Cities, mountains & adventures
Day trips and adventures further afield
The Spanish border is less than 90 minutes away, and Barcelona is under three hours by car. Catalonia's culture, food, and architecture make an excellent day trip or overnight adventure.
Extraordinary natural rock formations "fairy chimneys" sculpted by erosion into dramatic pillars and spires. Like a mini Cappadocia in the Pyrenees. Combine with nearby Eus, a sun drenched hillside village crowned by a Romanesque church.
The tiny mountain principality nestled high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Famous for duty-free shopping (electronics, perfume, alcohol, tobacco at excellent prices), spectacular mountain scenery, and ski resorts. The capital Andorra la Vella sits in a dramatic valley surrounded by peaks. In summer, enjoy hiking and mountain lakes; in winter, world-class skiing at Grandvalira (the largest ski area in the Pyrenees). A scenic mountain drive and a memorable change of pace.
The Pyrenees offer excellent skiing, less crowded and more affordable than the Alps, with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Day trips are easily manageable. Enjoy breakfast in Paraza, ski all day, and return for dinner. Best snow January through March.
Lift passes and equipment hire are significantly cheaper than Alpine resorts.