Huesca y Pirineos

Castillo de Loarre

· Loarre

The best preserved Romanesque castle in Europe, built in the 11th century on a cliff overlooking the plains of Huesca as a base for the northern kingdoms facing the Andalusi frontiers. It appeared in several films, including “Kingdom of Heaven”.

Easy to reach · needs a car

40 min by car from Huesca; short walk from the car park to the castle, with steps inside.

Cueva de las Güixas

· Villanúa

A cave in the Aragón valley of the Pyrenees, inhabited by people since the Neolithic and linked to legends of the “witches” (güixas); it is home to a protected bat colony. An easy visit, suitable for children.

Easy to reach · needs a car

Car park at the edge of Villanúa; a short walk to the entrance, and the tour is easy with a few steps. Services in the town.

Monasterio de San Juan de la Peña

· Botaya (Jaca)

An old monastery carved beneath a giant rock, the burial place of the first kings of Aragon, with a 17th-century new monastery above it that houses an interpretation centre. The road to it passes through splendid pine forests.

Easy to reach · needs a car

30 min by car from Jaca; car parks at the new monastery, and a shuttle bus in season.

Estación Internacional de Canfranc

· Canfranc-Estación

A huge railway station from the 1920s, deep in the Pyrenees on the French border and 240 metres long, linked to stories of gold and espionage in the Second World War. Today it is a luxury hotel.

Easy to reach · needs a car

30 min by car from Jaca, or by regional train from Zaragoza; the station is flat.

Ciudadela de Jaca (Castillo de San Pedro)

· Jaca

A 16th-century pentagonal fortress surrounded by a grassy moat where deer graze, one of the best preserved military fortresses in Spain. Inside is a museum of miniature soldiers that children love.

Easy to reach · needs a car

1 hour and 10 minutes from Huesca; in the centre of Jaca with a car park nearby.

Catedral de Huesca

· Huesca

• Originally a mosque (confirmed)

The mosque of Huesca was converted into a cathedral after the city fell in 1096 CE, and it was used until the Gothic cathedral was built on its site starting in 1273 CE. Nothing of it remains visible.

Aínsa – Plaza Mayor y casco medieval

· Aínsa

One of the most beautiful villages in Spain: a stone town from the 11th century on a hill at the confluence of the Cinca and Ara rivers, with an arcaded main square, a castle and walls, and the Pyrenean peaks behind. It was the capital of the first Christian kingdom, Sobrarbe, facing the Andalusi Upper March.

Easy to reach · needs a car

Driving is the practical choice (few buses from Barbastro). Park at the castle car park (about 4 €) and the square is a few minutes away on flat paved ground. The road from the new town to the old one is a steep climb if you walk. Restaurants and toilets available.

Alquézar – Colegiata de Santa María

· Alquézar

A village suspended above the Vero river gorge in the Sierra de Guara; its name comes from the Arabic “al-Qasr”. Khalaf ibn Rashid founded it as a castle in the 9th century on the frontier of the Upper March; it later became a fortified collegiate church that crowns the village. One of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

Moderate effort · needs a car

By car only; paid car park at the village entrance, then paved sloping alleys, 10–15 min uphill to the church. The wooden walkways over the Vero river are a two-hour circular route with hundreds of steps; not suitable for pushchairs or anyone afraid of heights. Very hot in summer.

Casas rurales la Ribera Ordesa

· Escalona

Independent stone country houses with full kitchens on the edge of Ordesa National Park in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Easy to reach · needs a car

In Escalona on the A-138 road near Aínsa (10 min), where the shops and pharmacy are. A car is essential. Note: the Ordesa valley road from Torla is closed to cars in summer, at Easter and on some holidays, and a paid shuttle bus is used.

Ordesa – Cola de Caballo

· Torla-Ordesa

The most famous trail in the Spanish Pyrenees: it climbs the Ordesa valley between towering rock walls and successive waterfalls to the Cola de Caballo waterfall below Monte Perdido.

Moderate effort · needs a car

In summer, at Easter and in autumn, cars are not allowed in and a bus runs from Torla to the Pradera de Ordesa. Return trip.

Distance

17 km · 500 m climb · 6 hours

Cañón de Añisclo (San Úrbez – Fuen Blanca)

· Fanlo / Escalona

A deep, narrow gorge in Ordesa park, starting from the hermitage of San Úrbez carved into the rock and following the turquoise Bellós river. Less crowded than Ordesa.

Moderate effort · needs a car

San Úrbez car park on the HU-631 (one-way from Escalona in summer). Return trip.

Distance

8 km · 300 m climb · 3 hours (to La Ripareta)

Pasarelas del Río Vero (Alquézar)

· Alquézar

Metal walkways suspended on the walls of the Vero gorge beneath the medieval village of Alquézar, with turquoise pools. A short loop that is thrilling for children.

Moderate effort · needs a car

Car park at the entrance to Alquézar (paid); the route starts at the church. A loop that returns to the village.

