If
you were to ask me what route I would recommend to a family visiting
the Pyrenees of Huesca for the first time, I would probably say the area
around Ordesa.
But there's so much more. After several years of hiking in these
mountains, I've compiled this guide to the places I consider essential
for an unforgettable week. It's a guide of my recommendations, but there
are countless websites on the subject. I'm simply giving you my
opinion... which, as I mentioned, is geared towards easy and/or
family-friendly hiking.
When
my daughter was little and summer vacation meant beach time, I asked
you for recommendations on good beaches and you gave them to me. Now
it's my turn to return the favor. In recent summers, with climate
change, many of you have asked me for advice on spending a week as a
family in the Pyrenees of Huesca without dying in the attempt. Let's get
to it.
First
of all, the Pyrenees are an area where we can practice top-level
adventure sports - the province of Huesca was declared in 2025 as the "best adventure tourism destination in the world"
- but it is also an area where we can escape the summer heat with the
family to do some gentle walks, see landscapes and villages that are
well worth visiting, without taking too many risks and without getting
bored, and also with very good gastronomy (Michelin-starred restaurants in the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees of Huesca).
First clarification.- There is the Pyrenees but also the Pre-Pyrenees
Before
we get down to business, it's worth explaining that in the north of the
province of Huesca there are two mountain ranges that run parallel from
east to west, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Basque Country,
and that they are separated by just over 50 kilometers. The Pre-Pyrenees
are located south of the Pyrenees. And both ranges offer things to see
and enjoy. If the goal is to escape the heat, the Pyrenees are the
better choice. But if adventure tourism is the preferred option, the
Pre-Pyrenees are the better choice.
If
you're unfamiliar with the area, it would be best to start in the
Pyrenees, and then perhaps we can explore the Pre-Pyrenees, which also
has much to offer. And if it's your first time visiting, I recommend the
Aínsa/Ordesa area, which I'll describe below.
Which routes to take?
To
answer this question, the most important thing is to know what you
especially want to see. Every route has something that stands out and
becomes a priority. I've prepared several routes here in case they're
helpful. Another thing to consider is your accommodation. Since you'll
be visiting nature, I'd recommend camping, either with your own tent or,
if you don't have one, renting bungalows. Kids really enjoy it. There
are some fantastic campsites. But other options include hostels,
guesthouses, or hotels—there are plenty to choose from.
THE MOUNTAINS OF HUESCA. DIVISION BY ZONES
As
a preliminary summary, and always bearing in mind that this information
is for couples and families seeking nature and landscapes, I would
divide the mountains of Huesca into the following parts, which I
classify according to recommendation criteria:
Pyrenees
1st) Ainsa area : N. de Ordesa Park, Pineta, the Balsa Mora de Plan, visit to Saint Lary (France)
2nd) Tena Valley : Panticosa, Lanuza, Piedrafita, Hoz de Jaca zip line, Artouse train (France)
3rd) Benasque : Aneto National Park and its surroundings.
4º) La Jacetania: Jaca, Canfranc, San Juan de la Peña, Ansó, Oza
Pre-Pyrenees
1st) Guara Park and Canyons : Alquezar, Rodellar, Bierge
2nd) Mallos de Riglos.
3º) Nocito and northern area of Guara
4th) The Chinese Wall of Finestres
5º) Congosto de Montrebeig with the Walkways of Montfalcó.
Before
we get into the details, it's worth mentioning that the hike to the
Montrebeig Gorge and its Montfalcó Footbridges can be considered part of
both the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees. But if you have a spare day and
aren't too far from the Canelles Reservoir area, I highly recommend
visiting this gorge and especially the footbridges, which are every bit
as impressive as the Caminito del Rey, if not more so. Below you'll find
all the information about this hike, which you can access directly by
clicking on this link or this other link.
____________________________________________________________________________
1st) AÍNSA/ORDESA AREA.
THE SOBRARBE PYRENEES. TOWARDS ORDESA AND BEYOND
For
family hiking, Ordesa is essential, and therefore if you have never
been to the Pyrenees of Huesca, I recommend this area as your first
introduction to the Pyrenees.
The
Ordesa Valley is the crown jewel of the Pyrenees. Hiking with the
family along the trail to the Cola de Caballo waterfall through a forest
that offers respite from the summer heat, while witnessing the
succession of cascades, is an unparalleled experience. This collection
of waterfalls can only be found here. But there's more to life than Ordesa, and from Aínsa, you can reach many other interesting places.
- Where to stay near Aínsa – I would stay in any accommodation in the town of Aínsa. The "Camping Peña Montañesa"
is excellent, just 2 kilometers from the center of Aínsa, which is a
pleasant walk. But there are also hostels and hotels. The range of
accommodation options is extensive; in fact, Aínsa has become an icon of
the Pyrenees because it's a very well-preserved medieval town. However,
7 kilometers from Aínsa, there's the Hotel Monasterio de Boltaña
, a 5-star spa hotel that sometimes hosts major football teams. And if
you'd like to get a little closer to the French border, there are also
plenty of hotels in Bielsa.
