In the Pyrenees of Huesca, Benasque It is one of the most spectacular destinations to escape heat, breathe pure air and connect with nature. Surrounded by peaks that exceed 3,000 meters, such as Aneto, and in the PostS-Maladeta Natural Park, this town of just 2,000 inhabitants concentrates history, adventure and unique landscapes less than three hours by car from car from Saragossa.
In addition to being the entrance door of the same name, Benasque stands out for its historic center, its churches, Renaissance palaces and fortified houses, as well as the great offer of trails, outdoor activities and restaurants where to taste the best gastronomy of the Pyrenees Aragonese. Cerler and Anciles, two villages of the same municipality, complete this ideal mountain experience for both couples and families with children.
From walks through the old town to high mountain routes, passing through cultural centers, Barranquismo or tapas with views of the valley, these are the best things to see and do in Benasque and surroundings throughout the year.
What to see and do in Benasque Pueblo
What to see and do in the surroundings of Benasque
What to see and do in Benasque Pueblo
Ancient helmet of Benasque
Touring the historic center of Benasque is immersing itself in centuries of history. Empedradas streets, stone houses with slate roofs and Aragonese traditional details define the urban landscape. The Juste House, a 16th century crenellated tower declared of Cultural Interest, and the Palace of the Counts of Ribagorza, a Renaissance building that today houses a cultural center.
Touring the historic center of Benasque is immersing itself in centuries of history
Church of Santa María la Mayor
Located in the Town Hall Square, this church is the main temple of the town. Of Romanesque origin and renovated on several occasions, it was razed during the civil war but retains its historical and symbolic importance. It is dedicated to the assumption of the Virgin Mary and inside the local pattern, San Marcial.
Benasque Science Center
Located on the outskirts of the urban nucleus, the Pedro Pascual Science Center is a space dedicated to scientific research and dissemination. Often organizes conferences, international meetings and exhibitions, being an unexpected point of interest in a mountain environment.
What to see and do in the surroundings of Benasque
Hiking routes
From Benasque some of the most impressive hiking routes of the Pyrenees are split. The Posts-Maladeta Natural Park houses more than 13 glaciers, 95 ibones and mythical tops such as Aneto. Walks such as the route to the cascade of Aigualluts or the Forau d’Aigualluts are ideal even with children. There are guided options to enter safely in this high mountain environment.
Cobbled streets and Aragonese traditional details define the urban landscape
Enjoy gastronomy
The kitchen in Benasque combines local mountain products with traditional recipes. In the town, the grill, the fogaril or the food watch. In Cerler, the restaurant La Borda del Mastín or La Brasería El Rincón offer high quality grilled meats. And in Anciles, the Ansils restaurant is ideal to taste the typical Ribagorzana cuisine in a medieval environment.
Barranquismo
For those looking for strong emotions, Barranquismo is a star activity in the valley. There are several companies that organize descents guided by nearby cannons, adapted to all levels. Crystalline waters, natural slides and waterfalls make this experience a different way of exploring the environment.
Visit nearby villages
Benasque is also a starting point to visit two charming villages: Cerler, the highest of the Aragonese Pyrenees, famous for his skiing station and his panoramic viewpoint; and anchiles, medieval jewel of cobbled streets, solar houses and a Romanesque church that is preserved in perfect condition. Both are ideal to complete the getaway.
How to get to Benasque
Benasque is 143 kilometers from Huesca and about three hours from Zaragoza by road. The most direct route is for the A-22 to Barbastro, and from there it continues by the N-123 and the A-139 crossing villages such as Graus and Castejón de Sos. There is no train station or regular bus lines throughout the year, so it is recommended to access car to enjoy the valley.