Distance

3 km · 200 m climb · 1:30–2 hours · circular

Casa Rural Orós Alto

· Orós Alto (Valle de Tena)

A new house with four bedrooms and three bathrooms in a small village in the Tena valley, close to Panticosa, Formigal and Biescas.

Casa Rural El Chalé de Sopena

· Santaliestra (Ribagorza)

A comfortable rural villa for families in Ribagorza, between the rivers, walking trails and adventure sports.

Mallos de Riglos

· Riglos

Giant red rock pillars rising up to 300 metres above the village of Riglos, among the most famous climbing sites in Europe and home to a large colony of vultures. The view from the road alone is amazing.

Easy to reach · needs a car

45 min by car from Huesca; the view from a car park on the road, and the trails are rocky.

Benasque

· Benasque

The highest valley in the Aragonese Pyrenees: a mountain town of stone houses and slate roofs beneath Aneto (3404 m), the highest peak in the Pyrenees; a summer destination for walking to glacial lakes and a winter one for skiing at Cerler.

How to get there

Alosa bus from Huesca (≈2 h 30 min) — by car ≈2 h

Easy to reach · needs a car

By car, or by a daily bus from Barbastro; the town is flat and has full services. For the Aigualluts waterfalls: in summer cars are banned beyond Benasque, and the La Besurta point is reached by shuttle bus, then an easy 40-minute walk. Mountain weather changes after noon.

Ansó

· Ansó

One of the most beautiful villages in the Aragonese Pyrenees, with huge stone houses, dark roofs and quiet alleys in an isolated green valley. It connects to the Hecho valley and the dense forests of Zuriza.

Easy to reach · needs a car

1 hour by car from Jaca on a narrow mountain road; car park at the entrance, and the village is small and easy to walk around.

Pradera de Ordesa – Cola de Caballo

· Torla-Ordesa

The most beautiful valley in the Spanish Pyrenees: a paved path between beech forests and towering rock walls, passing a series of waterfalls (Arripas, Estrechura and de la Cueva) up to the Cola de Caballo waterfall. About 17 km there and back in 6 hours, with a gradual, not difficult climb; with small children you can stop at the first waterfalls (1.5 hours).

Hard going · needs a car

In summer and at Easter a shuttle bus from Torla is compulsory. From the Pradera to the Cola de Caballo waterfall is about 8 km one way, with a 400 m climb; 5–6 hours there and back. Restaurant and toilets at the Pradera only. Weak coverage, and changeable mountain weather.

Guias Buenaventura

· Alquézar

The Sierra de Guara in Huesca is considered the canyoning capital of Europe, with dozens of limestone canyons carved by rivers in the pre-Pyrenees, where you jump into turquoise pools and slide down smooth rocks. Its starting point is the town of Alquézar, above which stands a fortress founded in the Islamic period (al-Qasr); its name still carries that Arabic origin.

Hard going · needs a car

An activity with a guide: drive on rural roads to the Guara gorges, a 15–60 min approach walk, then jumping, sliding and swimming in cold water. Good fitness and swimming ability needed. Cancelled if there is a risk of storms. Coverage is weak.

Formigal-Panticosa

· Formigal

Spain's largest ski area, with about 180 km of linked slopes in the Tena valley of the Aragonese Pyrenees. The season is usually December to April; it has beginner areas, ski schools and children's clubs, which make it suited to families.

Moderate effort · needs a car

On the A-136 road in the Tena valley; large car parks at the base. Carry snow chains, and the road may close during storms. Full services at the resort. Seasonal buses from Jaca/Sabiñánigo.

Pasarelas del río Vero (Alquézar)

· Alquézar

A circular trail on metal walkways hung on the walls of the Vero river gorge beneath the village of Alquézar, with turquoise waters and pools for swimming. One of the most beautiful trails in the Sierra de Guara.

Moderate effort · needs a car

1 hour by car from Huesca; it starts from the village of Alquézar, with many steps up and down.

Congost de Mont-rebei

· Sant Esteve de la Sarga

The last pristine wild gorge in Catalonia: a rock wall 500 m high split only 20 m wide; the path is carved into the rock above turquoise water, with two spectacular suspension bridges. The short loop to the first bridge (3–4 hours) suits teenagers and older children.

Hard going · needs a car

By car on a long winding road to the La Masieta car park (book in advance, 6 euros). About 10 km there and back to the Seguer bridge, 3.5–4 hours: a passage carved into the cliff with suspended bridges. No water or toilets, no coverage, and intense heat in summer.

Ordesa Pirineos Zipline

· Bergua (Broto)

One of the longest and fastest zip lines in Europe: about a minute and a half of flight over the forests and valleys of the Pyrenees with views of the Ordesa peaks, after a fun climb in a 4x4. An intense experience for teenagers and adults, ideal combined with a visit to the Ordesa valley.

