Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees, Benasque is a picturesque town in the autonomous community of Aragon. It’s a popular base for outdoor pursuits along the border between Spain and France, with much of the region protected within the spectacular Parque Natural Posets-Maladeta.
Things to do in Benasque
Wander between the stone and slate buildings that cluster in Benasque and admire the Church of Santa María La Mayor, which was first documented in the 11th century. Also of note is the Palacio de los Condes de Ribagorza, an impressive Renaissance-style building dating back to the 16th century that now serves as a cultural centre.
Soak up the majestic scenery while hiking through the Benasque Valley, which is framed by several peaks above 3,000 metres in height. Marvel at the picturesque waterfalls and sparkling lakes within Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, as well as the glacier ice caps protected as Natural Monuments. After your trek, you can rejuvenate with a soak or therapeutic treatment at the Baños de Benasque, the highest altitude spa in Spain.
Experienced climbers can tackle Aneto, the highest mountain in the Pyrenees that rises to 3,404 metres in the southern part of the Maladeta massif. Most hikers ascend from the Renclusa Refuge and traverse the mountain’s glacier before negotiating a rocky passage known as the “Bridge of Mohammed”. From the summit, there are sweeping views across the snow-covered mountains of the Alta Aragon region.
Getting around Benasque
Benasque is just under four hours’ drive from Barcelona and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Toulouse is 3.5 hours away. Buses connect Benasque to Barcelona while having your own car gives you greater freedom to explore the region.