueira 63 rooms from £160

A mountain get-away set in a fairytale chalet in the heart of the Pyrenees. A plethora of mountain activities, a candlelit menu of spa treats, and gastronomic feasts in one of the four restaurants. A destination for thrill seekers and/or spa breaks. See More

Bonansa Country Hotel Pyrenees 8 rooms from £139

Luxurious hotel in the Pyrenees featuring contemporary decor, an on site spa, stunning views and its own restaurant. There are plenty of outdoor activities available nearby for those in search of an action packed holiday. A great little find. See More

AC Baqueira Hotel & Spa Baqueira (Catalan Pyrenees) 69 rooms from £195

In the Catalan resort of Baqueira in the Pyrenees (Spain's premier ski resort) is the smart Five Star AC Baqueira Hotel and Spa. Ideally situated at the foot of the slopes and 50m from the cable car. Contemporary, designer hotel. Cool suites and spa & built in night-life with two sophisticated bars See More

Torre del Remei Catalonia 4 rooms from £226

A beautiful small palace built in the style of Gaudi. A majestic setting between the Pyrenees. Stunning gardens, large contemporary classic rooms and suites, fabulous cuisine, and lots to do in the mountains. Family friendly, romantic, scenic, gourmet. See More

Hotel Val de Neu Baqueira 120 rooms from £286

Luxurious hotel just 50m from the ski lift. Large, cosy sitting room for relaxing with a drink and top notch spa & outdoor hot tub for easing weary limbs. Rooms are contemporary in style with plenty of exposed wood for an alpine feel. Various restaurant choices and one especially for kids! See More

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Pyrenees Travels, Exclusive Tours in Spanish Pyrenees

Discover the Spanish Pyrenees:

Exclusive trips through the legendary mountain regions of the Spanish Pyrenees, which possess a genuine and authentic character.

Our expert local guides will take you through some of the most breathtaking national and natural parks and introduce you to the many historical monuments and ancient towns. You will savour Spanish culture while sampling the region’s irresistible cuisine and wines. In the evening you can relax from your day in one of our beautiful boutique” hotels. Our trips are of high quality and very special, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday without worries.

Stones and History | In-depth Cultural

Millennial culture revolves around a mountain lifestyle.

Ancient paths | the best hikes in pyrenees.

Where mountains tell centuries of history

The wild side | feel the power of pyrenees.

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Kingdom of the rivers | mountains and water.

Find out the Beat of Spanish Pyrenees

Discover the Spanish Pyrenees

Beautiful landscapes, ancient towns, and a thousand-year-old culture.

The Pyrenees epitomise nature in its purest form. From shimmering blue lakes to ancient glaciers, from deep canyons to majestic mountain peaks and from wild rivers to unspoilt forests, it is truly a nature lover’s paradise. Our experienced local guides will take you on a journey that will awaken your senses as you visit protected national parks rich in fauna and flora. You will also discover Spain’s vibrant culture as you explore the region’s unique parochial villages, castles and churches. And, of course, you will fortify yourself with the exquisite local cuisine and wines.

Locations: Majestic National and Natural Parks

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Basque Country (GR10): ocean-to-mountains

The Grande Randonnée (GR) is the French way to describe one big walking adventure or simply translated as The Great Hike. A huge network of hiking footpaths crosses France, Spain, Belgium and Netherlands, among which is the famous GR10 Transpyrenean Trail. The trail connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic ocean by crossing the Pyrenees at their 800km length. Hiking the entire route usually takes up to 52 days but this self-guided program will let you discover the beauty of the most beautiful sites along the itinerary in just 8 days. The walking trip starts from Hendaye, a fishing port located on the bay of Txingudi where you will be taken to the first foothills of the Pyrenees. This self-guided walking trip will let you discover the Basque Country with its colorful unusual villages, placed in the warm embrace of lush valleys and guarded by the majestic peaks of the emblematic Rhune. Strolling around you will encounter an exceptional cultural identity of this region and the walk will meet you with the unique presence of typical animals such as the bétisu, small wild cows, or the pottoks, Basque ponies living in the wild. A colorful palette of stunning views, mythical history and emblematic culture will be completed by delicious meals in those gastronomic places along the route! A hiking journey where the ocean and mountains meet is awaiting you!

