What to do in The Pyrenees | Guide with map

By Roberto (Apr 2026)

⏱️ 10 min

Hi there! This post is going to be a personal quest since I LOVE this part of Spain. The Pyrenees gather some of the best hikes of the Spanish peninsula, alongside the Picos de Europa. In here, there are multiple options for adventurers but also vacationers.

Nevertheless, when people ask me “what should I do in the Pyrenees?” the question is simple but it’s hard to answer since there are many valleys, many hikes, charming towns, waterfalls, and, in short, it’s hard to wrap up all the info. I’ve been there more than 12 times and I know I’m going to keep going.

Note: So far, this post focuses more on the Aragonese Pyrenees than the other parts.

The idea of the post is to provide the MUST things to do in the Pyrenees, with a map and use this post as a cornerstone for other posts about the Pyrenees. In order to do it I first talk about important info to know or understand the Pyrenees and then I’ll go from areas to areas, or things to do in each valley. This is important. Keep reading to know why!

Table of Contents

Where to go in the Pyrenees. Areas and valleys

My first question would be: “where do you want to go?” France, Spain or which region?

The Pyrenees are a mountain range that forms a natural border between Spain and France, stretching about 430 kilometers (267 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a vast region as you can see.

They separate the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe and include parts of Spain, France, and the small principality of Andorra. The Pyrenees are known for its rugged peaks, deep valleys, biodiversity and food!

Areas of the Pyrenees

The biggest differentiation and probably the most important classification would be the following:

French Pyrenees (north side)

From Bayonne to Perpignan. Famous places in the French Pyrenees include the Cirque de Gavarnie, an awesome natural amphitheater, and the Pic du Midi. This region also fosters nicer houses and accommodations than the Spanish side (honesty first) but also worse roads and less things to do.

Spanish Pyrenees (south side)

From San Sebastian (Basque Country) to Girona (Catalunya) passing trough Aragón. Maybe some Spanish people disagree but the Aragonese Pyrenees offer the most jaw dropping scenery with high peaks like Aneto, epic valleys to hike like Ordesa or Aguas Tuertas, natural hot springs like Panticosa or medieval towns like Aínsa.

Pyrenees Mountains Landscape Photography

Andorra

Andorra is a small country between France and Spain also offers great options for skiing and snowboarding in Grandvalira, hikes like the Sorteny Valley, Coma Pedrosa or spa alternatives as Caldea. The country is also famous for shopping malls.

What to do in the Aragonese Pyrenees

Focusing on the Spanish side of the pyrenees now, we can talk about the Aragón part. We can separate the areas of the Aragonese Pyrenees according to the main Valleys (or Valles in Spanish). This way we have, from the Basque side to Catalunya: Valles Occidentales, Valle del Aragon, Valle del Tena, Valle de Ordesa, Valle del Cinca y Chistau and Valle de Benasque.

Each valley is different and all of them have something to offer, from beech forests, that are awesome in Autumn, to wonderful hikes or long treks over 3000 meters peaks and glaciers. It’s important to know that, even being next to each other on the map, on reality it takes time (2 hours or more ) to move from one valley to another.

Find in this google map, all the pinned places we’ve discovered so far:

Valles Occidentales (Ansó – Hecho)

Located in the western Pyrenees, these neighboring valleys are among the most authentic and least known in the region. Traditional villages like Ansó and Hecho preserve strong cultural traditions and distinctive Pyrenean architecture. The area is also home to beautiful natural spots such as Selva de Oza and Aguas Tuertas, known for their forests, meadows, and excellent hiking routes.

Best for: less crowds and more calm vibes.

What to do in Valles Occidentales

💧Ibón de Acherito. One of the most beautiful glacial lakes in the western Pyrenees, Ibón de Acherito sits in a dramatic high-mountain cirque surrounded by rugged peaks. The hike to the lake offers stunning alpine scenery and is a favourite route in this valley.
🥾 Aguas Tuertas hike. The Aguas Tuertas hike leads through a wide high-mountain meadow where the river winds through the valley in unique curves. It’s one of the most scenic and family-friendly walks we’ve done. Check the dedicated post.
🍁 Selva de Oza. A lush forest of beech and fir trees, especially famous for its vibrant autumn colors. The area is a gateway to several classic Pyrenean hikes and peaceful mountain landscapes. Check the dedicated post.
🏡 Hecho. A charming mountain village known for its traditional Pyrenean architecture and strong cultural heritage. It serves as the main gateway to many natural highlights of this valley.

Valle del Aragón

Centered around the historic town of Jaca, the Aragón Valley is one of the main gateways to the central Pyrenees. It combines cultural heritage with mountain landscapes and is a popular base for outdoor activities. Nearby lies the ski resort of Candanchú and access to high mountain passes such as Somport Pass, which connects Spain with France.

Best for: history and snow parks

What to do in Valle del Aragón

🥾 Ibón de Anayet through Canal Roya hike. One of those hikes where every step feels wild and untouched, leading you through open valleys to a perfect mountain lake under the unmistakable shape of Anayet Peak.
🥾Collarada trek. A challenging high-mountain route to Peña Collarada, one of the most rewarding summits in the western Pyrenees with panoramic views.
🏡 Jaca. The historic town of Jaca, home to the impressive Jaca Citadel, is a perfect base for exploring the Spanish Pyrenees year-round with multiple restaurants and accommodations.
🚞 Canfranc old train station. The iconic Canfranc International Railway Station, a beautifully restored landmark and one of the most unique places to visit in the Pyrenees.
🏂 Astún and Candanchú Snow Parks. Two classic Pyrenean resorts where you can ride, jump, and enjoy laid-back mountain vibes in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Valle del Tena

Tena Valley is one of the most vibrant valleys in the Aragonese Pyrenees, surrounded by high peaks and glacial lakes. Villages like Sallent de Gállego and Panticosa serve as bases for hiking, climbing, and winter sports. The valley is also home to the large ski area of Formigal-Panticosa.

