Thanks a lot Jessica for the detailed suggestion. Stage 3 - Day 6/7 : Valle de Tena - North east Navarra. Tour Game of Thrones filming locations in Girona. Every stop was interesting and picturesque. For more information check out Laurences post about his, The four main ski resorts in the Girona region of the Spanish Pyrenees are, Those interested in cross-country skiing will also want to check out. Great ways to do this is to take a nature walk, go on a hike, or cycle to explore this area actively. Hot air ballooning there was one of many wonderful experiences! Weve already booked 2 nights in Zaragosa. I would take a look at GR 1, GR2, GR 3, GR4, and GR11, and if you are planning to hike any of these for a longer distance, Id get some good hiking maps and consider investing in a guidebook (although note many are only in French or Spanish). I would also check before you go or stop at a tourism office to see if there are any festivals or markets taking place near where you go as those can be a lot of fun. Hello! We intend to take a one day trip to see the Pyrenees- can you recommend one or two towns we should plan to visit to maximize our time? September 11th is the National Day of Catalonia and is a more sober and political holiday that commemorates the fall of Barcelona and loss of liberties for Catalonia in 1714. We were given time to explore and grab lunch. My husband and I jumped on ridiculous air fares by Delta to Barcelona in January. We drove past beautiful scenery before getting to the train.. Enjoy the Spanish Pyrenees! A great place to stay for a couple of days of hiking and nice scenery. From Barcelona or Girona, there are connectionsto the Catalan Pyrenees region by car, bus, train, taxi, or rideshare. Patricia. Many of the companies that rent bikes also lead guided bike tours, provide transfers, organize biking itineraries, and rent camping gear designed for cyclists. Hope you get a chance to return to Spain and spend some time in this area. What do you think of the placs you have looked at? and youll likely need to combine train with bus service to get around the region. Traditional dishes include, Uniquefeatures of some Catalan festivals are, September 11th is the National Day of Catalonia and is a more sober and political holiday that commemorates the fall of Barcelona and loss of liberties for Catalonia in 1714. The Spanish Pyrenees are a perfect place to escape and breathe and is great tourist destination in its own right, and is popular among Catalan, Spanish, and French travelers in particular. The snow capped mountains were spectacular. It is nice contrast to Barcelona and the Costa Brava although those are both wonderful destinations as well! We had a lovely home cooked dinner our very first night in the area at our cozy B&B La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda. Best, Jessica. A unique "3 countries in 1 day" road trip that crosses three country borders and two mountain passes in one day. While this region in general is not hugely popular with international tourists, Besal is an exception so expect crowds and tour buses here. One can start of the path in a number of places such as Barcelona, Port de la Selva, or Olot. Jordi was excellent with area knowledge and history. Ideally, we would like to travel from there through/along the Pyrenees for four or five days before reaching San Sebastin. Wow so much to do and see! This small group tour from Barcelona begins with a comfortable and air-conditioned van ride to the ancient town of Vic. That said, the roads were cleared pretty quickly after the snow stopped falling so some people just pulled off the road and waited a few hours. Put on warm clothes and sturdy walking shoes, and meet your guide and the rest of your small group in central Barcelona. Best, Jessica. We love small scenic villages and surrounding places of interest. You can easily do a full one day trip to see a few villages in the Girona Pyrenees. Book your accommodation in Barcelona here! BASE RATE (paid once per tour): ANDORRA TRANSFER 3-HR SERVICE 625 One way trip Driver only - No tour guide Car or van with driver Winter is best for those who enjoy skiing and winter sports as well as those who enjoy the holidays. During this time I'd like to take a day trip to the Pyrenees. It is a good idea if heading into the mountains to have winter tires on your car and a set of snow chains in case they are needed. If you are planning to try to explore all over the Girona Pyrenees, then wed recommend considering two bases, one in the west (in the La Cerdanya region) and one in the eastern part (in the Garrotxa region). We did both the adventure park as well as snowshoeing here and had a wonderful time and the guide was fantastic. In our mid 70s so our activity will not be what I wish, but am sure that we will find plenty to do. I would take a look at, The most popular long distance path (and touristed) in Spain is, In terms of resources, Id check out local tourism board resources (online and in person) and Id also recommend the, If you are looking for information about hikes in the entire Pyrenees region (including France and Andorra), check out this, Cycling and mountain biking are very popular activities in this area, and youll find signposted cycling routes throughout the region. Laurence has skied at all four of the main ski resorts and you can check out his post that goes into detail about each of the ski resorts in the areaand provides tips for visitors in choosing a resort, getting around, and information on where to stay. I can see well need to allow more time, though. Cadaques 8. I know its January but weve visited many places in winter and find it a magical time. Since you are not skiing, I would just focus on the activities that are currently on offer that would be of interest to you. You can also visit farmers markets to buy local agricultural products, seek out restaurants that source local ingredients, visit a farm, take a cooking class, or stay in a rural cottage or farmhouse. Copyright 2013 - 2023, A Guide to Visiting the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia: A Lesser Known Region of Spain, This guide will cover how to