Walking holidays in the Spanish Pyrenees

The Spanish Pyrenees are a well kept secret; those in the know are understandably reluctant to rave about them too widely. We, on the other hand, love a good gossip, so take our word for it – if you’re looking for the perfect place to take your next walking holiday, the Spanish Pyrenees will tick all the boxes.

You can stick to the meadows in the foothills, or head upwards for more rugged and exposed terrain. Wander through picturesque mountain communities, pausing for a glass of wine with tapas in a bodega, or combine your walking with other activities such as Spanish language lessons, cookery courses or improving your photography skills in a landscape that loves the camera.

Situated in the central Pyrenees, Albella is an attractive mountain community that sees relatively few visitors, allowing for a far more authentic experience than you might find elsewhere. The Aragon region features some of the tallest peaks in the Pyrenees, so it’s ideal for walkers in search of a challenge, but there is also a superb range of cultural attractions in the vicinity as well as the potential for multi-activity holidays that will suit families down to the ground.

The wide limestone gorges of the Sierra de Guara Natural Park are seriously tempting territory for both hiking and canyoning. Almost completely deserted except for a few small villages and populations of wild goat and boar, the park is wonderfully scenic, with a number of walking routes that take you past dramatic rock formations and secluded bathing spots.

A gem in the Pallars Sobirà region, Sort is well-placed for exploring the nearby Aigues Tortes National Park on foot. The park itself is glorious, with lakes, waterfalls and forests of pine, not to mention a number of Pyrenees that seem to scrape the sky. Sort is within a few hours’ drive of Barcelona, making it very accessible, and you can easily add on a few days in the Catalan capital on either side of your walking holiday.

The Spanish Pyrenees are a year round walking destination, though most people prefer to visit in summer when the weather is at its sunniest and most reliable. Spring is another very popular time, cooler and less busy than July, August and September, and the meadows in the foothills look beautiful with the wildflowers in bloom. In autumn, the colours in the foliage are breathtaking, but temperatures in the shade can be quite low, and some higher routes may be inaccessible due to early snowfall. There is also the scope for winter walking in February and March, particularly around the Aragon region with the Sierra de Guara Natural Park a highlight. You can even strap on a pair of snowshoes, with fitting arranged before arrival to save time.