The Spanish Pyrenees road trip is still on the list of my favorite Spanish adventures ever. While this mountain region of Spain totally fits the bill for hikers, climbers, and ski lovers, most of the top local gems are easy to visit on a simple road trip, even if you are not a sports enthusiast. Let me share with you all the amazing places that made me fall in love with the Spanish Pyrenees!
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The Spanish Pyrenees 4-day Road Trip Itinerary
Where are the Pyrenees?
The Pyrenees are a mountain range that forms a natural border between France and Spain, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Mediterranean Sea in the east. The range spans both France and Spain, while also being home to the small European country of Andorra. The French Pyrenees are well-established on the tourist track, with famous locations like the Cirque de Gavarnie and Lourdes, while the Spanish Pyrenees were traditionally more of a local destination for Spaniards. However, this has changed in recent years.
In Spain, the Pyrenees are spread across four main regions: Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra, and a small portion of the Basque Country. Areas in the Spanish Pyrenees, like Vall d’Aran and the Catalan Pyrenees, have been gaining significant popularity lately. For those seeking hidden gems, the Aragonese Pyrenees remain a lesser-known destination for international travelers, and it’s where the itinerary for this post is focused.
What are the Pyrenees of Spain known for?
The Pyrenees are known for offering some of the most stunning landscapes in Spain, iconic hiking trails, national parks, and adventurous activities. In winter, this mountain range is famous for its top-rated ski resorts, such as Grandvalira in Andorra and Baqueira-Beret in Spain. The Pyrenees are one of the best destinations for nature lovers in Europe. Some areas have been famous for their thermal baths for centuries, like Panticosa and the lesser-known Termas Baronia de Les, while Andorra’s Caldea is the largest spa in the Pyrenees. This mountain region is also renowned for its charming small towns, delicious local cuisine, and rich cultural and historical significance, featuring ancient Romanesque churches and sitting along pilgrimage routes such as the Camino de Santiago.
Best time to visit the Pyrenees
Every season brings a different travel experience to the Pyrenees. Summer is the peak season, perfect for hiking, climbing, and camping, while winter attracts many skiers from Spain, France, and the rest of Europe. My personal favorites for visiting the Pyrenees are late spring and early autumn – the weather is still great, but there are fewer travelers. Early autumn, in particular, can reveal some of the most stunning fall foliage destinations.
How long to spend in the Pyrenees?
The Pyrenees are a great destination, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long trip. Most of my trips to the Pyrenees have lasted between 4 days and a week, but I’ve always focused on one region. If you wanted to explore the entire mountain range, you could easily plan a 3- to 4-week itinerary.
My trips to the Pyrenees
The Spanish Pyrenees is one of the most unique regions of the Iberian Peninsula, a place that keeps drawing me back all the time. It’s one of my favorite spots in Spain. You can check out all of my trips and itineraries to this mountain range under the hashtag #Pyrenees.

