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Family hiking and activity holiday

Hotel to hotel walking along the length of the Valle de Tena

Biking, kayaking, canyoning and kilometre long zipline

 Activity options every day

Spend a night in a mountain hut

A great experience in the high mountains

Beautiful hotels

In beautiful mountain locations

Adventure for the whole family

Your perfect family holiday

Family hiking and activity holiday

Biking, kayaking, canyoning and kilometre long zipline

Spend a night in a mountain hut

Beautiful hotels

Adventure for the whole family

Family Village to Village holiday

7 night walking and activity holiday

  • Family friendly 7 night self guided walking holiday with activity options each day
  • hotel to hotel walking with your bags moved each day
  • add activities to the standard itinerary
  • the perfect family adventure with hiking, biking, canyoning, zipline and kayaking options
  • Recommended for children aged 8-18 (and older!)

Activity Holiday biking

A special family version of our Village to Village walking holiday, including lots of activity options to keep the whole family occupied and happy during the week.

You’ll hike and bike from hotel to hotel along the length of the Valle de Tena, staying at different villages during the week. We transport your luggage each day meaning you just have to walk and enjoy your activities with a daypack.

A wonderful route with fantastic views throughout the week and a real sense of journey as you head up the valley. Each day we offer something different to surprise your children.

The walking is mid level with each day having the option of a shorter or longer option. The distances should all  You’ll cover a reasonable distance each day – between 10 km (6 miles) and 14 km (9 miles)  with the longer options up to 20 km (12 miles).

The hotels have all been carefully chosen to give you an authentic Spanish experience and all are charming with great food and facilities. There are interconected and family rooms.

There is also the option to add an overnight stay at a high mountain hut which is always a great adventure.

Artouste train

You can start the holiday on whichever day you’d like and the itinerary is 7 nights with 6 days walking/activities.

The itinerary has plenty of flexibility with each day offering two walking options of differing difficulty as well as activities along the way. With two nights spent at both Panticosa and Sallent de Gallego you also have the option of taking a rest day or spending a day by the village pool.

For those that like long hikes the harder options are fairly strenuous with some of the days covering over 20km (12.5 miles) and getting into steep high mountain terrain. However, on every day the shorter options are designed to be manageable by childern used to doing some hiking.

You can arrive at the start of the walk in Biescas by car, by public transport and taxi (which we will arrange) or on Sunday evenings we can provide transfers to and from Zaragoza airport or train station for 99 € per person.

Day 1 – Biescas

Arrive in Biescas spending the night at the 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas. Briefing in the evening  about the week ahead, going over the route and giving you a chance to ask any questions.

Zip line in the Pyrenees

Day 2 – Biescas to Panticosa – hike with zipline

Heading north you pass under the cliffs of the Sierra de Tendeñera and see the valley open up before you. The route’s full of history as you pass a neolithic dolmen, the church of Santa Elena and bunkers built by Franco to defend against invasion through the Pyrenees. Spend the night at Hotel Casa Morlans.

Zipline: Roughly half way to Panticosa you’ll find one of the longest and highest double zip line in Europe. Fly high over the lake, reaching speeds of up to 90km an hour on one of the longest double zip lines in Europe. Nearly one kilometre long and a double zipline so you can ride down next to each other. Take in fantastic views of the mountains while you are on the ride!
Price: 20€ per person. Includes technical material required – harness and helmet
Duration: roughly 1hr 30mins by the time you’ve been kitted out, done the zipline and then got the shuttle back up.
Recommended age: no age limit but a minimum height of 1.20m and minimum wieght of 40kg (max. weight 125kg)
Long option: 18km (11 miles), ascent 860m (2820ft)
Short option: 13km (8 miles), ascent: 700m (2300ft)
Short option: 5.5km (3.4 milles), ascent: 200m (656ft) *To shorter the route we offer a lift to Hoz de Jaca.

Day 3 – Panticosa – biking or hiking with ski gondola

Today you take the ski gondola high into the mountains to start your hike. You pass under the towering cliffs of the Sierra de Tendeñera and past the pretty glacial lake of Ibon de Sabocos before passing over a 2000 metre (6560ft) col and heading back down the valley of La Ripera to Panticosa. There is a shorter option (not using the gondola) passing through lovely woodland into the meadows of the Valle la Ripera.

Ski gondola: Open Mid July to late August. The gondola leaves from the village and whisks you up to an altitude of 1865 metres. 2017 prices were 15.80 euros for an adult return ticket and 7.7 euros for less than 14 years old. At the top station there is a bar/cafe with great views and you start hiking from there. The first gondola is at 9:30 am in the morning and the last gondola is 5.15pm sharp!