Aínsa
is a jewel of the Pyrenees; as a town, it's worth visiting both day and
night. And if you want to treat your family to a real treat, you can
take them to lunch in the town square at Restaurante El Callizo, which
has a Michelin star for a reason (if you're passing through Huesca on
your way back, don't forget that Huesca has several Michelin-starred
restaurants). Oh, and I almost forgot! This year, Casa Rubén de Tella
, located in the village of Tella, has also been awarded Michelin
stars in the Aínsa area. While you're there, you can also take a guided
tour of the "Cave of the Cave Bear."
Visit to Ordesa National Park
There
are places we all have to visit at least once in our lives, and Ordesa
is one of them. Any time of year is good for hiking its trails, but
autumn is especially beautiful because of the vibrant colors of the
trees. Remember that in summer you can't drive there; you have to park
in Torla and take a bus. If it's crowded when you arrive, you can walk
along the Camino de Turieto Bajo. To keep this guide from getting too
long, you can find more information at these links.
What other routes or places can be done or visited from Aínsa?
There are many interesting options from Aínsa, but we only have a week and need to prioritize. You can find the guide to the 33 places recommended by Camping Peña Montañesa at this link. I recommend the following: _______________________________________________________________________
2nd) TENA VALLEY AREA
PANTICOSA, LANUZA, PIEDRAFITA. ARTOUSE TRAIN (FRANCE)
What do we call the Tena Valley? -
It is the area that begins in the town of Biescas and, following the
Gallego River upstream, reaches the border next to the Formigal ski
resort .
Where to stay in the Tena Valley? -
There are many accommodation options; it all depends on your plans. You
can use Biescas as a base, and from there, in addition to Panticosa,
Piedrafita, and Lanuza, you can also take a trip to Ordesa. Although I
prefer to stay in Sallent de Gállego or Panticosa. But as I said,
there's a good selection of accommodations.
What to see in the Tena Valley?We've
arrived in one of the most charming areas of the Aragonese Pyrenees.
The Tena Valley is a perfect destination for families, with an
incredible range of activities that combine nature, adventure, and
relaxation. We're going to organize the week into several themed days.
Day 1: Panticosa Spa and Footbridges
We
started the day at the Panticosa Spa. Its modern Tiberius Thermal Baths
are ideal for the whole family, with children's hours and a 34-degree
outdoor pool overlooking the mountains. After relaxing, it was time for a
bit of excitement at the Panticosa Footbridges. This route, just under a
kilometer long, takes us over the Caldarés River, with suspension
bridges and spectacular views. It's suitable for children aged 7 and up
and an activity they won't forget. To get to the top, we can take the
cable car up and walk down.
For mountaineering enthusiasts, Panticosa is an ideal area. Heading toward the head of the valley, one can easily reach the Bachimaña reservoir, where the mountain refuge offers excellent meals. A little further on, you can visit the *Lagos Azules* (Blue Lakes) to view the massive bulk of Pico Infiernos. Alternatively, starting from the spa itself and heading east, you can reach the Brazatos tarns. To the west, you can ascend a 3,066-meter peak—the easiest "three-thousander" in the Pyrenees. In short, Panticosa alone offers enough to fill an entire mountain-focused vacation.
 |
| Ibón de Brazatos |
Day 2: Lanuza and Sallent de Gállego
Today
we're dedicating this day to two charming villages. First, Lanuza, a
picture-postcard village rebuilt next to the reservoir. It's perfect for
strolling and taking photos. Very close by, at the Suscalar dock, you
can rent canoes, pedal boats, or kayaks to paddle around the reservoir
with the family. Afterwards, we'll visit Sallent de Gállego, a pretty
village with a lively atmosphere, ideal for eating on a terrace or
enjoying an ice cream. A walk along the Aguas Limpias River is a must
with children.
Day 3: Piedrafita Lake and the Tramacastilla Arch
Today
we're taking one of the most classic and accessible hikes: Ibón de
Piedrafita. This glacial lake can be reached by the "Tren Valle de Tena"
(Tena Valley Train), an activity that delights children and includes an
informative narration during the journey. The trail is easy, winding
through forests and past streams, and is perfect for a morning immersed
in nature. It's one of those outings you simply can't miss.
Day 4: Excursion to France (Artouste Train)
We
crossed the border for a unique experience: the Artouste Railway. The
adventure begins with a cable car ride up to 2,000 meters, where we
boarded a small train that travels through the Ossau Valley. It's
considered the highest tourist train in Europe and offers incredible
views, especially of Lake Artouste. Children will be fascinated, and
it's a perfect outing for the whole family. Allow plenty of time, as the
entire journey takes several hours.
