The Pyrenees region in Europe is one of the continent’s most breathtaking and picturesque view of the mountainside. This mountain range is quite extensive that it spans three countries namely Spain, France and Andorra. Therefore, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Pyrenees mountains wherever you are in each of these three countries. Travel to the Spanish Pyrenees is the most popular viewpoint for all of these countries, however. The view of horses grazing over the mountains and valleys are one of the more popular images of Spain.
The Spanish Pyrenees looms over most part of the Catalonia region in Spain. Hence, travel to Spanish Pyrenees and its snow-tipped mountains are one of the recommended destinations and sights in the province. The landscape is awash in greens from the lush mountains, rolling hills, clammy forests and ribboned cliffs. Whether you are visiting in the summer or winter, you will be delighted with the view to behold.
Aside from the natural beauty you can witness when you travel to Spanish Pyrenees, the unique culture and history in the area is what draws a lot of tourists in. There are many towns and villages located at the foot of this mountain range and most of them are firmly Basque in history and outlook. This adds charm to your visit and the opportunity to get a glimpse of how the earlier folks lived in the area near the mountains.
You can also make your travel to Spanish Pyrenees one of your pit-stops in your drive along the Spanish countryside. It is quite easy to reach if you’re traveling from Barcelona. You can drive through Ripoll, which serves as a gateway town to the Pyrenees mountains. You can get to the mountains from Barcelona for less than 3 hours.
During winter, lots of tourists travel to Spanish Pyrenees because of the ski scene. Indeed, there are lots of ski resorts operating within the area along with the natural parklands. There are also trails available for hikers and trekkers. There are all sorts of adventures waiting to be explored for thrill-seekers traveling to the region. For the most challenging terrain in the Spanish Pyrenees, go to the further west area in La Seu d’Urgell. But if you are fond of white water rafting, head to the Noguera Pallaresa Valley. The churning rivers provide the perfect condition for white water rafting. And a stay at Val d’Aran is perfect for those who want to relish the finest ski resort in the area.
Travel Tips on the Spanish Pyrenees
• If you plan on hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees, summer is the best time to go (June or July to September). If you want to enjoy the Pyrenean meadows and lush views of the hillsides and valleys, visit in October. To enjoy the light frosts and colorful views, plan your travel to Spanish Pyrenees in November. For skiing holidays, travel in December to March. August is the most crowded month since it’s the peak of summer in Spain.
• When hiking, local tourist offices can provide you with maps. They also recommend day time hikes for the safety of hikers. Make sure you wear proper footwear, headwear and clothing during the hike for your own safety. Bring adequate amount of water supply too. If possible, check the weather forecasts before starting your hike to make sure there is no impending storm coming.
• There are several tour operators in the Spanish Pyrenees. Some of the common activities enjoyed by tourists include horseback riding, trekking, botanical tours, bird watching, and adventure sports.
• The closest airport you can travel to to get to the Spanish Pyrenees is Barcelona’s El Prat de Llobregat International Airport. For domestic travels, you have many other options including airports in Zaragoza, San Sebastian and Pamplona.
The Spanish Pyrenees in Photos
Travel to Spanish Pyrenees Resources
- Places to Explore in The Pyrenees
- The Planet D’s A Journey Through the Pyrenees
- Pyrenees: Criss-Crossing the Spanish-French Border
- Best Hiking Routes in Spanish Pyrenees
- Skiing the Spanish Pyrenees
- Yahoo’s These Hills Are Alive: 8 Outdoor Adventures in the Spanish Pyrenees
- Volunteering on a Vineyard in the Spanish Pyrenees