The Pyrenees are a mountain range that stretches for around 500 kilometres between Spain and France, separating the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe. The Pyrenees offer a wide variety of landscapes, cultural interests and activities for visitors, both in winter and summer.

Find out what to do in the Pyrenees in winter and summer.

Winter

Snow activities

Winter in the Pyrenees is ideal for snow sports enthusiasts, as there are many ski resorts to choose from on both the Spanish and French sides. Some of the most popular are: Baqueira-Beret, Formigal, Grandvalira, La Molina, Les Angles, Peyragudes, Saint-Lary-Soulan and La Masella. In these resorts, you can go downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding and even heli-skiing.

You can also enjoy beautiful snow-covered landscapes such as the valleys of Arán, Cerdanya, Gavarnie and Ordesa. Ice skating, fishing or observing the local fauna and flora are also activities you might enjoy.

Visit the Historic Towns

But winter in the Pyrenees isn't just about snow. There are also other activities you can do, such as visiting historic towns like Jaca, Lourdes - one of Europe's most famous pilgrimage centres - Pamplona, Pau, Ainsa, Alquezar, Benasque, Llívia, Camprodon and Ax-Les-Thermes, where you can enjoy the cultural and architectural heritage as well as the local cuisine. In winter, these towns offer a special charm, with their cobbled streets, medieval monuments and snowy landscapes.

Would you like to explore some of these historic cities and have the chance to visit 3 countries in one day? Join this adventure!

Do Original Activities

If you want to do something different and fun in the Pyrenees in winter, there are options for you too. For example, you can take a paragliding flight over the snowy mountains and feel the adrenaline and freedom of flying. In addition, the unique experience of spending a night in an igloo in the mountains is also possible. It's an exciting way to connect with nature and experience mountain life in an authentic way. Or you can take part in a winter festival, such as the Bielsa Carnival, the Solsona Carnival or the Haro Burning Festival, and enjoy their traditions, music and costumes.

Relaxing in Spas and Thermal Baths

Another option is to relax in one of the many spas and thermal baths in the region, such as Balnéa, Caldea, Les Bains du Couloubret, Termas de Tiberio and the baths of Llo, Dorres and St Thomas. Here you can benefit from the medicinal properties of thermal waters, as well as massages, beauty treatments and other therapies. Visiting spas and thermal baths in the Pyrenees in winter is a unique experience, combining the contrast between cold and heat, relaxation and adventure, and nature and culture. It's a way to enjoy the best the Pyrenees have to offer and to take care of your health and well-being.

Taste the local gastronomy

One of the things you can do in the Pyrenees in winter is try the local cuisine, which is rich and varied. Pyrenean cuisine is based on the products of the land, such as meat, cheese, mushrooms, fruit and vegetables. Some of the typical dishes you can try are: Olla aranesa: a vegetable soup from the Arán Valley in Lleida; Trinxat: a mashed potato typical of Cerdanya in Gerona; Civet de senglar, a wild boar stew common throughout the region; Formatge de tupí, a creamy and strong cheese made with sheep's or goat's milk; and Mel i mató, a simple and delicious dessert served with nuts or fruit.

Explore winter activities in Spain and the best places to visit in Spain during the winter.

Summer

Adventure and Sport

Summer in the Pyrenees is perfect for nature lovers, as there are countless possibilities for hiking, cycling, with a bike tour of the Sierra Huevas mountains, climbing, canoeing, rafting, paragliding and other outdoor activities, such as a plane ride over the Pyrenees peak. On this adventure, you'll be able to appreciate the Pyrenees in their purest form as you fly over the Aragon Valley, seeing Canfranc station, Collarada Peak, Aspe, Bisaurín and Peña Forca.

Exploring nature

There are many natural parks and reserves that protect the biodiversity and ecosystem of the Pyrenees, such as the Pyrenees National Park, the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, the Western Valleys Natural Park, the Alto Pyrenees Natural Park and the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. In these parks, you can admire the flora and fauna typical of the Pyrenees, such as fir trees, rhododendrons, bears, fallow deer, vultures and marmots. You also have the chance to take a kayak tour of the turquoise waters of the Pyrenees, learning about the history of the ancient and now submerged city of Mediano and discovering the wildest corners as you navigate its crystal-clear waters.

Discovering Historical and Cultural Heritage

Discovering the historical and cultural heritage of the Pyrenees, visiting castles, churches, monasteries, medieval towns, museums and archaeological sites, is one of the main invitations on a visit to the Pyrenees. Some of the most interesting places, which reflect its long and turbulent history, are Foix Castle, the Abbey of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, the City of Carcassonne, the Altamira Museum and the Atapuerca Archaeological Park.

Taking part in cultural events and summer festivals

But summer in the Pyrenees is also about culture. There are many festivals, fairs and events that celebrate the traditions and identity of the peoples who inhabit the mountains, such as the Basques, Catalans, Occitans and Aragonese. Some examples are: the Pyrenees International Folklore Festival in Jaca, the Pyrenees Early Music Festival in various towns, the Transhumance Festival in Bagneres-de-Bigorre, the Medieval Market in Aínsa and the Lantern Festival. At these events, you can enjoy the music, dance, gastronomy, crafts and history of the Pyrenees.

The Pyrenees captivate visitors during winter and summer, offering a variety of activities that highlight the diversity and beauty of this mountainous region. Whether skiing on snowy slopes or exploring trails in the height of summer, the Pyrenees remain a fascinating destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation or even a deeper connection with nature. Whatever the season, this mountain range offers a unique and unforgettable journey for all who visit.

Are you ready to explore more than 50 mountain peaks over 3,000 metres high? A very special journey awaits you.

Embrace all the beauty of this region on a full-day excursion through the Pyrenees.

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