About this Pyrenees Itinerary
Since we only had 4 days to make the most of our trip to the Pyrenees, I decided to focus the itinerary on the Aragon region. The Spanish Pyrenees in Aragon are made up of five main valleys: Valle del Cinca, Valle del Chistau, Valle de Ordesa, Valle de Añisclo, Valle del Ara, and Valle de Tena. Keep in mind that it’s impossible to fully explore each of these valleys within just 4 days.
Nevertheless, if you have less than a week for your Spanish Pyrenees road trip it is absolutely enough to fall in love with the region and cross off your Spain bucket list a few adventurous experiences. You just need to pick the few places you would like to visit the most and build an itinerary around them.
Pyrenees Travel Tips
- Pack layers: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring layers, waterproof gear, and sun protection.
- Rent a car: Public transport is limited in the Pyrenees, so renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore remote villages and natural parks.
- Book accommodation in advance: Especially during peak winter/summer seasons the popular areas can fill up quickly.
- Respect the environment: The Pyrenees are home to fragile ecosystems and protected wildlife (also popular for birdwatching), follow marked trails, take your litter with you, and respect local rules.
- Stay hydrated and bring all the necessary hiking essentials.
To get a quick glimpse of my Spanish Pyrenees Road Trip – check Pyrenees Reel and Highlights on IG. If you have more days for this trip – feel free to steal my 10-Day Pyrenees Itinerary, 7-Day Pyrenees road trip from Barcelona, Aragon road trip itinerary, Weekend in the Pyrenees of Catalonia, and Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary – all can be easily combined with any Pyrenees itinerary.
Favorite hotels to stay in the Pyrenees
During my first visit to the Pyrenees, we stayed at Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña. It´s one of the best hotels with SPA in the Pyrenees, with spacious rooms and quite decent prices (considering the quality of the services). While exploring the Pyrenees of Catalonia we stayed at the budget-friendly Apartamentos Chuandervera in the small town of Laspaules.
For this Pyrenees road trip we planned to do more hiking, so picked an apartment in Escalona (for some reason it´s not available on booking.com anymore).
You will find a few cute boutique hotels in Ainsa, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Spain, like Alojamientos Ainsa Sanchez and Los Siete Reyes. I also love these hotels – Hotel Boutique Mediodía & Apartments, Casa Lascorz, and Casa de San Martín.
Books about the Pyrenees
If you are looking for more visual inspiration or historical/practical data on the Pyrenees region, there are a few books you might enjoy – Shorter Treks in the Pyrenees, Explore Pyrenees Like A Local or Walks and Climbs in the Pyrenees (focused on the French Pyrenees). Planning to read something about the Pyrenees on the road? – Check Footprints on the mountains, Boundaries, The Savage Frontier, Cruel Crossing, and If you only walk long enough.
Alternatively, you can pick something from the contemporary Spanish bestsellers or Wanderlust books.
If you know Spanish, check out: Pirineos. Mas allá de las montañas, Los Pirineos, Leyendas de brujas en el Pirineo fantástico, Pirineos: 50 joyas del arte románico, Pirineos : montaña sublime, 101 Lugares de los Pirineos sorprendentes.
Unique experiences to book in the Pyrenees
There are a few unique experience you can book in the Spanish Pyrenees in advance: Via Ferrata K3. Climbing Experience, Pyrenees Paragliding Experience, Ordesa National Park Guided Snowshoeing Tour, and Hot Air Balloon Ride and Breakfast over the Volcanoes of la Garrotxa.

Best places to visit on a Spanish Pyrenees road trip
Spanish Pyrenees Itinerary – Day 1
For this trip, we rented an apartment in the small town of Escalona, which was close to all the places we planned to visit and had a good price/quality relationship. As we were driving to the Spanish Pyrenees from Castellon – it took us around 4h 30 min to get to Escalona. Therefore, by leaving home early morning we literally had the whole afternoon to start exploring the mountains.
Cañon de Añisclo


After the check-in, our Spanish Pyrenees road trip started with a beautiful drive along the Añisclo Canyon to the parking Aparcamiento San Urbez. The local road HU-631 taking us there was so beautiful.
From Aparcamiento San Urbez you have a few hiking trail options. One of the easiest is Ruta por el Cañon de Añisclo, an easy 45-minute walk (2km) that made it to my lists of favorite hikes in Spain and Top Trails of The Pyrenees. During this route, even in the summer months, you’ll be hidden from the annoying heat by the spectacular local greenery. Along the way, you’ll encounter the remains of an ancient watermill Molino de Aso, a waterfall, the cave-church Ermita de San Urbez, and the Medieval bridge Puente Medieval de San Urbez. Prepared hikers have a few alternatives to make this route longer by taking another trail near Ermita de San Urbez towards the village of Sercué, La Ripareta, and Fuen Blanca (you might have up to 5-6 hours of walking one way).
Ainsa
For dinner, we headed to one of the most beautiful Spanish Medieval towns – Ainsa. While we previously visited Ainsa on our last trip to Huesca, this charming hilltop village was so close to our apartment in Escalona that we couldn’t miss a chance to wander along its cobblestone streets once again. However this time I honestly felt like it became way more touristy. From local sights make sure not to miss La Plaza Mayor de Aínsa, Castillo de Aínsa, and Iglesia de Santa María.
For some gorgeous views head to Mirador Balcón de Aínsa and Mirador del Cinca. By the way, only 18 km from Ainsa there’s another epic panorama at Castillo de Samitier.
Spanish Pyrenees Itinerary – Day 2
Canfranc

On our second day in the Spanish Pyrenees, we woke up early in the morning once again in order to drive to Canfranc and enjoy breakfast there. This small town is known for its iconic Canfranc Train Station (unfortunately it was closed due to the restoration works). The 241m-long Modernist building of Canfranc Train Station has 150 gates and nearly 350 windows. It was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1929. Back then it had a hotel, a casino, and a customs office all within one building. During World War II Canfranc Train Station was an important crossing point for the trade of gold and stolen artworks, as well as the Jewish refugees on the run.
Astun