Mountain bike option: A great biking route into the La Ripera valley. Fantastic scenery and non-technical riding along 4×4 tracks that are manageable for all ages. There’s quite a lot of uphill though so we recommend electric bikes which are a godsend on the uphills! Electric bikes are suitable for children of 8 years an older (they are heavier due to the battery and younger children struggle to hold them up). Price includes helmets and puncture repair kit.
Price: Full day: 30€ per day for standard adult mountain bike (+15€ for electric bike), 12€ childs mountain bike
Duration: Full or half day
Recommended age: as long as they can cycle there are routes sutitable for all ages
Also available: Seats and tow carriages for children
Shorter option: distance: 12km (7.5 miles), ascent: 530m (1740ft)
Longer option: distance: 19.5km (12 miles) , ascent: 1100m (3610ft)

Day 4 – Panticosa to Sallent de Gállego – hike with kayak/stand up paddle

Hike into the northern part of the valley with the option to break the day with a kayak or stand up paddle on the Lanuza reservoir. Either have an easy half day’s walk around the Embalse de Lanuza spending an afternoon in picturesue Sallent. Alternatively climb steeply to the viewpoint of La Cucuraza for bird’s eye views back down to Panticosa and then across the whole valley. Both routes pass by the boating house at Lanuza. Night at Hotel Almud.

Kayak/Stand up paddle/windsurf/dinghy sailing option: near the end of the route you can take a kayak (singles, doubles or triples available), windsurf, dinghy or stand up paddle board and explore the Lanuza reservoir surrounded by high peaks. Beautifully scenic and the boat house also has an area or swimming in the lake, sunbathing and an excellent bar/restaurant (for me the best paella in the valley!).Kayaking in the Pyrenees
Prices:
Single kayak 14€/hr, double kayak 28€/hr
Windsurf: 25€/hr
Paddle surf: 15€/hr
Includes lifejacket, helmet, etc
Duration: a morning or afternoon
Recommended age: from 3 years
Shorter hiking option: distance: 10.5km (6.5 miles), ascent: 200m (660ft)
Longer hiking option: distance: 15km (9 miles), ascent: 800m (2620ft)

Day 5 – Sallent de Gállego – hike with optional night in mountain hut

Hike along the beautiful Rio Aguas Limpias – the river of clean water. You can have a leisurely day walking to a lovely picnic spot. Alternatively head higher to a series of lakes set amongst spectacular mountain scenery or the peak of Musales (2654m – 8707ft). Second night at Hotel Almud. If you’d like a rest day there is plenty to do and see in Sallent and in summer there is an excellent outdoor pool in the village.
Shorter option: distance: 13km (8 miles), ascent: 300m (985ft) but a there and back route so can be shortened.
Longer option: distance: 21km (13 miles), ascent: 900m (2950ft)
Extreme option: distance 23km (14 miles), ascent: 1350m (4430ft)

Respomuso overnight hut option: the route takes in the lovely mountain lakes of Ibones de Arriel and after spending one night in Refugio Respomuso, a high mountain hut in a fantastic setting,on the second day the peak of Musales which at 2654m is an excellent high rocky peak with fantastic views. This can either be done guided or self guided depending on how much hiking experience you have. Read more information on the hut trip.

Day 6 – Sallent to Sandiniés – hike or canyoning excursion

Today’s hike takes you over to the western side of the valley and you beging to head back south. Optional side tris to the summit of Punta del Pacino (1965m – 6447ft) for panoramic views across the valley – you can see your whole weeks hiking from the top! Descend to the tiny village of Sandiniés and spend the night at Casa Pelentos.
Distance: 16km (10 miles), ascent: 700m (2295ft)
Including side trips: 18km (11 miles), ascent: 1000m (3280ft)
* we’ll offer you alternatives to shorthen the route.

Canyoning option: Don wetsuit, helmet and harness then jump into rock pools, abseil down waterfalls and slide down natural rock slides – all while descending down a beautiful narrow rocky gorge. We usually head to nearby Gorgol where the steep sided walls of the canyon have been worn smooth by the passing of the water. There is a brilliant mix of jumps, slides, abseils and pools to swim in. Canyoning is pretty much the best fun you can have in the water!
Price: 45€ per person. Includes all technical material required – helmet, harness and wetsuit
Duration: a morning or afternoon
Recommended age: from 8 years but MUST be able to swim well

Day 7 – Sandiniés to Piedrafita – hike, bike or animal park option

Peaks & Passes

On the way up to the Ibon de Piedrafita

Hike through the woods of Betato before climbing through meadows to the lake of Ibon de Piedrafita nestled under the vast cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua. You finish at the village of Piedrafita (where the La Cuniacha animal park is) and from here you’ll be picked up for a short transfer to Biescas where you’ll spend the night at Hotel Tierra de Biescas. Alternatively there is a shorter route directly through the Betato woods to Piedrafita giving you more time to visit La Cuniacha animal park (which takes a good 2 to 3 hours to visit).
Shorter option: distance: 4km (2,5 miles), ascent: 100m (1640ft)
Longer option: distance: 10.5km (6,5 miles), ascent: 500m (1640ft)