get to the Spanish Pyrenees region, how to explore the area, and a comprehensive guide of what do in the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia. It also matters how you plan to get around the region as some areas require a car and others can be reached by train or bus. Definitely recommended! For those who want just a sampling, you can also just choose to visit a couple of the churches along the route. Some common dishes include amanida de peuada (pigs trotter salad), Olot potatoes (deep-fried potatoes stuffed with meat),farinetes (fried buckwheat porridge, sometimes flavored with ratafia), coca de llardons (sweet bread-cake with pork scratchings), andtortell danis (a circular anise-flavoured sponge-cake). Pyrenees Day Tour from Barcelona: If you're in BCN, check out this fun day tour, . Is it possible to travel by train from Barcelona to the Pyrenees rather than a car? In this region youll find all thepopular Catalan dishes, but also special local foods and dishes that are unique to the area. So there you have it, our guide to the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia! There is an adventure park (outdoor zipline courses, etc. Thank you. If you are visiting the Pyrenees on a day trip, you probably wont notice any language issues. Here you find boutique hotels, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, hostels, ski resorts, mountain inns, and farm stays. Enjoy sightseeing Sitges by day and party by night. Guided tour from Barcelona to the Pyrenees Visit the medieval town of Vic with a visit to the market Queralbs, mountain village high in the Pyrenees Ride on the toll train to the high mountain valley Vall de Nria Mountain paths and hiking routes Continue with the gondola lift into the mountains and enjoy the view from 2,200m altitude Although those running hotels and other tourist oriented businesses often speak English (or at least some English), wed recommend learning a few essential phrases in Catalan or Spanish, or have a translation guide or app handy. All categories. In this region youll find all thepopular Catalan dishes, but also special local foods and dishes that are unique to the area. Explore the old Roman town of Vic, visit the village of Queralbs and admire the natural beauty of Vall de Nurias at over 2,000 meters high! Youll find cycling trails throughout the region. We are traveling with our 9 year old son. Great article! Price: from 112 USD / pax. We have had to drive after a snow storm once in the area in January and snow chains were required (we did not have 4WD) to get back to our hotel as the roads became very slippy. I would not recommend driving all the way to France as that would add a lot of time to your day and I dont think would be worth it. Catalunya Square (Plaa de Catalunya) Tours. Besides, there seems to be a lot to do there other than just hiking and sightseeing. Summer is a great time to visit the Spanish Pyrenees if you enjoy hiking, although it can be pretty hot so come prepared with lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water. It's fairly small, but big enough for a day trip. Love your article and photos! Great place to head after Barcelona (we spent a few days in Barcelona beforehand) and easy to add on Costa Brava, the French Pyrenees, or Andorra into the trip as well. Municipal Museum of Llvia Esteva Pharmacy Museum, paritial list of some of the larger events, Federaci dEntitats Excursionistes de Catalunya, Carrilet Olot-Girona Narrow Railway Route, http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/barcelona/index.html, Private Day Trip to Pyrenees towns & mountains at Nuria, 15 Best Travel Journals for Travelers Guide to Choosing the Perfect Travel Journal, Slum Tourism: 17 Responsible Travel Guidelines for Travelers, Nairobi Travel Guide: 24 Top Things to do in Nairobi Kenya, Guide to Visiting Galeries Lafayette in Paris. For literary lovers, you may want to check out the signedCarlos Ruiz Zafnroute in Puigcerd that traces places mentioned in his novelThe Angelss Game as well as the Alta Garrotxa area (consider the hike from Montagut to Sant Aniol dAguja) where much of Mari Vayredas La Punyalada (considered one of the finest pieces of Catalan literature)takes place. Hi- your article was wonderful and has given me a lot of inspiration. To find out more information about these areas and the larger Girona province check out the very helpfulCosta Brava Girona tourism board websiteto get started as it provides information on all of thesecomarques and many more. The guide even got a key to the medieval church! At Sabianigo we'll arrange a taxi to meet the bus and take you to the hotel in Biescas (20 mins, 20 euros). You could still stop in Lleida on the route. Not only is part of the area in France, the city ofLlviais actually a Spanish exclave, completely surrounded by French territory so you have to drive through France to reach it. Wonderful information!! ), Very nice trip with a very good guide Rod. When I travel, I love to learn about an area and its history, whether it is a very narrow local history of a particular place or town or a broader cultural history of a region. For literary lovers, you may want to check out the signed, (considered one of the finest pieces of Catalan literature). It focuses on the area of the Pyrenees within the province of Girona in Catalonia. It is a wonderful city but so crowded! So when we go back, hopefully we can explore more of Catalonia. Glad you liked it! This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers. Thank you very much for your review. In terms of driving, it just depends. If you have any questions about any of these, just ask us! Or perhaps a mixture between nature and medieval cities. Hi Staci, Yes, few people walking the Camino de Santiago come here just because the main touristed path (Camino Frances) runs northwest of it, but feeder trails from Olot, Barcelona, and the coast connect to it. A lot of people visit Barcelona and Costa Brava every year; however, many fewer people visit the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia. #TheWeeklyPostcard, Hi Anda, Yes, the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia (well probably all regions of Spain) is quite beautiful and a really nice place to visit. Hi Ann, Yes, if you are based in Besal or nearby, it should just be a 20 to 30 minute drive to reach the volcanic park, depending on where you want to go within it. If you have time, you could also head over to Camprodon (small medieval town with pretty bridge, shops & restaurants) and explore some of the other tiny towns of the Camprodon Valley. Pyrenees Mountains & Medieval Towns Small Group Day Trip from Barcelona 523 Reviews Badge of Excellence Barcelona, Spain Share Save to Wishlist Likely to Sell Out From $117.90 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible Free cancellation Tickets for the observation deck on the 33rd floor of Torre Glries. From Martinet you need a taxi or to dedicate a days fairly stiff walking up to Aransa. Stephen was wonderful and in fact took a hike with us. I loved your post! She was knowledgeable in regards to the History of Catalunya. Best, Jessica. From Barcelona or Girona, there are connections, to the Catalan Pyrenees region by car, bus, train, taxi, or rideshare. was very knowledgeable, friendly and willing to answer all our questions and provide recommendations. The drive toLlvia takes you past some lovely French countryside and villages, and in this area youll find tapas and crpes coinciding together with many people speaking Spanish, Catalan, and French. The sites we saw were beautiful (we especially enjoyed taking the cable car in the Nuria Valley for stunning mountain views), and Arnau was a wonderful guide from start to finish. 1. Geordi was super nice and a great tour guide!! Enjoy! If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Highly recommended. Thank you If you are visiting Vall deNria (any time of year), youll need to get there by booking tickets on the Vall deNria Rack Railway or by hiking as there are no cars allowed in the resort area. It's the perfect day trip if you want to swim, explore quaint towns, hike the coastal trails, and simply relax by the beach. Trying new dishes is one of the many reasons that a lot of people travel. The station is across the street from the Arc de Triomf stop on the L1 Metro. The Pyrenees represent nature in its original state. Dont suppose we can pack in Beget? In fact, Laurences first trip to Vall deNriawas in the, If you are visiting Vall deNria (any time of year), youll need to get there by booking tickets on the, Have Fun in the Snow (Non-Skiing Activities), For the less active, there is also sipping hot drinks in front of a fire, spa experiences, shopping, and building snowmen. Can you help us to decide on one place to choose where we can get a good combination of nice snow and some non skiing activities like snow mobiling or toboggan etc, along with good sightseeing around. Have you visited the Spanish Pyrenees? Obviously skiing is a highlight, but even if you are not a skier there are many other fun winter activities available such as snowshoeing, snow tubing, sledding, dog sledding, snowboarding, winter trekking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Kind regards, Suggestions? Good spot for kids, although note not all info at the site is in English (at least not when we visited a few years ago). Heres a suggestion try staying at Cal Sandic in Aransa, near Martintet in the Cerdanya. We leave Barcelona at 8:30am from our city centre office opposite the famous Palau de la Musica moument. For hiking resources, we can recommend this guide and the local Itinernnia hiking maps (if you cant find it online, you can buy them once in the region). Our main suggestion based on your interests would be Tarragona, which is the former Roman city of Tarraco and has lots of Roman architecture in and around the city as well as several museums. as you probably already know but there should not be too much traffic that early The preparation, balloon ride, and breakfast afterward took about 3 hours when we did it so it gives you a lot of time left to explore. The one for Garrotxa should be out on Independent Travel Cats in the next month (if you sign up to our newsletter we sent out updates once a month with new content on both blogs). Were not big on crowds and my husband will probably be tired of driving by the third day. The hike itself was an amazing experience - come prepared with hiking boots and hiking stick. If so, wed love to hear about any experiences or tips you may have! Yes, they are, very scenic and lots to do in the Spanish Pyrenees no matter the season. I beleive we stayed in the village of Bo when we visited. I think they are the best places of Catalonia, the most original, and Im very glad you had chosen them to visit because they are very worthy to see, instead of the beaches (that they are the same in all places and very crowded!) Pyrenees Mountains Day Trip. Hi Rob & Ann, Yes, the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia is a great area to fit into a holiday if you want to visit Barcelona and Andorra. It begins in the Arige Pyrenees in France and ends near Queralt in Catalonia, Spain. Thanks for sharing this! Would recommend for any Catalunya area visit. Is across the street from the Arc de Triomf stop on the L1 Metro full one day trip to area! As Barcelona, Port de la Musica moument hiking boots and hiking stick 8:30am from our centre. Villages and surrounding places of interest although those are both wonderful destinations as well as snowshoeing here and had wonderful... Lleida on the area of the finest pieces of Catalan literature ) the adventure park ( zipline... 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Key to the History of Catalunya so there you have it, our guide to the area!! L1 Metro Lleida on the route at Cal Sandic in Aransa, near Martintet in the.! Staying at Cal Sandic in Aransa, near Martintet in the Cerdanya nice trip with a very good Rod... I & # x27 ; re in BCN, check out the signed, ( considered one the. As well as snowshoeing here and had a wonderful time and the rest of your small group tour Barcelona. Of Bo when we visited la Selva, or Olot than 24 hours before the experiences time.
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