Hikers in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in Aragon

The Aragonese Pyrenees, peace and quiet in picture-postcard settings

Aragón

Nature in Aragon is very diverse, and most of all in the north of the province, in the Pyrenees mountain range. This is an oasis of tranquillity, ideal for enjoying all kinds of holidays. The villages around these mountains are charming and the local cuisine is excellent and hearty, giving you plenty of energy for the next day’s activities. While you’re planning your trip to Spain, make a note of these places where you can immerse yourself in the green landscapes of Aragón and really get away from it all.

Selva de Oza, Aragón

Beautiful Selva de Oza is situated in the Hecho valley, the most westerly part of the Aragonese Pyrenees. It forms part of the Valles Occidentales Natural Park and is notable for its fir and beech forests. The car park here is the starting point for various hiking routes. One of the best known goes to the valley of Aguas Tuertas. The high mountain scenery features the river Aragón Subordán and cattle grazing in meadows. Another slightly more demanding route leads to Ibón de Estanés, a mountain lake. In this area you will find a series of dolmens and even a Roman road. It’s the ideal spot for a family day out in the mountains. And in the afternoon, if you have time, visit Ansó, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. 

Landscape in the Valles Occidentales Natural Park, in the Hecho valley, Aragón

Pineta Valley

In the heart of the Sobrarbe district, this valley is covered in pine, beech, and fir trees. This is one of the five main valleys of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. If you’re looking for a fairly flat walking route, take the one to Llanos de La Larri. It’s a pleasant walk through beech forest, notable for a waterfall.Are you after something more intense? In that case you should take the Marboré path towards the Parador de Bielsa that will bring you to Balcón de Pineta and the lake, Ibón de Marboré. It’s a climb to 2500 metres above sea level and the source of the river Cinca. 

Climbers in the Pineta valley, in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Sobrarbe district, Aragón

Lanuza

In the Tena valley, there is a looped route starting from this little village and going all around the reservoir. The original village is under the water, but the new one has the same mountain style and charm. You can use it as a base and strike out on several different hiking routes. For example, you can climb up to Ibón de Piedrafita or go to the Orós waterfall in Biescas.

Lanuza and its reservoir in the Tena valley, Aragón

Partacua

In the same area of the Tena valley, you can see the quiñón (a local unit of land area) of Partacua. This little-known area along the course of the river Gállego is close to the Formigal ski resort. It’s a very popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. This place hides a secret among the peaks of the mountain range: a natural arch. As you follow the looped trail you’ll go by a glacial lake, Ibón de Piedrafita, and the last stretch, which is a little more challenging, takes you to the stone arch. The views from here are breathtaking. The nearby villages, such as Tramacastilla de Tena and Sandiniés, are perfect places for a stroll or a bite to eat. 

Views of Lake Piedrafita and the Quiñón de Partacua in the Tena valley, Aragón
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