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Whether you’re looking for an active adventure, cultural break, health weekend or a fun-filled family holiday, there are many ways to explore Catalonia’s Pyrenees, all against a backdrop of lush foothills and mighty snow-capped peaks. From biodiversity conservation to local eats, sustainability is woven into the fabric of life in Catalonia’s Pyrenees – and that extends to the adventures that await those who travel here. Here are the most rewarding ways to responsibly explore the region.
1. Go forest-bathing in the Val d’Aran Biosphere Reserve
The Pyrenees protect 30% of Catalonia’s spectacular landscape, including the biosphere of Val d’Aran. This stunning valley area was the first mountain destination in the world to receive Biosphere Responsible Tourism accreditation. It offers more than just skiing and winter sports; Late spring, summer and autumn all offer the opportunity to rest and relax on quiet wellness walks in majestic pine, beech and oak forests, which you will share with marmots, foxes and deer.
2. Take the whole family on a walk
The Catalan Tourist Board certifies certain local areas and companies as family holiday destinations for their excellent ability to serve families. For example, the Vals d’Aneu is ideal for families due to its gentle adventure-sport options and rich nature. You can go kayaking or paddle-boarding on the calm waters of the Torrasa Reservoir, try some rafting at Noguera Pallaresa (recommended for older children), or explore the tree-rope circuit and zip-line at Pirines Parque Aventura. For even more dramatic landscapes of cedar and pine forests, with emerald lakes, winding streams and 300-million-year-old granite rocks, head to the Aguestortes i Estani de Sant Maurici National Park – another highlight of the area. Hikers can choose from a number of reputable hiking routes for all fitness levels and ages, with bus routes providing connections to family-friendly accommodation.
3. Cycle through volcanic landscapes
The biodiverse Garrotxa Volcanic Field Natural Park, an established Europark sustainable tourism destination and one of six natural parks in the region, is home to 40 dormant volcanoes, 20 lava flows and numerous lush vegetation and wildlife. The Via Verda del Carrilete, a disused-railway-line-turned-cycle-path, tracks a low-intensity route through the unique volcanic terrain of Garrotxa, along ravines, through striking rock formations and through blankets of oak and beech forests that are home to a variety of animals from foxes and wild boars to hedgehogs and newts.
4. Taste local produce at agricultural cooperatives
Catalonia, especially its Pyrenees, is abundant when it comes to cheese making: with over 150 known varieties, it is one of Spain’s most diverse regions for ingredients. You’ll find small producers and dairy cooperatives in the mountains and valleys using methods that have been passed down for centuries. Due to the region’s remote location, Catalan cheese varieties have remained unknown until recently; But now the secret has been revealed. Garotexa, a soft goat cheese, is a must-try; Serrata, one of Spain’s oldest cheeses, produced since the 10th century and included in the Slow Food Arc of Taste; and softened whey cheese mato, with a drop of honey or with cinnamon and lemon peel brossat coca Cheesecake.
5. Stay in an eco-retreat
There are 1,700 hotels in Catalonia’s Pyrenees, ranging from boutique accommodations to rural guesthouses and spa retreats. One thing many of them have in common is that they’re eco-certified, doing everything they can to protect and celebrate nature – whether it’s using 100% renewable energy, encouraging visitors to bring greenery to the community garden, or offering vegan food and organic amenities. Families can enjoy nature walks, while couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers will find plenty of accommodation options that combine nature with wellness offerings like yoga.
6. Dance with angels and demons at the Fire Festival
In summer, visitors can support long-standing cultural traditions at fire festivals in Catalonia’s Pyrenees. During Berga’s medieval festival La Patume, which falls in the week of Corpus Christi in May or June, parades and theatrical performances take place in the streets and squares of the city of Berga. Expect music, acrobatics, plenty of fire and fireworks and dancers dressed as angels and fire demons to symbolize the battle between good and evil. The festival has UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status, as does the Falls del Pirineau fire festival, which is celebrated in 17 cities in the Pyrenees region of Catalonia. In the falls, which has its roots in ancient harvest rituals, burning logs (falls) are brought down from the mountains before a huge celebration with food, music and dancing near a bonfire.
7. Explore Romanesque UNESCO World Heritage Churches
In the Val de Bois, among the mountain peaks, there is a series of nine churches, recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Not only are they prime examples of Romanesque art and architecture, set in delightful natural surroundings, but the valley’s sustainable tourism plan aims to make the Val de Bois a global example of how mountain tourism can be accessible to all, with improvements to wheelchair-friendly paths and churches. It also aims to reduce the impact of tourism in the area, for example through the introduction of electric buses.
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