Catalan Pyrenees
From the Cap de Creus to the Val dAran long stretch extends north of Catalonia formed by the Pyrenees and the Pyrenean foothills. Spectacular lands dominated by very high peaks, deep valleys where rivers are born great, alpine meadows and pine forests.
More than 60 natural areas, 10 special protection reserves, national park and some of the most important natural parks in Catalonia are part of the natural heritage of the Pyrenees. Cradle of culture and space survival of old customs and traditions.
Excellent destination for hiking, the Pyrenees have more than 1,000 km of marked trails to help you enjoy trouble-free pleasure of walking. Direct access to the history, customs and natural culture and heritage of Catalonia, the great trails are complemented by a large range of tourist routes, a network of local trails and a multitude of variations that will take you to all places of interest surrounding tours.
Sport in the Catalan Pyrenees
The landscape characteristics of the Pyrenees makes it possible to practice a wide range of sports to all kinds of sensations: the combination of sea and mountains, valleys and mountains, sun and snow, makes the visitor can find all kinds of sports to scope, from the relaxing to the more exciting.
Snow:
The Pyrenees, a land of mild weather with about 330 ski runs, equivalent to more than 400 kilometers of pistes, and more than 200 kilometers of cross-country trails, offer endless proposals the heart of Catalonia whiter.
In recent years, the Alpine ski resorts of the Pyrenees have adapted to the emergence of new patterns that coexist with traditional skiing. Snowboarding was born in the seventies and today and become an Olympic sport, carving, fashionable discipline technology applied to the geometry and construction of the skis, and telemark, inspired by ancient techniques of northern Europe, have in the Pyrenees a perfect setting for your practice.
Lovers will find tranquility in the network of Nordic skiing in the Pyrenees a full range of courses for all levels. Skiing, Nordic mountain skiing, snowshoe walks and adventures on a sled pulled by dogs are proposed to enjoy the snowy landscape of these mountains.
Adventure on the river:
The strength of the rivers of the Pyrenees makes it possible to practice a variety of adventure sports like rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hydro-canoe-raft, which are based on rough waters to navigate at full speed .
Bike Terrain:
With over a hundred kilometers, divided into several routes and difficulty levels, the districts of the Pyrenees are an excellent area for mountain biking. The Alt Empordà, Alt Urgell, Berguedà, Pallars Jussà, Ripoll, Solsonès and Val d’Aran are centers BTT / FCC.
Fishing:
More than 150 fishing and eighty-controlled shelters available to those who love this sport. A complete offering that includes trout preserves, preserves no death, preserves the high mountain lakes, preserves intensive and children’s areas.
Golf height:
Every year there are many fans who are in the fields of the Pyrenees a natural for playing excellent golf. The quality of their facilities and the variety of routes become fields of the Pyrenees at the headquarters of various international tournaments.
What to do in the Catalan Pyrenees?
Heritage:
Admire the churches and monasteries scattered throughout the Val d’Aran Vall de Boi, the valleys of Aneu, Alt Emporda, Garrotxa, Ripolles and Cerdanya. Be fascinated by the wealth hidden in the corners of the Pyrenees regions and peoples enjoy as Besalu, Camprodon or Beget. Magically transported back in time visiting the dolmens of the Serra de l’Albera, the Holy Sepulchre of Palera and Rocabruna castles, Peralada, Mur and Llorda or that make the path of the dolmens of Alt Urgell. Come to a rich legacy that awakens a passion. The examples of religious architecture, the Romanesque wall paintings and ancient carvings of the Virgin are excellent examples of the historical heritage of the Pyrenees. An estate in which the Romanesque becomes major player and a true symbol of this land and all of Catalonia. Will delight the great heritage that have eleven districts of the Pyrenees.
Museums:
The network of museums available to the Pyrenees is very broad, more than fifty museums collect, preserve and disseminate the cultural heritage of the area around the territory.
Dining:
The Pyrenean kitchen, the true heart of the chalet, has been the refuge for a great recipe based on mushrooms, pork sausages, cheeses, hunting and fishing. Valued products such as lamb, beans, girella (lamb sausage), chicory and turnips make great dishes catering establishments in the Pyrenees. But undoubtedly, the mushroom is the most popular the cuisine of this area. Mushrooms, wild mushrooms, Mushrooms, chanterelle, bold and gonfidios, the base of fine dining and a perfect accompaniment.
Music:
The meetings known accordionists, such as Les and the Arsèguel (considered the meeting of diatonic largest in Europe) of Guils of Cerdanya and Molina, and traditional music playing in the villages of the Vall de Boi The “Thursday at Fresco” with international festivals and events such as the cycle performances of the myth of Count Arnau in Sant Joan de les Abadesses make it possible for the important musical tradition in the Pyrenees to be fully alive.
The musical diversity of the Pyrenees makes a very rich musical heritage. A wide variety ranging from the Music Festival of the Pyrenees which brings classical music to the churches of the High Ribagorça, through the traveling “Festival Pyrene” and reaching the concert series “High Ribagorça soloists in” make it possible we can enjoy the jazz, blues, gospel and other musical styles for all tastes.
Accommodation:
About 500 hotels, with high level facilities, over 700 rural tourism establishments and hundreds of campsites up the bulk of the supply of accommodation in the Pyrenees.
