Looking for a Spain holiday that’s a little more off-the-beaten-track? Well, if you’re a nature lover, you’ll be an even bigger lover of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Though often overlooked as a recommended tourist spot, these incredible mountains are considered the most beautiful of the Spanish Pyrenees and are definitely worth visiting.
The peaks sit high in the clouds with their snowy tops visible even in the warmer months. Enjoy the beautiful verdant valleys, clear skies and natural rivers as you wander across this national treasure of Spain, making sure to visit these top spots along the way.
Alquézar
The medieval town of Alquézar was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998 and is home to some historical marvels. To the north of the town you can find an array of prehistoric cave paintings, and there is an eleventh-century collegiate church (Santa Maria) at the town’s centre. It’s an ideal place to explore if you’re after a cultural holiday, although it also offers some great attractions for adventurers – rock-climbing, abseiling and canyoning are all popular sports in this area thanks to the outstanding waterways and gorges.
AÃnsa
In the Middle Ages this stone town was the capital of a small Kingdom called Sobrarbe, and doesn’t seem to have changed since. The wonderful architecture of the artisan shops and restaurants surrounding the cobbled streets remains miraculously unchanged, and the dramatic backdrop of the Peña Montañesa gives the whole town a majestic and historical ambience.
Panticosa
This area is best known for being home to one of the best ski destinations in the country, Formigal Ski Resort. Panticosa becomes a stunning snowy paradise in the winter months, and the white-topped peaks give it that postcard-perfect appearance. However, it hasn’t always been a skiing haven – in the nineteenth century the town was known for its pure mountain waters that were believed to have cured diseases.
Lanuza
This is a great village to visit in the summer as you’ll be able to catch the annual live arts and music festival, Festival Pirineos Sur. The village itself is miniscule, and quite hard to make out from a distance as it’s nestled at the foot of the mountains beside Lake Lanuza. Pay it a visit and you’ll find a fourteenth-century church and some picturesque stone houses.
How to Get There
Flying into Barcelona Airport is the best way to reach the Aragonese Pyrenees and takes just two hours. From the airport, whether you’re staying in Barcelona itself or in the towns along the Pyrenees, pre-booking a shuttle transfer is the most effective way to reach your accommodation and get your Spain holiday started as soon as possible. Depending on where you choose to stay, the transfer time could be up to four hours.
Author Plate
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re planning a getaway to Spain, holiday plans are made much easier with a pre-booked airport transfer. Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport of your choice swiftly and safely.
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