Are you thinking about spending this Summer holidays in a rural area? Driving to Pallars Sobirà might be one of the best options. It is one of our favourite areas in the Pyrenees. The perfect place to disconnect from crowded cities and getting lost in the most beautiful and peaceful villages.
Rural paths or “pistes forestals”
If you like biking while exploring natural gems, here is our recommendation: exploring the rural paths while riding your bike. Here is some of the portraits you might find on your way:
Beautiful villages in the Pyrenees
In the evening, after a long day in the mountains, you might want to relax having drinks in a beautiful village. Here are our suggestions:
Farrera
Farrera is the perfect portrait of a village which has beautiful ancient houses, displayed right in the middle of a mountain. Sure you have pictured the image in your mind, but just in case you need help, here is an image which sums up a description of this village:
Llavorsí
The river Noguera Pallaresa runs through this beautiful village. Aside from being surrounded by nature, you will also find shops, bars and nice restaurants. A perfect combination ;)
Isil
This village has a traditional festivity which was declared heritage of cultural interest by the UNESCO in 2010. It is called “Falles d’Isil” and it takes place during a special night: Sant Joan, June 23, the shortest night which welcomes the Summer season. It is a fire worship festival consisting in bringing lit logs from the mountain to the center of the village. The performance is beautiful, since you get to see the journey of these lit logs carried by people, approaching slowly the final stop, crossing the mountain in the middle of the night.
Esterri d’Àneu
Esterri d’Àneu offers diverse routes to explore the nearest mountains. We decided to hike from Esterri d’Àneu to la Guingueta, another little village. Halfway of the trail, we run into a little lake with kayaks (in case you want to stop by and enjoy some paddling). We end up having lunch in a little restaurant in la Guingueta and went back to Esterri Àneu afterwards, with our happy bellies.
Espot
This village offers a ski area and it has also one of the entrances to the National Park d’Aiguestortes. Also a nice village in the area to just walk, relax and stop for a drink while enjoying the views.
One of the gems in this area: Parc Nacional d’Aiguestortes
We have recommended this spot before, and we can’t stop doing it again and again. Parc Nacional d’Aiguestortes it is one of our favourite spots in Catalonia. So if you decide to explore the Pallars Sobirà, make sure to include this beautiful park in your places-to-visit list ;-)
Lakes in the area: Estany de Montcortès
You won’t find beaches in this area, but lakes in the Pyrenees are a great alternative if you want to take a dip in the water. We recommend you Estany de Montcortés, a familiar and beautiful lake, ideal if you want to relax and sunbathe surrounded by mountains.
At Pyrenees website you will find useful information to help you plan your trip.