Mountain bike option: A wonderful ride deep into the mountains, cycling under the kilometre high cliffs of the Partacua and with fantastic views along the whole route. Although non-technical along 4×4 tracks the route is fairly strenuous so an electric bike is recommended to help the legs! The route takes you right back to the hotel in Biescas but does follow the main road for 5km and for that reason we only recommend for over 14’s. To avoid any road sections we can either pick you up in Piedrafita or pick you up in Sandinies in the morning and bring you to Biescas to cycle where there are lots of great family friendly cycle routes that avoid all roads.

Full route distance: 40km (25 miles), ascent: 630m (2065ft). We recommend the whole route for more than 14 years old as 5 km will be ridden in the main road. If you would like we can pick you up in Piedrafita so you will not cycle on the road.
*Alternative: pick up at Hotel Casa Pelentos in the morning and drop off in Biescas where you’ll take the bikes and enjoy the Serrablo area, flatter area with some swimming spots.

La Cuniacha Animal Park: Wolves in the PyreneesAn excellent animal park in the Valle de Tena focusing on species that live or once lived in the Pyrenees. You’ll find brown bears, lynx, wolves, wild boar, european buffalo, ibex, chamois and lots of types of deer. The animals live in large enclosures that you walk around and it is very well laid out with lots of information about the animals. It takes around 2 to 3 hours to walk around.. The lynx are particlarly good and they have a very successful breeding program so there are often young lynx running around. You can read more about La Cuniacha on their website.
Price: 12€ children (4-11 years), 14€ children (12-17 years), 16€ adults
Duration: 2-3 hrs
Recommended age: any age

Day 8 – Biescas

Final day spent in Biescas before departing for your homeward journey.

 

 

Family hiking and activity holiday

2024 Prices & Dates

The Family hiking and activity holiday is available throughout July and August – outside of these dates please contact us as some activities only open/run in high summer. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.

Adults: 1499 € per person

For 1 child under 12 sharing a room with two adults: 50% discount – 749 €
Please note this price is only applicable for 1 child sharing a room with two adults.

For children (under 18) – 2 children in their own twin room (interconnecting where possible): 1199 € per child

169 € single room supplement

Please contact us for a quote if you have 3 children or more.

All these prices are per person and based on two sharing (apart from the price for an under 12 sharing)

Activity prices:

Please note these prices may change slightly
Zipline 20 €
Ski Gondola: Single trip 14.00 €. Return 22 adults
Electric bike hire per day: adult bike 85 €, childs bike (under 12) 50 €

Boat House:
Single kayak 15 € / hr, double kayak 30 € / hr
Windsurf: 25 € / hr
Paddle surf: 15 € / hr

Canyoning: 50 € per person
La Cuniacha: 12 € children (4-11 years), 14 € children (12-17 years), 16 € adults

95 € one night hut trip extension self guided, adding a night to our normal itinerary (includes bed, evening meal, breakfast and picnic)
475 € one night hut trip extension guided by a qualified mountain leader, this is the price for a group of up to 6, and covers the whole group, not per person.

Included

7 nights accommodation:
Breakfast each morning.
Picnic lunches on first and final walking days.
3 course evening meals each night.
Luggage transfer, you just need to walk with your pack day.
Detailed maps and route cards.

Not included

Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal.
Transfer from Zaragoza.
Activities and bike hire.
GPS hire: if you are worried about navigation, you can hire a GPS wich has all the maps and tracks marking. The price is 35€ per trip.

Getting to the Pyrenees

You can arrive at the start of the walk in Biescas by car, public transport and taxi (which we will arrange) or on Sunday afternoons you can use or standard transfers from Zaragoza airport or train station for 99 € per person (for the return journey).
Private transfers are available on any day for 250 € (one way for up to 8 people – price is for the group not per person) for the journey either Zaragoza to Biescas or Biescas to Zaragoza. If you would like a private transfer from any other destinantion (Barcelona, San Sebastian, etc) please ask us for a quote.
If you drive, there is ample and safe parking at the hotel in Biescas and it’s fine to leave your car there for the week while you’re hiking.
From the UK
There are direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza. You can also fly to Barcelona and hire a car and drive to Biescas or catch the AVE fast train to Zaragoza where we pick up at both the train station and the airport on Sundays or you can catch a bus to Biescas.
From outside Europe
Most of our guests from outside of Europe fly via Barcelona or Madrid, combining a stay in one of these two excellent cities with their walking holiday. From Barcelona it’s easier to hire a car and drive to Biescas (around a 4 hour drive). Madrid has excellent rail links with Zaragoza (1 hr 20 mins, 80 euros return). From Zaragoza you can either meet our transfers on Sunday, hire a car or take a bus to Biescas.