Walking Grade/ Difficulty

See more here

• Destination France
• Duration 8 Days I Level: 2/3 (of 5)
• What is included 2-3-4* hotels (en-suite rooms) incl. breakfast and dinner (dinners on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6); Detailed roadbook (route notes in English and walking maps) - 1 set per group of 1-4 pax; Luggage transfers (1 piece per person, max 15kg); People transfers as per program (Day 7); GPS tracks if required; Emergency hotline;
• What is not included Drinks, other meals and transfers, entry fees
• Best period April, May, June, July, August, September, October

FROM OUR GALLERY

Self-guided hiking and inn to inn walking tour along the GR10 in the Basque Country Pyrenees (France)

Day 1: Arrive in Hendaye (6km; 2hrs; +80m/-80m)

Day 2: hendaye to ibardin (15km; 4,30-5hrs, +845m/-460m), day 3: ibardin to sare (17km; 5,30hrs; +700m/-1000m), day 4: sare to ainhoa (12km; 3,30hrs, +250/-200m), day 5: ainhoa to itxassou (12-17km; 4-6hrs, +360-800m/-420-865m), day 6: itxassou to bidarray (14km; 5hrs, +700/-650m), day 7: saint etienne de baïgorry to saint jean pied de port (16km; 5,30-6hrs, +500/-950m), day 8: departure day, tour location.

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On the Famed Long-distance GR10 Trail

Hiking the french pyrenees.

From $5,795

Moderate to Strenuous

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

The GR10, running the length of the French Pyrenees, is one of Europe's classic hiking trails. Our journey celebrates the most spectacular sections as we follow a high route to wild glacial cirques, mighty waterfalls, and crystalline lakes. Grande Randonée (GR) stands for “great walk” in French and our hikes are moderate to challenging, yet well rewarded as they bring us to destinations like the Cirque de Gavarnie, a World Heritage Site with 4,000-foot-high walls. One of our hikes starts at the Pont d'Espagne, once an important trading route to Spain, where the rivers still demarcate the grazing territory between French and Spanish farmers. We'll visit classic villages and stay in family-run mountain hotels along the way.

Arrive: Pau, France

Depart: Pau, France

• Follow the famed GR10 across the high trails of France's Pyrenees National Park
• Hike below the towering rock faces of the Cirque de Gavarnie, a World Heritage Site
• Enjoy the special culture of the Pyrenees, with its blend of Spanish and French influences
• Stay in family-run inns and hotels in charming mountain villages

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in charming inns and hotels
• All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Angleterre

Arreau, France

Days 1-2 (2 nights)

La Grange aux Marmottes

Viscos, France

Days 3-4 (2 nights)

Grand Hotel Vignemale

Gavarnie, France

Days 5-6 (2 nights)

Hotel Lion d'Or

Cauterets, France

Days 7-8 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Céline Brossard

Julien Johnston

What the Trip is Like

• 1,700 feet gain/loss
• Altitudes range from 6,000-8,700 feet
• Day 3: 11 miles, 7-8 hours, 1,550 feet gain, and 3,700 feet loss

Client Testimonials

"I usually don’t repeat a trip but this trip I would enjoy doing again. So well organized, great itinerary, beautiful hikes every day. The landscapes were breathtaking. I now understand why the French Pyrenees trip is sold out every year. My favorite WT trip thus far."

Woodstock, NY

"The French Pyrenees are spectacular. I have been in the Alps and the Himalayas, and these mountains top the list. The trip was very well designed and executed—wonderful, small hotels in picturesque hamlets, great food and challenging hikes. WT should consider offering it more often!"

Sunset Valley, TX

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

• About Hike Pyrenees

Self Guided Walking Holidays

Hotel to hotel or single centre itineraries, a stress free holiday, we provide maps and detailed route descriptions, hotel to hotel or single centre, pyrenees self guided walking holidays.

Our self guided walking holidays are designed to help you make the most of your time in the Pyrenees. They’re perfect if you like to explore the hills on your own but would like to take advantage of our local knowledge to get straight to the best walks.

We’ve a choice of either hotel to hotel holidays where we move your luggage each day or single centre based holidays.

We organise your accommodation, provide route cards, maps, weather forecasts, advice, driving directions and picnic lunches leaving you free to relax and enjoy your holiday.

You have a full briefing on arrival with one of our guides who will help you get straight to the best hikes. Before your holiday we send you a comprehensive Pyrenees information pack along with your hiking maps and are around during the week to offer advice on routes and answer any questions you have.

Hotel to hotel walking along the length of the Valle de Tena, staying at different villages during the week. We transport your luggageeach day meaning you just have to walk with a daypack.

Discover the beauty and culture of the Catalan Pyrenees. Part of the week is village to village hiking and the rest is centred at one hotel. Wonderful scenery and the main hotel has a pool and spa to relax in after a day in the mountains.

Explore an undiscovered area of Spain with this circular route in the Puertos de Beceite – with a perfect weatherfor hiking nearly year round. The hiking is really diverse with one side of the range being conglomerate and the other limestone.

The Valle de Tena has a wonderful variety of scenery and routes. Our route notes and advice will get you straight to the best spots. Choice of three villages and hotels.

