It does not matter if you are a lover of hiking, good food, culture, mountain sports (especially skiing) or if you are simply passionate about contemplating the purest nature: The Aran Valley can satisfy all your wishes.
Located in the Pyrenees, this valley is one of the most spectacular in our country and has countless charming towns (a category in which other points such as Llanes and Mijas also stand out).
Also, if you live in Barcelona you can get there in just four hours by car, while if you live in Zaragoza you have a slightly shorter trip. Another option is to take a plane to Girona or Lleida airport and rent a car there for the end of the journey. We advise you to have your own vehicle to move around the area with ease.
The offer that it offers is infinite, but among all the beautiful towns that this valley hides, we are left with five perfect options for the intrepid who go to the Aran Valley for the first time in their lives. Remember this: they are all cool towns to get lost in when the heat hits, like Griegos or Bulnes.
Vielha
We start with the capital of the valley, Vielha. Don’t be scared of reading “capital”, it is a very quiet small town that is home to mountain restaurants with a delicious menu, such as Era Lucana. Getting lost in the streets of the historic center is a joy.
Especially, worth a visit is the Church of Sant Miquèu, in Gothic style, and the Passeig dera Llibertat. The passage of the Nere river achieves a fairy tale postcard. For shopping lovers, Avenida Castiero is a paradise for lovers of adventure sports.
Artsies
Arties is an exceptional place for those who want to capture a perfect winter postcard. The visit to the Hermitage of San Jaime de Arties, the Hermitage of San Pelegrín de Arties and the Church of Santa María de Arties. it is obligatory.
There is a Parador to sleep and restaurants of height, like Trebol. A notice: during the colder months it is usually full of tourists. Better, drop in fall or spring.
Aparthotel El Refugio de Aran Vielha – 2 nights, 2 adults
Salardu
The passage of the Garonne and Unhola rivers makes Salardú a great spot for those who want to practice water sports. Also, The proximity of this town to the ski slopes of Baqueira Beret makes it a perfect place to sleep without leaving us a pasture.
Those who are not into skiing and want to enjoy the surroundings on foot, can opt for the route through Pla de Beret and Montgarri. In the town, the Plaza Mayor and the Church of San Andrés de Salardú stand out.
Bossost
Almost touching France we arrive at Bossost. It is common to see French people buying in their stores (and saving a good amount of money, things as they are).
Far from consumerism, the River Garona crosses through this town where we can lose ourselves in the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary in Romanesque style from the 12th century and we can make the Route of the 7 Protective Hermitages.
Bagerge
Finally, we stop at Bagergue. The highest town in the valley has belonged to the Association “The most beautiful towns in Spain” since 2019, so its beauty does not give way to debate.
In addition to contemplating the typical houses of the Pyrenees, the parish church of Sant Fèlix and the church of San Feliu shine. Restaurant Unhola and El Jardí Dels Pomers are recommended places to eat.
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Photos | www.visitvaldaran.com