Benasque: A Pyrenean Mountain Escape
Benasque sits high in the Aragonese Pyrenees, and it feels like another world. Snowy peaks rise above old stone houses. Fast rivers run through green valleys. Best of all, this friendly mountain town works well all year round.
In winter, skiers flock to the slopes at Cerler. In summer, walkers head for high lakes and glaciers. Meanwhile, the town itself offers cosy streets, lively festivals and hearty mountain food. This guide covers what to see, when to visit, where to stay and how to arrive.
What to see and do
Start in the old town. The Santa MarÃa la Mayor church dates from the 13th century, and it stands near the town hall. Its Romanesque roots still show, despite restoration in the 17th century. Next, wander to the main square to see the Tilo de Benasque. This giant lime tree is one of the biggest of its kind in Aragon. Locals dance around it during the town’s biggest festival. Then explore the narrow lanes to spot historic houses. Casa Juste and the Palacio de los Condes de Ribagorza are good examples.
After that, head for the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. This protected area covers about 33,000 hectares. It holds the highest peaks in the Pyrenees, including Aneto at 3,404 metres. Moreover, it shelters around 95 glacial lakes and 13 glaciers. Before you set off, visit the park’s interpretation centre in Benasque. Its exhibition explains the local wildlife and landscapes, and it helps you plan your route.
One of the most memorable walks leads to the Forau de Aigualluts. Here, meltwater from the Aneto glaciers tumbles down a waterfall. Then it disappears into a sinkhole about 70 metres wide. You reach the start of the walk from La Besurta. However, access to La Besurta is regulated from 30 June to 10 September. During that period, a public transport service runs from Benasque, so plan ahead.
Close by, the high plain of Llanos del Hospital lies beneath the Maladeta massif. In winter, it suits cross-country skiing and snowshoe walks. In summer, it offers gentle strolls with views towards Aneto.
Afterwards, you can soothe tired legs at the Baños de Benasque area. Local tradition says the Romans built the first sulphur spa here. Today, it also serves as a starting point for forest walks.
Skiers should not miss Cerler. This is the highest ski resort in the Aragonese Pyrenees. Its top point, the Gallinero summit, reaches about 2,630 metres. As a result, the resort has the biggest vertical drop in the Pyrenees, at around 1,130 metres. Cerler village also makes a lovely summer stop for walkers and mountain bikers. Buying lift passes ahead can save you time on busy weekends. Buy tickets and skip the queue.
If you have extra days, head west to see more of the Aragonese Pyrenees. The villages of AÃnsa and Torla make charming stops. Torla also acts as the gateway to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.
Local festivals and traditions
Benasque keeps its traditions alive, and the festivals are wonderful to watch. The biggest party is the Fiestas de San Marcial, which runs from 27 June to 1 July. The main day falls on 30 June, when the town honours its patron saint. On that day, four mayordomos open the Ball dels omes. This is a men’s dance performed in front of the saint’s image. Other men then dance in age groups, from oldest to youngest.
The next day, women take over with the Ball de les donnes. Only Benasque, Eriste and Sahún share this tradition. Meanwhile, the hamlet of Anciles celebrates San Pedro on 29 June with a Mass, a procession and plenty of music.
Other dates are worth noting too. Cerler honours San Lorenzo on 10 August. Locals also still speak patués, an old dialect with Catalan and Latin influences. In July, the Ultra-Trail Aneto-Posets draws runners to the valley. Dates can change, so check the local tourism website before you book.
Where to stay
Choosing the right base shapes your trip. Luckily, Benasque and its nearby villages offer four very different options. Each one suits a different type of holiday.
Benasque old town suits most visitors. From here, you can walk to the church, the shops and the restaurants. Better still, a local bus links the town with Cerler and Anciles every day. This makes it a handy base if you do not have a car.
The Pleta de Benasque is a quieter, residential area. It enjoys plenty of sunshine and good mountain views. Even so, it sits only about two minutes’ walk from the centre. Therefore, it works well for anyone who wants peace without losing convenience.
Cerler is the top choice for skiers. The village sits at around 1,500 metres, close to the lifts. In summer, it also suits walkers who prefer cooler air and big views. In addition, its traditional old core has a real village feel.
Anciles offers a peaceful alternative. This small hamlet belongs to Benasque but keeps its cobbled streets and calm pace. As a result, it appeals to couples and travellers who want to unwind after a day on the trails.
Whichever area you choose, book well ahead. July, August, Christmas and ski weekends fill up quickly in this small valley. Booking early gives you more choice. Search properties with Free Cancellation on Booking.com.
How to get to Benasque
Benasque has no airport of its own, so most visitors fly to Zaragoza or Barcelona. Zaragoza Airport is the closer option, but it has fewer routes. Barcelona-El Prat Airport offers a much wider choice of flights. Either way, you then continue by road. Check flights and Buy Tickets with Booking.com.
No train reaches Benasque itself. Even so, high-speed trains connect Madrid and Barcelona with Zaragoza, which makes a good first leg. From there, you can switch to a bus for the final stretch. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.
Buses also run from Zaragoza and Huesca straight to Benasque. From Barcelona, you can ride to Barbastro and change there. Timetables vary by season, so check them before you travel. The journey from Zaragoza takes around three and a half hours. Check Bus Schedules and secure your seat on Omio.
Hiring a car gives you the most freedom. You can reach trailheads, Cerler and nearby villages whenever you like. Many visitors find this the easiest way to explore the valley. Hire a car with Discovercars.
The drive itself is scenic. From Zaragoza, take the route via Huesca, Barbastro and Graus. From Barcelona, go via Lleida, Benabarre and Graus. Allow roughly three to four hours from either city. In winter, check road conditions before you set off. Already in Spain? Get directions.