Best for: great mountain views and serious mountain activities.

What to do in Valle del Tena

🥾 Ibones Azules hike. A beautiful and demanding high-mountain hike to the Ibones (alpine lakes) Azules, known for their deep blue waters and alpine surroundings. There are many dedicated posts about doing them. It’s an in-and-out (up and down) hike.
🥾 Picos del infierno trek. For a longer and exposed traverse across the dramatic Picos del Infierno, where every step comes with jaw-dropping views, this hike continues the Ibones Azules.
🥾Ibón de Piedrafita hike. An easy and scenic hike to Ibón de Piedrafita, perfect for families and one of the most photogenic lakes in the valley.
🚂 Valle del Tena train. Perfect for kids or families who want a slow and scenic ride through the valley, perfect for soaking in mountain views without the effort. We took this train from Piedrafita de Jaca. Official website here.
💧Orós bajo waterfall. Worth the stop, a short and family-friendly walk leading to one of the most unique waterfalls in the Pyrenees.
🏡 Sallent de Gállego. A postcard-perfect Pyrenean village with stone houses and mountain views, close to sky resorts.
🧖🏽‍♀️ Spa de Panticosa. The historic Balneario de Panticosa, a renowned mountain spa offering relaxation in a stunning alpine setting. We’ve been here and we recommend it after hiking or snow days. Feels great.
⛷️ Formigal and Panticosa Snow Parks. These snow parks of Formigal-Panticosa offer modern facilities, varied terrain, and some of the best skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees.

Valle de Ordesa y Monte Perdido

One of the most spectacular protected areas in Spain. The village of Torla-Ordesa sits at the entrance to the valley, which is famous for its towering cliffs, waterfalls, and iconic hiking routes beneath the massive limestone walls of Monte Perdido. If I had to visit only one of the valleys in a lifetime… I wouldn’t hesitate and I would visit Ordesa and Monte Perdido. This area has (for me) the best hike in Spain which is Monte Perdido peak trough Cola de Caballo, in Ordesa Valley.

Best for: an epic hiking area

What to do in Ordesa y Monte Perdido

🏡 Broto. Cute town made of stone houses and the perfect gateway for the hikes in Ordesa.
💧El Sorrosal waterfall. Big, noisy and easy to reach waterfall. A good option to visit with kids.
🥾Cola de Caballo in Ordesa hike. For me, this is the best hike in Spain (not the Ruta del Cares as other places mention) leading to the waterfall Cola de Caballo. There are multiple ways to explore it (through the valley, senda de los cazadores, faja de las flores…) but it has it all. Changing nature with contrasts, a river with waterfalls, demanding but not difficult and when the valley opens reaching the end, you feel insignificant and that feeling is amazing. An absolute must.
🥾 Monte Perdido trek. The good thing about the best rout in Spain? It has a second part. You can reach the peaks that you see at the end of the valley. It takes extra stamina and usually is done in a 2 day-trek or multi stage.

Valle del Cinca y Chistau

This quieter and more traditional valley lies east of Ordesa. Villages like Gistaín and San Juan de Plan retain a strong mountain culture and offer access to spectacular high-mountain scenery and peaceful hiking routes.

Best for: a peaceful and beautiful stay.

What to do in Valle del Cinca y Chistau

🥾 Cascada del Cinca y Llanos de Lalarri hike. Another scenic hike in Pineta Valley leading to the impressive Cascada del Cinca and the open meadows of Llanos de Lalarri. Less people know this hike yet the views are delightful.
🥾 Cañón del Añisclo. A deep and rugged canyon where towering cliffs, narrow roads, and the sound of the river make the Cañón de Añisclo feel truly wild. You can walk part of it or hike it all to the end as a part of a longer hike.
🏡 Bielsa. Located at the entrance of the Pineta Valley, is a great base for exploring this lesser-visited area. Feels calm and pure.
🏡 Ainsa. Considered one of the cutest medieval towns in Spain. It has a castle, an old square and nice streets made from stone. Is worth the visit.
🥾 Ibón de Plan hike. Another popular hike to Ibón de Plan, also known as Basa de la Mora, one of the most scenic lakes in the Pyrenees and perfect for photography.

Valle de Benasque

At the eastern end of the Aragonese Pyrenees, Benasque Valley is home to the highest mountains in the range, including Aneto. The lively mountain town of Benasque is a hub for mountaineering, hiking, and skiing at Cerler Ski Resort, making the valley a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best for: the highest peaks of the Pyrenees and a wonderful town.

What to do in Valle de Benasque

🥾 Aneto trek. A really demanding hike to the highest peak of the Pyrenees and the second of the Spanish peninsula. You’ll find glaciers, exposed ridges, and epic views.
🥾 Posets trek. This +3000 meters hike brings you to the second highest peak in the Pyrenees. It’s a quieter alternative to Aneto, where reaching the summit of Posets rewards you with vast, untouched mountain scenery.
🥾 Forau D’Aigualluts hike. A short walk to a fascinating natural wonder, where waterfalls disappear into the ground mysteriously.
🏡 Benasque. One of the nicest towns in the Pyrenees. Go for a vibrant Pyrenean hub where outdoor adventure meets great food and atmosphere.
🏂 Cerler Snow park. This high-altitude resort means great snow, fewer crowds, and incredible mountain views. We haven’t been here yet but it’s in our list.