Day 5: Excursion to the Anayet Lakes
For
the more adventurous, the route to the Anayet Lakes is one of the most
beautiful in the valley. Although I don't have all the details of this
specific route, it's known for its spectacular glacial lakes. It's a
more demanding hike, so it's important to be well prepared.
Day 6: Excursion to the Respomuso Lake
We
finished the week with another great hike: to Ibón de Respomuso. The
trail, which starts from the La Sarra reservoir, is dotted with streams
and waterfalls, and the final reward is a large lake with a refuge where
you can have lunch. It's a longer hike that requires a good level of
fitness, but the scenery is totally worth it.
7. If you have extra time: Hoz de Jaca zip line and aerial swing. –
In case the kids aren't so keen on nature and prefer more fun. An
unforgettable experience that you can find out more about here. 
Zip line link . And finally, also for the kids, on the other side of the Bubal reservoir is the "La Cuniacha"
animal reserve . You can even take the cable car up to the Panticosa
ski resort area and hike to either Ibón de Sabocos or Ibón de los Asnos.
It's not very difficult, but the scenery is stunning. _____________________________________________________________________
3rd) BENASQUE AREA
We
are in the area with the highest mountains in the Pyrenees. It's the
realm of Aneto and the Maladeta massif. Ideal for those who want to
experience some serious mountaineering, especially the ascent of Aneto.
But it's also a fantastic area for family hikes.
Where to stay in the Benasque area? -Well,
there are many options. The simplest and most comfortable is certainly a
hotel, hostel, or guesthouse in Benasque town, or even the campsite,
which is very well located. My favorite place is the Hotel-Hostel Llanos del Hospital ,
which stands alone in the valley towards the Aneto glacier. This hotel
is unbeatable in winter. But as I mentioned, there is also accommodation
in Cerler, Castejón de Sos, Eriste, El Rhun, etc.
What to do or see in the Benasque area?
I'm
ruling out Pyrenean climbing because we're here on a family trip. But
if you're looking for adrenaline and stunning scenery, grab your hiking
boots, ice axe, crampons, and head for Aneto. However, you do need some
experience, which isn't a joke, although it's not a particularly
dangerous peak. If you decide to do this, I recommend spending the night
at the Refugio de la Renclusa refuge
. Even if you're just sightseeing, going up with the kids for dinner
and sleeping at this refuge is a special experience; you truly immerse
yourself in the mountain atmosphere, and the kids won't miss a thing.
1. Forau de Aigualluts (The essential hike)
This is probably the most famous route in the valley and the first one I
would recommend to any visitor. From La Besurta, which is accessible by
shuttle bus in summer, a comfortable path leads to the Aigualluts
meadows, under the impressive silhouette of Aneto. |
| Forau de Aigualluts with the Aneto in the background |
The
most striking feature of the route is the Forau de Aigualluts, a huge
sinkhole where the waters from the Aneto glacier disappear, only to
reappear kilometers later in the Aran Valley, forming the source of the
Garonne River. Round trip details : Distance: 5-6 km; Duration: 2-3 hours; Difficulty: Very easy
2. Villamuerta Lakes
Just a few minutes beyond Aigualluts, these small high-mountain lakes
appear. The route crosses alpine meadows and offers magnificent views of
the Maladeta massif.
This hike is slightly less well-known than Aigualluts and is highly recommended for families accustomed to walking. Round trip details : Distance: 6 km; Duration: 2 hours; Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
3. Botanical Trail and Alba Gorges
A perfect route for hot days.
The
trail winds through black pine forest, following the Ésera River to the
spectacular Alba Gorges, where the water cascades down narrow canyons
and small waterfalls. It's a short but very scenic hike. You can find more information at this link . Round trip details : Distance: 3 km; Duration: 1.5 hours; Difficulty: Very easy.
4. Cerler's Three Waterfalls Route:
One of the most beautiful hikes in the valley. This hike starts from
the charming village of Cerler and allows you to visit three waterfalls:
Ardonés Waterfall,
Clotet Waterfall, and
Mascarada Waterfall.
The route combines forest, meadows, and excellent viewpoints overlooking the valley.
Round trip details
: Distance: 7 km
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
5. Walk through Benasque and Anciles.
Not all excursions have to be in the mountains. This is a pleasant walk
that connects Benasque with Anciles, possibly the most beautiful
village in the valley. Best of all, this village is home to the Anciles
Restaurant, run by two young siblings, Iris Jordán (chef) and Bruno
Jordán (waiter), representing the third generation of this business.
