4 Best Sights in The Pyrenees, Spain

Two kilometers (1 mile) south of Ochagavía, at Escároz, a small secondary roadway winds 22 km (14 miles) over the Abaurrea heights to Aribe, a tiny town—population 36—known for its triple-arch medieval bridge, ancient hórreo (granary), Zamariain viewpoint, and Zubi Esekia suspension bridge.

The road west (NA140) to Ochagavía (Otsagabia in Basque) through the Portillo de Lazar (Lazar Pass) has views of the Anie and Orhi peaks, which tower over the French border. The village itself, with original cobblestone streets and riverside promenade, is a pleasant spot to stretch the legs.

The three-hour walk down the mountain from Vall de Núria to the sleepy village of Queralbs follows the course of the cogwheel train on a rather precipitous but fairly easy route (provided there's no snow). The path overlooks gorges and waterfalls overshadowed by sheer peaks before exiting into the quaint village of Queralbs, where houses made of stone and wood cling to the side of the mountain. There is a well-preserved Romanesque church, notable for its six-arch portico, marble columns, single nave, and pointed vault.

From Camprodon, take the C38 north toward Molló and the French border. After 3 km (2 miles), turn east toward Rocabruna, a village of well-preserved stone houses at the source of the clear Beget River. Rocabruna is famous for two attractions: its 11th-century castle (now in ruins), built on a hilltop with superb views of the Beget Valley, La Garrotxa, and the Pyrenees, and the idyllic Can Po restaurant, a worthwhile stop on the way to Beget.