After breakfast in Canfranc, we headed to the Astun Ski Station, where we took a lift upwards to enjoy the famous hiking trail Ruta de Los 7 Lagos de Astun (also called 7 Ibones de Astun or Ruta de lagos de Ayous). Even for the kids, it honestly became one of the highlights of our Spanish Pyrenees road trip.
What can be more mesmerizing than the crystal-clear glacier lakes with snow caps on the backdrop and no soul around? This route is one of the most epic Spanish hiking trails I have experienced so far. It begins at the Astun Ski Station and covers the 7 glacier lakes located in both Spain and France.
Aside from the jaw-dropping views, 7 Ibones de Astun route makes you cross the Spain-France border a few times in one single day. While this trail is often described as a great match for all types of public, personally, I consider it a slightly challenging one. Keep in mind that you will be walking at an altitude of 2100 m, which means less oxygen. While the trail is only 13,55 km long, this hike is for those in a good shape.
Nevertheless, if hiking is not the option for you – consider simply taking the lift towards the first lake Ibon de Truchas, and walking around it. Also, you can easily reach the nearest lake Ibon de Escalar – till this point, the trail is very easy, but afterward, you´ll need to walk upwards to complete the trail of the 7 lakes of Astun.
Nevertheless, this stunning trail is still one of my favorite hikes in the Pyrenees.
Jaca

In the afternoon/evening, we headed to Jaca. The initial plan was to visit the Museum of Military Miniatures in Ciudadela de Jaca. But they did not let us in 40 minutes before the closure: according to them, one needs at least 2 hours to see the museum. Actually, it´s not the first time I encounter this policy in Spain, but I still don’t get it. If I am willing to pay the entrance price and ready to leave before the closure, why is it their business how much time I spend inside?
Anyway, once in Jaca don’t miss Ciudadela de Jaca, San Pedro Cathedral, and San Miguel Bridge, all of which are worth visiting. Nearby the city of Jaca, you can visit Santa Cruz de la Seros (with its unique churches San Caprasio and Santa Maria).

More ideas
If you don´t plan to hike in Astun, keep in mind there are a few other interesting places nearby – the caves Cueva de las “Güixas”, Ecoparque El Juncaral, Fuerte de Rapitán. Another beautiful Pyrenees landmark to visit near Jaca is Real Monasterio de San Juan de la Peña, one of the most secret and beautiful monasteries in Spain.
Spanish Pyrenees Itinerary – Day 3
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

On the 3rd day of our Spanish Pyrenees road trip, we planned a visit to one of the most beautiful national parks in Spain – Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. Its most iconic peak is called Monte Perdido (or “the lost mountain” in English). Also, it is the highest limestone massif in Europe.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and hikes of the Pyrenees – Tozal de Mallo, La Cascada del Estrecho, Gradas de Soaso, Bosque de las Hayas, Cañon de Añisclo, Cola de Caballo, and Gargantas de Escuain.
Access to the park is restricted. Visitors leave their vehicles at the free Parking of the small town of Torla and then take a bus to the National Park. The bus leaves from the Visitors Center of Torla-Ordesa.
Actually, I found this system very convenient and environment-friendly. On the road, we saw a few small deer crossing the road a few times, which would have been impossible with over-tourism and private cars driving on the road 24/7.
While the most famous hike of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is probably Ruta Cola de Caballo, we have picked the lesser-known option – Ruta Circo de Cotatuero. While it had some elevation, we did not encounter almost anyone on the trail.
Boltaña

In the evening we headed to the small town of Boltaña and made a quick stop at Broto to see the waterfall Cascada de Sorrosal. While on our last trip to Huesca, we lived in a hotel nearby, I didn’t mind visiting Boltaña again, as this small town is so charming and quiet. So, it is always a great stop to wander around and enjoy local traditional architecture and cuisine.
Spanish Pyrenees Itinerary – Day 4
Panticosa

