Highlights of the Spanish Pyrenees: From the Mountains Through the Rivers to the Sea

Last Updated on April 20, 2021

Canyoning Along Freser River

There are many things to do in Girona, but I never thought canyoning would be one of them. Promising a whole load of splish splash, canyoning along Freser River definitely fed our thirst for adrenaline.  As most of our group of travelers were first-timers, our instructor led us on a basic canyoning circuit where we found ourselves scrambling on rocks, wading in knee-deep rapids and hurtling ourselves off 5m-tall cliffs.  Freser river flows through the highlands of the Girona province, breaking into series of waterfalls and rapids along the way, making for an excellent spot for canyoners of different levels. 

Flying over 3 Countries at a time

On board a light aircraft, we flew over the skies of the Pyrenees, taking in views of three countries at a time. Spain, France and Andorra meet in the Pyrenees mountain range, separated by invisible borders and air space. Green fields, rivers and clusters of alpine towns lay below our feet, while grey granite mountains poked through the skies just inches away from us. It was surreal to imagine that we were flying at the vortex of  these three distinctive countries.

Hot Air Ballooning over la Garrotxa

It was dawn and the sky was shrouded in mist and painted in a shade of rosy red. We’d awoken at 5am that day to take to the skies on a hot air balloon over the volcanoes of la Garrotxa. As we languidly floated above mountain peaks and volcano craters, the sun rose together with us. By the time we reached heights of 1,500m, our pilot, Xavi, was ready to pop a bottle of cava and treat us to a round of bubblies and cakes. The rest of the morning was spent guiding slowly over the greenery and drinking in the striking views of the Pyrenees landscapes – scenes that would definitely stay with me awhile…

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Biking to France and Back

Our bike trip looked like any other group cycling tour – except that we would be crossing from Spain to France and back just within a short half-day ride. Starting off from Puigcerdá, a small town in the Spanish Pyrenees, we weaved through narrow alleys and cobblestoned squares before skirting its countrysides and finding ourselves in the French town of Ur. It wasn’t long before we were back in Spanish territories at Llívia, a Catalonian town surrounded by France. Read about our experience biking from Spain to France.

Horse-riding in Vall de Nuria

I’d long heard about the outstanding landscapes of the Nuria Valley and it definitely did not disappoint. I can safely say this was the most picturesque spot in the parts of Pyrenees we’d seen, and exploring the valley on horseback was no less fulfilling. Under the guidance of our instructor, we trotted through steep slopes and rocky paths, taking in amazing views of the majestic mountains and even spotting deers and mammots along the way.

Sea Kayaking in Alt Empordà

I was surprised to hear that the Pyrenees had a coastline. I was even more taken aback when we paddled through narrow rock caves and small bays surrounded by turquoise waters. Off the golden sandy beaches of Alt Empordà, the coastline was tucked with secret coves and treasures waiting to be uncovered. While our time on the kayak was short, I was thrilled to have the chance to see the Pyrenees from the sea.

Read more about my adventures in the Pyrenees here or get more visual perspectives through my Pyrenees photos.

Disclaimer: This trip was made possible by Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava. All opinions expressed above are my own.