In the Catalan Pyrenees the arrival of the cold and the snow bring out several villages that look like fairytale settings with their paths and stone houses. It's not that the rest of the year these places are not there, it's just that with the first snowflakes they take on a different colour, which brings peace and tranquillity to mind.
These first snows are already here and you can enjoy them on skis, or hiking the mountains, or by enjoying a gastronomic route. maybe you'll even fall in love with these spectacular mountains (who could blame you) and decide to move there, in which case we have a selection of properties in the mountains just for you! Whichever way you choose to enjoy them though, the important thing is to escape from the stress of everyday life, breathe fresh air and discover the most beautiful villages in the Catalan Pyrenees.
Vielha
Vielha, in the province of Lleida, is located at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres above sea level and is the capital of the Aran Valley. This peaceful town combines the serene and traditional air of the valley with being the reference point for all the tourists who visit the different ski resorts in the area.
This hustle and bustle of travellers does not detract from Vielha's Pyrenean charm and the best thing you can do is check it out, getting around the area on 4x4 trips or enjoying the local adventure tourism.
Camprodon
Camprodon, in the province of Girona, is a small but charming village, located on the banks of the river Ter, at the foot of the mountains at its source. This is a village you absolutely must visit at least once in your life. And if you don't fancy the cold, the white cloak that will cover Camprodon during these months will give way to the green meadows of spring and summer, where you will see how the local livestock takes centre stage.
You can't leave Camprodon without admiring the Pont Nou which dates to the 13th century, and of course you must enjoy the village's wonderful gastronomy.
Taüll
Another of the villages in the Aran Valley that you can't miss if you visit it is Taüll. It is curious how a village of around 300 inhabitants is home to two Romanesque jewels: the Church of San Clemente and the Church of Santa Maria, both Unesco World Heritage Sites. The most famous of the two is the church of San Clemente, with its six-storey bell tower that looms over all the roofs of the village.
With all this heritage and history, and its proximity to the resorts, it's not unusual to see mountain-faring locals and skiers concerned about the aerodynamics of their equipment mingling seamlessly in the streets - quite a scene!
Llívia
Llívia is a small piece of Spain surrounded by French territory since the Treaty of the Pyrenees in the 17th century. Part of the province of Girona, it is a quiet and small town where stone houses prevail.
It preserves a Gothic church, which may even look like a fortress, whose name is 'Mare de Déu dels Àngels de Llívia'. It is accessed by a cobbled path and has a stately bell tower that is visible from any part of the village and the surrounding area.
You cannot leave Llívia without visiting its 15th century pharmacy, now converted into a museum as it is the oldest pharmacy in Spain.
Unha
Unha is a very small Aranese village of 125 inhabitants that stands out for its particular beauty and tranquillity. Due to its proximity to other larger villages such as Salardú and Artiés, many tourists have made the mistake of not seeing it on the map - they don't know what they're missing!
At the top of the village you will find the Church of Santa Eulàlia de Unha, built in the 12th century. Within its walls is a perfect blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, as well as a collection of Romanesque murals that are unique in the Aran Valley.
Don't leave this beautiful village without tasting an "Olla Aranesa", the authentic, homemade, and rural flavour of the valley!
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