First thing in the morning on day 4 of our Spanish Pyrenees road trip, we headed to Panticosa, located in a local valley Valle de Tena. Valle de Tena is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in the Spanish Pyrenees. Hikers can not miss Ibón de Espelunciecha, Ibón de Piedrafita, Vuelta al pantano de Lanuza, Paseo del camino de las Palizas, and also the amazing zip line Tirolina Valle Tena.
This time we only visited Ibon de Los Baños (also called Lake of Panticosa) and a waterfall Cascadas del Argualas. Although a local Panticosa Spa with its baths could be traced back to the times of the Roman Empire in Spain, this place disappeared during medieval times. Nevertheless, in the 19th century, it was opened to the rich and famous as a luxurious villa able to host 1500 people. Many Spanish historic characters like Niceto Alcala Zamora, Santiago Ramon y Cajal, Primo de Rivera, and others, were once spotted in Panticosa.
While The Panticosa Spa is still open nowadays, its reviews suggest the place needs restoration, even though it definitely preserves the signs of its past glory. At Ibon de los Baños or the Lake of Pantiosa, you will find hiking trails (most of which will take you to the nearest mountain peaks) and waterfalls like Salto del Pino, Argualas, Salto de El Fraile. The most beautiful views of the area could be seen from Mirador de La Reina.
Tirolina Valle de Tena

The last experience of our Spanish Pyrenees road trip was Tirolina Valle Tena. It is the longest double zip line in Europe and the views are simply to die for. On their website, you can see how different the landscape is as the seasons of the year change.
I loved the experience of Tirolina Valle de Tena so much. While I initially expected it to be way scarier, the ride turned out to be so enjoyable. Hopefully, I will get a chance to repeat it at night or with the snowy landscape. This experience is a must for the adventure-seekers in Spain.
Pyrenees Road Trip: My Map
On this map, you can see the exact locations of all the places I visited during this Spanish Pyrenees Road Trip. It will be helpful while deciding on where to stay.
Honestly, searching for a hotel in the Pyrenees area is a bit confusing: the region is so wide-spread that it takes forever to travel between the main landmarks. This is why it´s essential that you pick a holiday rental anywhere near the main stops of your Pyrenees road trip, otherwise you will end up driving too much.
Future Plans
There are still many places left on my Spanish Pyrenees bucket list, like Sos de Rey Catolico, Aguas Tuertas, Tella, Cueva de las Guixas, Mallos de Riglos hike, Congost de Mont-rebei, and a stay at Camping Valle de Bujaruelo – only to name a few. Therefore, you can absolutely expect new road trips to the Spanish Pyrenees anytime soon. Subscribe for blog updates not to miss out.
More Pyrenees Travel Tips
- Top Adventurous Things to Do in the Pyrenees (read it)
- Beautiful Small Towns in the Spanish Pyrenees (read it)
- Exploring The Pre-Pyrenees of Spain: A weekend in Sierra de Guara (read it)
- Cogost de Montrebei: The Most Adventurous Hike in Spain (read it)
- Epic 7 Days in the Pyrenees of Spain (read it)
- 10-Day Pyrenees Itinerary: An Ultimate Road Trip from Madrid (read it)
- Hiking Trails in The Pyrenees You Can Not Miss (read it)
- Top Beautiful Places to Visit in the Spanish Pyrenees (read it)
- Exploring the Pyrenees of Catalonia (read it)
- 5 Epic Reasons to Visit the Pyrenees with Kids (read it)
- Top Romantic Things to do in Andorra (read it)
- The Spanish Pyrenees Road Trip 4-Day Itinerary (read it)
- Skiing in Spain: Our Baqueira Beret Family Getaway (read it)
- Top Things to Do in Andorra (read it)
- Best Foods in the Pyrenees of Spain (read it)
- My Top Hiking Essentials On The Go (read it)
- 3 days in the Pyrenees of Aragon with Seniors & Kids (read it)
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This looks like a beautiful part of Spain. I’m adding it to my list as I’m hoping to spend a month in Spain very soon. Is there snow around Christmas time? I’m coming from Australia.
I would love to do a road trip in this part of Spain! Definitely saving this for next year when we plan our trip.
I would love to replicate this four-day Spanish Pyrenees road trip! So beautiful! Definitely would love to explore the hiking trails.
I’ve wanted to visit this part of Spain for some time. I’ve pinned your useful blog for future reference!
Wow! Everything looks so beautiful. What a fun road trip. I would love to visit Cañon de Añisclo and Cascada de Sorrosal. Next time we are in Spain!
would you recomend this trip in a moterhome. would the roads be suitable for a 7.5 meter van
Hi, I have honestly never travelled across the Pyrenees in a van. Most of the places on this trip have an easy access and include large roads(except Añisclo) – so I assume that you could, you’ll need to research this via apps like Park4night and Caramaps