Spanish Pyrenees Guide

The Pyrenees mountain range stretch from Catalonia on the Mediterranean sea, to the Basque Country, and the Atlantic ocean. A natural border between Spain and France. Which in turn influences the weather!! In total some 430km.

It is here in the central Spanish Pyrenees that we run a number of different holidays.

General

Spanish Pyrenees Guide

The Pyrenees cover an area of over 116,399 km² or 20,000 square miles. In this Spanish Pyrenees Guide we will explain the landscape where we live, the main attractions and of course the weather! One of the most striking things our guests notice about the Spanish Pyrenees is the ‘wildness’. There is a feeling of disconnect, far away from the noises and bustle that comes with ‘civilisation’. It was this feeling that drew us here some 20 years ago, creating a sustainable holiday business in the process.

Landscape

The Central Pyrenees

The Aragon central Pyrenees, where we live, are considered the jewels of the Spanish Pyrenees. This area still remains off the typical, well- worn European tourist route, and is much less developed than the Alps. Here rugged wild beauty abounds. All of which can be found on our doorstep in the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido. In fact the limestone massif of Monte Perdido is probably the most famous mountain in the Spanish Pyrenees, at 3355m (11,000 ft). However, it is not the tallest! Monte Perdido is beaten by Aneto, at 3404m (11,167ft).

GEOLOGY

The Pyrenees Geological Park

The formation of the Pyrenees and the geological footprint left behind is incredible. On all our Small Group Holidays we bring this geology to life. We live in Sobrarbe, and in 2006 the whole district of Sobrarbe became part of UNESCO Global Network of Geoparks. This part of the Spanish Pyrenees boasts no less than 100 catalogued places of geological interest and 30 different geological walks. Deep canyons, 500 million year old rocks, abundant marine fossils, and huge erratic boulders left by glaciers. These are just some examples of the fascinating geology to be found in our area. Join one of our holidays and we will open your eyes to this incredible landscape..

322 DAYS OF SUNSHINE

Weather

The rainfall difference between the west side of the Pyrenees going eastwards is incredible. In the west moist air from the Atlantic Ocean produces rain, as it moves east this diminishes until the air is left dry over the eastern Mediterranean Pyrenees. The mountains also form the STOP that shelters Spain from the northern rain in France. The result is a central area with a temperate climate, Sobrabre, where we live!

Wildlife

Having the highest summits in the Pyrenees means the area where we live also has differing habitats, ranging in altitude from 650m to over 3000m, and so a huge diversity of flora and subsequently fauna. The Ordesa National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and a Special Protection Area for birds. For lovers of nature this is the perfect place, and on every holiday we give you a ringside seat at natures table!

When to visit?

Our different holidays make the most of the weather. Winter is ideal for snowshoeing. Spring is perfect for hiking, wildflowers and seeing the wide variety of migratory birds which have arrived. August is the peak season when there are noticeably more people, which is why we do not run holidays. By September and into autumn our area is quiet again, and the colours are beautiful.

Spring

Spring, from April to June, is one of our favourite seasons. It seems to arrive suddenly and quickly feels like summer. The average daytime temperatures are between 15°C and 25°C.The valleys display every shade of green imaginable. By midday it is often shorts weather, although venturing high means a good layering system of clothing is needed.We start to eat outside on the terrace often with a parasol for shade.Even in springtime there can be snow flurries, however it never lasts.As June arrives, the flowers and butterflies are amazing. The snow begins to melt on the mountain tops and the rivers turn aquamarine.

Summer

Summer tends to be hot with intense sunshine. During the day, temperatures normally reach between 26°C and 32°C, but the night air is pleasantly cool.

In July and August thunder storms can develop late in the afternoon or in the evening. These make for dramatic skies but pass quickly and within a few hours we have clear skies again.

Be aware that the sun is extremely strong, exposed skin is not a good idea.

It is cooler higher up in the mountains, and a great time to go down to the river, or visit one of the nearby natural pools for a swim, we have some favourite spots!

Autumn

Our favourite season, we often enjoy the warmth of an Indian summer, with blue skies and mountain colours. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, Autumn brings the possibility of rain.

It can be cool first thing but by midday the shorts are back! Maximum daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C. Evenings cool off quickly as the days get shorter.

We are still eating lunch outside on the terrace (work permitting, coffee and tea as well!).

The mountains are a blaze of red, ochre and every shade of brown imaginable. It is a good time to go and pick mushrooms, a favourite past time in the valley.

Winter

Daily temperatures are more variable with cold starts. We do however get plenty of winter sunshine, a world away from the grey UK winters we both grew up with. By midday it´s warm enough to peel the layers off.

January is the coldest month, heavy frosts and night time temperatures as low as -10°C, but beautiful clear blue skies during the day.

At our self-catering cottage in Torla, you can often find snow on the ground from December through to February. The perfect place for a romantic Christmas escape, with a cosy cottage and a log fire to return to.

It is a good time to head to the National Park of Ordesa, where the snowshoe walking is spectacular.

Address

Aragon Active, Calle San Urbez, 22371, Albella, Huesca, Spain.

Phone

(0034) 679 345 623

Email

holiday@aragonactive.com

Spanish Pyrenees Guide