See more travel options and details on the getting here page. If you have any questions about getting here or would like any advice then please drop us an email.

4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Hotels are superb throughout the week, in particular the hotels in Sallent de Gallego and Sandinies are full of character. Breakfast and evening meals are taken at the hotels and they’ll provide you a packed lunch each morning.
Hotel Tierra de Biescas (Biescas)
Your base for the first and final nights. Excellent 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas is in the heart of the old village, set in lovely grounds with an indoor and outdoor pool and a sauna which is a great treat after a weeks hiking.
Each of it’s 51 stylishly furnished rooms have an en-suite bathroom. It has a bar, lounge area with sofa’s, a restaurant and gardens with loungers and tables.
There is ample and safe parking at the hotel if you need to leave your car there during the week.
Read more about Hotel Tierra de Biescas.

Hotel Casa Morlans (Panticosa)

Friendly, family run hotel in the centre of the village. The two star hotel has 25 rooms with a mixture of twins, doubles and triples.
Rooms at the back of the hotel have balconies with mountain views. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with toilet and shower.

Hotel Almud (Sallent de Gállego)

Hotel Almud is a wonderful stone building set in the winding streets of Sallent de Gállego. María José is your host in this friendly family-run hotel with just 11 rooms. The hotel is fantastically decorated throughout with the bedrooms beautifully converted all with en-suite bathrooms. The bedrooms have mountain views.There is a living room and reading area with sofas and a stone fireplace where you can have a coffee and relax.

Evening meals are taken at Casa Jaimico a restaurant neighbouring the hotel which has an excellent menu. Breakfasts are taken at the hotel. Read more about Hotel Almud.

Casa Pelentos (Sandinies)

It’s hard to think of a more tranquil place to stay than the tiny village of Sandinies. It’s stone buildings all have fantastic views over the valley. Casa Pelentos is another charming and friendly hotel with just 7 rooms and a renowned restaurant. Please note Casa Pelentos is closed in May and during this month you’ll stay at nearby Hotel El Privilegio – a lovely 4* hotel.

Frequently asked questions

Which meals are included in the price?

All breakfasts and evening meals are included in the price as well the picnic lunches on the first and final walking days. For picnics on the other days you can either order in the hotels or buy in the villages. Vegetarians, coeliacs and other dietary requirements can be catered for as long as you let us know in advance. If you book the additional night in the mountain hut, a picnic is also included at the hut, for the hike back to the village.

When is the best time to hike the Village to Village itinerary?

The route can be walked from mid May until the end of September. July and August are the warmest months with June and September usually having cooler weather perfect for hiking. Read more about the temperatures and rainfall on our when to hike in the Pyrenees page.

Do I need a car?

No. During the week you hike directly from the hotel door each day and don’t need a car. Many guests decide to travel to Biescas by hire car but you can easily get here by either public transport or by using our Sunday transfers from Zaragoza train station or airport. See our getting here page for more information.

Are the routes easy to follow?

Yes. Our route descriptions are detailed and in general the paths are easy to follow. In a couple of places the paths aren’t so clear but we highlight these spots in the route notes so that you can take extra care. If you are worried about route finding we also provide GPS tracks, and advice on which mobile apps you can use them with. This makes navigation a breeze!

Do the routes get into the high mountains or do the trails stay in the valley floor?

The harder options get into steep high mountain terrain and in no way stick to the valley floor. The longest days are over 20km with over 1000 metres ascent and the highest peak during the week is Pico Musales at an impressive 2654 metres. A real advantage of the itinerary is the flexibility that the two options each day gives you. If you prefer to stick to the easier routes, are tired one day or the weather is bad you can stick to the easier routes that stay lower in the valley.

If we come by car is there somewhere to leave the car while we are hiking?

Yes – Hotel Tierra de Biescas where you spend the first and final night has free car parking and it’s no problem to leave your car there during the week while you are hiking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family hiking and activity holiday

2024 Dates:

Family hiking and activity holidays are available July and August. Arrive and depart on any day you wish

from 1299 € per adult

up to 50% discount for children

Check availability or book your holiday:

Location:

Tierra de Biescas

4* hotel with pool, sauna, bike storage and maintenance facilities

Hotel Tierra de Biescas garden and outdoor pool

Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Hotel Casa Morlans

Village to village

Hotel Casa Morlans

Hotel Almud

Friendly, comfortable, family run hotel in the high mountain

Village to village hotel

Hotel Almud

Casa Pelentos

Village to village hotel

Casa Pelentos

Final day pick up place

You’ll be picked up at Piedrafita carpark for a short transfer to Biescas where you’ll spend the night at Hotel Tierra de Biescas.