They have earned a Michelin star, but they aren't chefs in the
old-fashioned sense. In this link
, you can see Iris Jordán running the Aneto ultramarathon and achieving
a good result... and then back to work... the people of Benasque aren't
taught about mountains or how to conduct themselves at work; they're
born with the wisdom. Just ask the Barrabés family—although poor Juan
Carlos has been made a scapegoat against the Prime Minister.Cobblestone
streets, stately homes, and traditional Ribagorza architecture make
this walk a magnificent option for a peaceful afternoon.Duration: between one and two hours, enough effort to make you hungry.
6. Llanos del Hospital:
A very easy hike.
Several
practically flat trails start from the old Benasque Hospital, crossing
meadows where it's common to see cows, horses, and marmots.
Ideal for going with young children.
The views of the Maladeta massif are also spectacular.
Duration:
Between one and two hours.
7. Ibón de Batisielles:
For the last day, you can book a slightly longer hike.
The trail crosses one of the most beautiful forests in the Pyrenees before reaching the stunning Ibón de Batisielles.
If the family is used to hiking, this will probably be their favorite hike of the trip.
Details:
Distance: 11 km;
Duration: 4-5 hours;
Difficulty: Moderate.
For
those of you visiting the Ainsa/Ordesa area, I recommend stopping on
your way back for one of those excursions you'll always remember: the Mont-Rebeig Gorge with the Montfalcó walkways. And if you have an extra day, while you're there, be sure to visit the Finestres Great Wall.
This
hike might be a little out of the way from the main road to Ainsa or
Benasque. But it's absolutely worth it. The Caminito del Rey doesn't
even come close, as they say in Spain. And we'll be there in just 20
minutes by car.
Even
before the Montfalcó Footbridges existed, the excursion to see the
Mont-Rebeig Gorge was well worth it, as there are few places like it on
the peninsula. But combining the two makes for an unforgettable trip.
However, it's worth noting that although it doesn't present any real
danger, it's not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.
Where is this route
located? It's at the Canelles Reservoir. You can get there from either
the Catalan or Aragonese side. Since this blog post is about the
Aragonese Pyrenees, I recommend accessing it from Aragon. If you're
coming from Ribagorza (Aragon), in the town of Benabarre, a historic
crossroads, continue along the N-230 road to the town of Puente de
Montañana. Just before reaching this town, take a right turn towards
Tremp (signposted). Cross the Noguera Ribagorzana River via a bridge and
immediately turn right onto the C-1311 road. A few meters later, take
another right turn (paved track) following the signs for Mont-rebei.
We
have two distinct parts, but the excursion connects them. We will leave
the car by the end of the Canelles reservoir and follow the signs
towards the Montrebeig Gorge, finishing at the Montfalcó Footbridges and
returning the same way.
The Mont-Rebeig Gorge.
2.- Ainsa-Pineta Route
3.-Route towards the Benasque Valley
4.- Route through Jacetania-Canfranc-Ansó
4. Route through the Tena Valley
Places that are almost a must-see in the Pre-Pyrenees :
I'm
going to talk about this area first because it's the first thing we see
when we go to the Pyrenees. The Pre-Pyrenees is a mountain range that
runs parallel to the Pyrenees, about 30 or 40 kilometers to the south,
with peaks between 1,200 and 2,000 meters high, stretching from
Catalonia to Navarre. The Pre-Pyrenees of Huesca have areas of great
tourist and natural value, of which I would highlight the Sierra de
Guara and its canyons above all. Since it's not the intention of this
blog to cover every possible detail, I'm going to briefly mention which
areas of the Huesca Pre-Pyrenees I recommend visiting.
- Alquézar and the Vero River walkways -
A must-see. Located in the Sierra de Guara canyon area, the village
still retains its medieval charm with its collegiate church, which was
once an Arab fortress. The highlight is the canyon itself, which has
been developed with walkways suitable for all ages and well worth
exploring. If you visit in summer, bring a towel and swimsuit, as there
are refreshing pools along the river. The village offers hotels and
restaurants; I would particularly recommend Casa Pardina.
- Monastery of San Juan de la Peña
- Rodellar and the Mascún Gorge -
This is a small village, but very popular with canyoners, climbers, and
hikers. It's the heart of the "gorges and canyons of the Sierra de
Guara." Canyoneers come from all over the world. You can hire equipment
and a guide for canyoning; there are options for all levels. If you just
want to do a hike, I recommend "the route to the Losa Mora dolmen and
the abandoned villages." To get there, you have to go down to the Mascún
riverbed from the village of Rodellar and then follow the signs, as
everything is marked. There's no danger.
- .
Must-see places in the Pyrenees
- Ordesa
- Jaca and the Canfranc international station
- Panticosa Spa
- Partacua and the Piedrafita lake
- The Moorish Raft in Plan
- Pineta
- Añisclo
- A day in France: Aurthuse train
- Ainsa village
- Benasque and its surroundings
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