The crystalline waters of the ARA river surprise who contemplates them for the first time. It is not only because of its transparency or the reflection of the mountains on its surface, but because of that almost hypnotic effect that its wild course produces, free of prey, descending from the summits of the Ordesa National Park. In its path, the green, brown and gray colors that make up the Broto Valley, one of the most recognized and beautiful valleys of the Pyrenees Aragonese.
Nestled in the Sobrarbe region, this valley is less than two hours from the Aragonese capital. He is famous for his natural places, ideal for losing himself between hiking routes, his rapids, to do water sports such as rafting, or the various peoples that seem taken out of a fairy tale.
If you are thinking of making a getaway to Pyrenees this summer, here we leave you six essential places that you can see in the Broto valley that you should visit at least once in a lifetime. You will not regret it.
Torla-Aordesa: a door to Ordesa and Monteperdido
Medieval urban center of autumn
Broto, the heart of the valley
Sorrosal cascade and via ferrata
Bridge on the ARA River
Casa del Valle
Torla-Aordesa: a door to Ordesa and Monteperdido
Torla is the prelude to the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Lost. This lovely town seems sculpted in stone, with houses that retain its traditional architecture and flowery balconies that look at the valley. Walking through its streets is going back in time, with every corner telling a story.
Torla. Photo Tourism of Aragon.
From Torla part one of the most spectacular accesses to the Pyrenees: the Ordesa Valley, a landscape modeling by glaciers where forests, waterfalls and high peaks melt. Here begins one of the most popular hiking routes of Aragon: The horse tail.
A few meters from the center, the medieval bridge on the ARA River offers one of the most iconic views in the area. It is one of those places that are recorded forever in the retina, ideal to open mouth if you are exploring what to see in Broto and surroundings.
Medieval urban center of autumn
Oto is a hidden jewel that retains intact rural charm. Its cobbled streets serpent between dark stone houses, troncoconic chimneys and slab roofs, a reflection of the typical architecture of Alto Aragón.
In the center, the church of San Saturnino and the medieval bridge make up a stamp worthy of postcard. It is one of those villages that invite calm, to sit in a bank and listen to the silence of the Pyrenees.
During the summer months, many houses are adorned with flowers and open to rural tourism, turning autumn into a perfect point to stay while discovering the Broto Valley in Huesca.
Broto, the heart of the valley
Broto not only gives name to the valley: it is the soul of it. On the banks of the ara, this town combines tourist services with a privileged natural environment, which makes it an ideal basis to explore the Pyrenees.
The urban center is full of charm: cobbled streets, traditional houses and a 16th -century defensive tower that speaks of the medieval past of the area. In addition, it has a good offer of restaurants, accommodations and shops.
Hiking routes attract thousands of tourists to the area. Photo: Aragon Tourism
Here you breathe authenticity. Seeing sunset from one of its viewpoints, with the river at the feet and mountains to the background, is an experience that summarizes why I sprout in Huesca It is one of the favorite destinations of nature tourism.
Sorrosal cascade and via ferrata
A few minutes from the Broto center, Sorrosal cascade is a natural show of more than 30 meters high. Water falls through a throat between folded rocky strata, creating a postcard image that can be seen from very close.
For the most adventurers, next to the waterfall is a perfectly equipped ferrata route, which allows to ascend through the wall safely and enjoy unparalleled views of the valley and the urban nucleus.
This is a mandatory stop on any list about what to see in Broto and surroundings, since it combines natural beauty, sport and accessibility for all types of audiences.
Bridge on the ARA River
The Broto bridge over the ARA River is one of the most photogenic in the area. Built in stone, with a single arch, connect the urban center with the routes to Buesa and the bath areas of the ara.
Broto is one of the favorite destinations of nature tourism. Photo: Aragon Tourism
At the feet of the bridge, the sound of water and the freshness of the environment invite you to stop, get wet your feet or simply get carried away by calm. In summer, this point becomes a regular zone for those who seek a refreshing getaway in the Aragonese Pyrenees.
This place summarizes the essence of the Broto Valley: water, stone and nature in perfect harmony.
Casa del Valle
Located in the center of Broto, La Casa del Valle is a small interpretation center that helps to better understand the history, geography and cultural wealth of the Valley. Through panels, audiovisuals and temporary exhibitions, the traditional life of the Pyrenees is valued.
Here the best known hiking routes are explained, the fauna that lives in the area and the history of the peoples that form this unique natural environment.
Explore the Broto Valley is much more than crossing out destinations on a map: it is getting carried away by dirt roads, discovering villages that do not come out in the guides and feel the immensity of the Aragonese Pyrenees in each look. Whether contemplating the jump of the sorrosal, crossing the ara through a stone bridge or missing between the Fanlo forests, every corner of this valley keeps a story, an emotion and a reason to return. So if this summer you ask what to see in Broto and surroundings, do not hesitate: Put on the boots, prepare the camera and come to live an experience that will mark you forever.