Hike between the remote villages of the Sierra de Guara natural park. The park has perfect hiking weather in the spring and autumn so you can hike earlier and later in the year than our Village to Village holiday in the Valle de Tena.

Discover the best of the Ordesa National Park – one of the highlights of the Pyrenees. Make sure you get the most of out your time in the park with our Self Guided Ordesa holidays.

The Pyrenees specialists

Hotel to hotel.

Hike between traditional Spanish villages, discovering new sights each day. Bags moved each day and detailed directions and maps provided. Routes in the high Pyrenees and also further south for early season hiking.

Briefing on arrival

You always have a briefing on arrival with one of our guides to talk through the weather, route options and logistics. You get a local contact during your stay to answer any questions you have and offer advice.

The real Pyrenees

Discover the real culture of the Pyrenees. We’re a local company and with our local knowledge we know the best hotels, restaurants, tapas bars and all of the history of the area.

Easy to follow routecards

We provide detailed, easy to follow routecards and the best hiking maps of the area. We’ve dozens of route options for all of our self guided bases so you’ll never be short of hikes!

Arrive on any day

On our self guided holidays you can arrive and depart on any day of the week. Our minimum stay is just three nights if you need to cram a lot into a short holiday!

Up to date directions

We live and hike in the Pyrenees year round. If paths change or a signpost falls down we know very quickly and change our directions accordingly.

Easy to follow route cards

One route card means you don’t get lost while in the mountains and can concentrate on enjoying your hike. One side has detailed directions and the other a map of the route. We live locally and constatly update our directions to keep them current.

Village to Village

Hotel- to- hotel walking holiday along the length of the Valle de Tena. Superb views and charming hotels with your bags moved each day.

Village of the Guara

Fantastic hotel to hotel hiking between the villages of the Sierra de Guara. Luggage transferred each day. Superb weather for spring and autumn hiking

The Passes of Beceite

Hotel to hotel hiking in an undiscovered part of Aragon, Valencia and Catalonia. Excellent for early/late season hiking.

Hike Pyrenees allowed me to enjoy a breathtaking vacation with an old friend, with no effort on our part but walking. The scenery is spectacular, the people kind, the service excellent. I hope to return with my daughter.

Village to Village , June 2019

Everything was perfect – amazing hikes, spectacular scenery, lovely hotel and even the weather played along. Would definitely book with Hike Pyrenees again.

Ordesa Self Guided , September 2019

The walking was varied and we rarely met anyone. Sheer perfection! I cannot praise Hike Pyrenees highly enough. The whole holiday went so smoothly. All staff were highly professional and very friendly. A 10/10, 5* rating.

Villages of the Guara , May 2019

Single centre self guided holidays

Base your self at a hotel and hike either from the hotel door or a short drive away. We’ve a choice of three hotels to stay in – two in the Valle de Tena and one in Torla for the Ordesa National Park . All have fantastic hiking on their doorstep.

Tena Valley

The Valle de Tena has a wonderful variety of scenery and routes. Our route notes will get you straight to the best spots. Choice of three villages and hotels.

Ordesa National Park

Let us help you discover the spectacular Ordesa National Park. We’ll show you not only the well known paths but the quiet corners that most visitors miss.

Hotel to Hotel self guided walking holidays

On our hotel to hotel holidays you walk between charming villages. We transport your luggage each day meaning you just walk with a small day pack.There are three options to choose from – the Village to Village holiday in the high mountains of the Valle de Tena, the Villages of the Guara and the Route of the Three Kingdoms which are perfect for early or late season hiking.

Self guided holiday

Read more...

Hotel to hotel hiking in an undiscovered part of Spain. Excellent for early/late season hiking.

Villages of the Guara

Family hiking & activity

A special family version of our Village to Village , including activities to keep the whole family occupied and happy during the week.

Valle de Tena

Let us help you discover the spectacular Ordesa National Park. We'll show you not only the well known paths but the quiet corners that most visitors miss.

Our self guided tour exceed our expectations. Thoroughly enjoyed our 5 days on the trail. Great diversity to our hikes and the difficulty matched our ability perfectly. Look forward to returning and seeing more of this beautiful part of Spain.

Village to Village , September 2018

Wonderful holiday, excellent organisation and beautiful varied walking. It was very reassuring to know that the briefing, cards were so well written and accurate in their timings.

Village to Village & Ordesa Self Guided , April 2018

Hike Pyrenees made this experience so easy that we were able to fully enjoy our vacation. We would have never been able to find the hikes that Hike Pyrenees researched so well. We really can´t say enough nice thing about Hike Pyrenees.

Biescas Self Guided , June 2018

Keep in touch

Receive occasional newsletters about our walking holidays and the fascinating flora, fauna and culture of the Pyrenees. Perfect if you're planning a trip to the Pyrenees and want to know more about their wildlife and history.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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