When it comes to European mountain ranges, the Pyrenees are often overlooked in favour of the Alps. But the truth is this mountain range, straddling the border between Spain and neighbouring France, offers a number of features and activities that many would–be visitors will find irresistible.
The Best Ways to Enjoy the Pyrenees
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park: A Hiker’s Paradise
For more than a century, there has been a national park nestled in the famous Ordesa Valley. Here, you’ll find a wealth of vegetation, animals, and soaring hiking trails, of a kind that is without rival anywhere in Europe. Among the more popular hiking trails is the Cola de Caballo waterfall route, which will take you through caves, meadows, forests, and rivers. The trail is around ten miles, there and back, and requires a reasonable level of fitness. The spectacle along the way is something you won’t soon forget!
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park: Lakes and Peaks
If your travels take you to Catalonia, make sure you carve out time for their only national park, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici. The heart of the park is the beautiful Lake St Maurici. A leisurely stroll around the lake offers not just stunning views but also the chance to spot some incredible wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for chamois, perhaps even a bear, deer, and those adorable stoats. For wildlife enthusiasts, it’s a slice of Spanish wilderness at its finest.
Stepping Back in Time
There’s more to walking holidays in Spain than impressive natural landscapes. The Pyrenees has also been a place of particular significance at several points in its history. And you can still find evidence of the historic forces that have helped shape the region, most obviously in the form of a number of medieval villages, whose historic buildings remain incredibly well preserved.
You might, for example, pay a visit to Panticosa, where Europe’s oldest thermal spas are to be found. If you want a really authentic experience of the region, then you might time your visit to coincide with one of the many local festivals being hosted here.
Conquering Mountain Passes
For those who love a bit of adventure on two wheels, the Pyrenees are a cyclist’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just enjoy a scenic ride, you’ll find routes that cater to all levels. Make sure the Pyrenees is on your cycling holiday bucket list this year.
Spring and autumn are ideal for cycling, and if you can, consider joining an organized tour. It takes the stress out of planning, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking scenery and the thrill of the ride. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
The Pyrenees is a paradise for cyclists, offering plenty of routes that will cater to everyone from relative beginners to season mountain cyclists. Getting the best from your holiday typically means favouring spring and autumn, and looking for an organised tour, so that you can minimise the stress of planning one yourself.