The 6 Most Beautiful Villages in the Catalan Pyrenees

Barcelona

If you want to enjoy nature, great local food, and charming mountain spots, exploring the Catalan Pyrenees by car is a brilliant option. It works well for any type of trip, especially if you're looking to get away from it all. Any time of year is a good time to visit: summer and autumn completely change the landscape and are perfect for walking, while winter draws plenty of people in for the snow and skiing. That’s why at DoYouSpain, we've put together this guide to the 6 most beautiful villages in the Catalan Pyrenees, so you know what to see in each one and how to make the most of your time.

Exploring by car is by far the most comfortable way to do this trip. Buses are rare, run on sparse timetables, and don't connect the villages very well. Having your own car means you can pull over whenever you like, travel without keeping an eye on the clock, and avoid dragging your luggage everywhere. Do keep in mind that many of these places are small, so it's well worth booking in advance.

Here are the 6 villages in the Catalan Pyrenees you really shouldn't miss:

How to Get to the Catalan Pyrenees

The quickest and most comfortable way to reach the Catalan Pyrenees is by car. If you don't have your own vehicle or you're travelling from further away, the most practical option is to hire a car in Barcelona, Girona, or Lleida, depending on which area you plan on visiting first and where you're starting from.

For the villages in the Ripollès and Garrotxa areas, driving up from Barcelona or Girona is the most direct route. On the other hand, if you're heading to the Val d'Aran or Vall de Boí, flying or taking the high-speed train to Lleida gets you much closer. While local buses do run, the journeys often take over five hours and the timetables are very limited.

1. Camprodon

Camprodon is ideal to visit if you are exploring the Girona area and the Ripollès region. The village has a great atmosphere and is very easy to walk around, following the River Ter until you reach the Pont Nou, a medieval stone bridge connecting directly to the old town. It is well worth walking down Passeig Maristany, an avenue lined with huge trees and Modernist houses on either side, and taking a stroll along Carrer València to try local cured meats like llonganissa or bull and pick up a box of traditional Birba biscuits. If you are looking for a good place to eat, El Pont 9 does brilliant traditional dishes.

2. Vielha

Vielha is the capital of the Val d'Aran and the most convenient place to stay if you want to spend a few days in the area. As it is a larger village, you'll have supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, and everything else you might need right on hand, as well as being brilliantly located for getting around the surrounding villages by car.

Vielha’s old town is small and easy to explore on foot, walking alongside the River Nere and past the church of Sant Mèquèu. If you're looking for a quick but authentic bite to eat, the pinchos at Eth Taèrn de Urtau are always a safe bet. And if you'd rather sit down to try the famous olla aranesa, Era Lucana is said to serve one of the best around.

3. Salardu

Salardu is perfect if you are looking for a quiet mountain village. It has kept its stone streets in great condition, along with the church of Sant Andrèu at the top, which gives you views across almost the entire valley. Bagergue is also just a five-minute drive away, if you fancy heading up to the highest village in the area.

layoutThe best thing about Salardu is having two of the Val d'Aran's most popular walking routes right on your doorstep. If you want an easy walk (ideal if you are travelling with children), Tredòs is three minutes away for the Camí de la Bruixa route. If you prefer a slightly more challenging hike, the trail towards the Cirque de Colomers, a route that winds past glacial lakes, starts right from the village. For dinner, traditional mountain houses like Borda Pollan or Eth de Chraubè are brilliant options for trying local grilled meats.

Skiing in Baqueira Beret

Staying in Salardu is very practical in winter if you are looking for slightly cheaper options near Baqueira Beret. You are only a five-minute drive from the main cable car, which gets you onto the slopes in no time without paying the higher hotel rates.

4. Arties

Arties is one of the liveliest villages in the Val d'Aran, especially in the late afternoon. Rather than just being a place you pass through, it stands out for spots like the Casa Portolà tower, the church of Santa Maria d'Arties, and the point where the Garona and Valarties rivers meet.

It is well known in the area for its eating and drinking scene after a day out walking in the mountains. For a quick bite or a glass of wine, the terrace at Urtau or the Eth Unyò tavern are the most popular spots. If you prefer a more relaxed sit-down dinner, the local cuisine at the Parador or Casa Irene are two classics that never disappoint.

5. Ribes de Freser

Ribes de Freser is a quiet mountain village with the Castell de Sant Pere standing out on the high ground. If you stay here, the best option for a walk is the Ruta de las Tres Aguas, an easy route that follows the rivers and passes old mineral springs like the Font de la Margarida. For food, drop into Els Caçadors de Ribes, well known for its traditional stews, grilled meats, and local mushroom dishes.

Rack Railway to Vall de Núria

The rack railway to Vall de Núria leaves from Ribes de Freser, which is the only way into the valley as there are no roads. You can park for free at Ribes-Vila station and take the 40-minute train ride up. At the top, you will find the sanctuary, a boating lake, activities for children, and walking trails like the hike up Puigmal.

6. Taüll

Taüll is the most complete village in the Vall de Boí. In the centre you will find the church of Santa María and, on the outskirts, Sant Climent de Taüll, famous for its bell tower and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, they project a video mapping show that recreates the 12th-century Romanesque paintings directly onto the church wall, which is a brilliant and impressive way to see how it originally looked.

Wandering through the streets of Taüll, you will spot several terraces and places to eat, such as Bar Sedó for a lunchtime break or the Formatgeria de Taüll, where they make and sell local artisan cheeses.

Aigüestortes National Park

Taüll gives you direct access to Aigüestortes National Park, famous for its glacial meanders and walking routes like the Sant Esperit waterfall. In winter, the Boí Taüll resort offers the highest ski slopes in the Catalan Pyrenees.

• Getting into Aigüestortes National Park: Private vehicles are not allowed inside, so you need to drive to Boí and take an authorised 4x4 taxi to reach the trailheads. It is best to check the official website before heading out to look over timetables and book ahead.

Why Hire a Car with DoYouSpain to Explore the Catalan Pyrenees

The roads connecting the villages in the Catalan Pyrenees are easy to drive and the distances are short, but the lack of public transport means hiring a car is essential for total freedom and exploring at your own pace.

At DoYouSpain, we offer a wide fleet of vehicles so you can choose the ideal option for your travel dates and route through the Catalan Pyrenees, always with the lowest price guaranteed. If you need any assistance before or during your trip, you can use our Customer Service Area, chat directly with the Virtual Assistant on our website, or call us on +34 964 83 09 95.