Easy to reach · needs a car

By car to Bergua on a narrow mountain road. A short walk from the reception point to the launch point, with age and weight limits. Limited facilities; restaurants in Broto and Torla. Advance booking.

Tirolina Valle de Tena

· Hoz de Jaca

It starts from the terrace of the village of Hoz de Jaca, perched above the Búbal dam, and flies nearly a kilometre over forests and water, in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Aragonese Pyrenees near the Formigal and Panticosa resorts.

Easy to reach · needs a car

Take-off from the village of Hoz de Jaca on a mountain road; a car park in the village and a short walk. Advance booking, with age and weight limits. Closed in wind and storms. Few facilities; Biescas and Sallent are 15 min away.

Astún

· Astún

A resort at the Somport pass on the French border, with wide slopes and beautiful views, suited to intermediate and advanced skiers more than complete beginners. The season runs from December to April; in summer its lifts are used to reach the mountain lakes.

Moderate effort · needs a car

At the Somport pass (N-330); car park beside the station. The road is snowy and chains are sometimes needed; the Canfranc train is nearby, then a bus. Suitable for intermediate level; services at the station.

Estación de esquí de Candanchú

· Candanchú

One of the oldest ski resorts in Spain, on the historic Somport road beside the famous Canfranc railway station. The season runs from December to April, with moderate prices and fewer crowds, suited to intermediate skiers and experienced families.

Moderate effort · needs a car

On the N-330 near Somport; car park at the base and hotels. Chains are sometimes necessary. Train to Canfranc, then bus or taxi. Services at the station; strong wind sometimes closes the lifts.

Cascada del Sorrosal

· Broto

A waterfall dropping about 100 metres at the entrance to the town of Broto in the Ordesa valley of the Aragonese Pyrenees; on its wall is one of Spain's best-known via ferrata routes (climbing with iron cables).

Easy to reach · needs a car

At the entrance to Broto; the waterfall is visible from the road, and a short walk of 5–10 min. The via ferrata route needs equipment and a guide. Services in Broto.

Camping Peña Montañesa

· Labuerda (Aínsa)

A large camping resort near Aínsa in the Huesca Pyrenees, with cabins, a covered pool and an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a supermarket. A starting point for Ordesa National Park and the stone villages.

Lacuniacha – Parque Faunístico

· Piedrafita de Jaca

A zoo in the Pyrenean forest of the Tena valley with bears, wolves, bison, deer and ibex in wide natural surroundings; a walking trail of about 4 km with mountain views.

Ages

3–14

Setting

Outdoors

Parque Faunístico Lacuniacha

· Piedrafita de Jaca

A zoo in a mountain forest in the Tena valley, with bears, wolves, ibex, bison and deer in wide natural spaces. The trail is about 4 km among the trees, with views of the Pyrenees.

Moderate effort · needs a car

1 hour by car from Jaca; car park before the entrance, and an uneven forest track that is not suitable for small pushchairs.

Piedrafita Mountain Lodge

· Piedrafita de Jaca (Valle de Tena)

Modern wooden cabins with a view of the Pyrenean peaks in the Tena valley, a few steps from Lacuniacha – Parque Faunístico, the wild animal park in the forest. In the morning two friendly horses greet the children, and the trail to the Piedrafita glacial lake is easy for families.

Camping & Bungalows Ordesa

· Torla-Ordesa

At the entrance to Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, Spain's oldest mountain reserve and one of UNESCO's sites; from here you take the bus to the Ordesa valley and its waterfalls.

Parking Ordesa Pirineos

· Fiscal

A quiet service area in the mountain village of Fiscal, surrounded by Pyrenean peaks, with water and waste emptying; a calmer and cheaper alternative to the Torla campsites for travelling between Ordesa and Aínsa.

Ruta del Pirineo: Navarra – Aragón – Cataluña

· Pamplona → Girona

From Pamplona to Girona via the Roncal valley, Jaca, Ordesa, Aínsa, Benasque, the Aran valley and the Aigüestortes park: 8–12 days and about 700–900 km, with Spain's highest peaks, glacial lakes and Romanesque stone villages, and mild temperatures in summer.

Zona de barbacoas y merendero Los Cerezos (Jaca)

· Jaca

A private paid barbecue and picnic area beside a country house on the road to France near Jaca in the Pyrenees, with fully equipped barbecues, a river pool for swimming and a safe area for children.

Easy to reach · needs a car

5 min by car from Jaca on the N-330 (km 2). Car park, barbecue equipment.

Barbecue

Barbecue is allowed by booking and payment (a private equipped facility); it may be suspended on days of extreme danger.

Balneario de Panticosa – Termas de Tiberio

· Panticosa

A thermal spa at 1,600 m in a glacial valley of the Pyrenees, with an outdoor hot pool facing the peaks. The view is exceptional, but recent reviews of the spa's maintenance and water temperature are mixed (3.8).