Village to Village
7 night self guided walking holiday
- 7 night hotel to hotel self guided walking holiday
- hotel to hotel walking with your bags moved each day
- grade 2/3: two route options each day
- charming mountain hotels in picturesque villages
The Rio Aguas Limpias on day 5 of the itinerary
Hotel to hotel walking along the length of the Valle de Tena, staying at different villages during the week. We transport your luggageeach day meaning you just have to walk with a daypack.
A wonderful route with fantastic views throughout the week and a real sense of journey as you head up the valley. The route doesn’t just stick to the valley floor but gets up into the higher mountains. You’ll stay at small traditional Pyrenean villages with narrow winding streets and stone houses centred around medieval churches.
The walking is mid level with each day having the option of a shorter or longer option. You’ll cover a reasonable distance each day – between 10 km (6 miles) and 14 km (9 miles) (up to 20 km (12 miles) on the longer options).
The hotels have all been carefully chosen to give you an authentic Spanish experience and all are charming with great food and facilities.
There is also the option to add an overnight stay at a high mountain hut which is always a great adventure.
The Valle de Tena on day 6 of itinerary
You can start the holiday on whichever day you’d like and the itinerary is 7 nights with 6 days walking.
The itinerary has plenty of flexibility with each day offering two walking options of differing difficulty. With two nights spent at both Panticosa and Sallent de Gallego you also have the option of taking a rest day.
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.
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.
The church of Santa Elena
Day 2 – Biescas to Panticosa
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 dolmen, the scenic church of Santa Elena and bunkers built by Franco to defend against invasion through the Pyrenees. Spend the night at Hotel Casa Morlans.
Long option: 18km (11 miles), ascent 860m (2820ft)
Short option: 13km (8 miles), ascent: 700m (2300ft)
Day 3 – Panticosa
Today you have a choice of two circular routes. The shorter option passes through lovely woodland into the meadows of the Valle la Ripera. The longer option passes up a valley, over a 2000 metre (6560ft) col and back down to Panticosa past a beautiful mountain lake.
Shorter option: distance: 12km (7.5 miles), ascent: 530m (1740ft)
Longer option: distance: 19.5km (12 miles) , ascent: 1100m (3610ft)
Looking over the village Sallent de Gallego
Day 4 – Panticosa to Sallent de Gállego
Continuing your journey you head into the northern half of the valley. 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. Night at Hotel Almud.
Shorter option: distance: 10.5km (6.5 miles), ascent: 200m (660ft)
Longer option: distance: 15km (9 miles), ascent: 800m (2620ft)
Day 5 – Sallent de Gállego
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.
Shorter option: distance: 13km (8 miles), ascent: 300m (985ft)
Longer option: distance: 21km (13 miles), ascent: 900m (2950ft)
Extreme option: distance 23km (14 miles), ascent: 1350m (4430ft)
Respomuso overnight alternative: 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. For more information read here.
Views from Casa Pelentos in Sandinies
Day 6 – Sallent to Sandiniés
Today you cross over to the western side of the valley and head south. Optional side trips to two summits including Punta del Pacino (1965m) (6447ft) for panoramic views across the valley. 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)
Day 7 – Sandiniés to Piedrafita
On the way up to the Ibon de Piedrafita
One route passes 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. The longer route takes a longer track through higher meadows to the lake. Both routes finishes at the village of Piedrafita where you’ll be picked up for a short transfer to Biescas where you’ll spend the night at Hotel Tierra de Biescas.
Shorter option: distance: 14km (8,5 miles), ascent: 500m (1640ft)
Longer option: distance: 20km (12 miles), ascent: 650m (2130ft)
Bike option: distance: 40km (25 miles); ascent: 630m (2065ft) – more information in dates and prices tab.
Day 8 – Biescas
Final day spent in Biescas before departing for your homeward journey.
Photos taken on our Village to Village holiday:
Hiking up Punta del Pacino
Valle de Tena
Ibon
Ibon de Sabocos
Approaching the summit of Montaña del Verde
Views across the Valle de Tena
The Rio Aguas Limpias
The meadows of the Valle de Tena
Hotel Almud
Hotel Almud double room
Hotel Tierra de Biescas garden and outdoor pool
Hotel Tierra de Biescas double room
Village to Village
2019 Prices & Dates
The Village to Village holiday is available all summer. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.
| 2 – 3 people | 4 or more people | |
| 25 May – 18 July | 1099 € | 1049 € |
| 19 July – 7 Sep | 1199 € | 1099 € |
| 8 Sep – 13 Oct | 1099 € | 1049 € |
All these prices are per person and based on two sharing.
129 € single supplement
50 € optional upgrade to a junior suite in Hotel Tierra de Biescas – per person for first and final nights
75 € hut trip extension self guided, adding a night to our normal itinerary
25 € hut trip extension self guided, swapping the night at Sandiniés for a night in the hut
275 € hut trip extension guided by a quilified mountain leader, price based on two people. If you would like to add the hut extension guided in a bigger group, please contact us and we’ll send you a quote.
Included
7 nights accommodation:
7 x breakfasts (every morning)
2 x picnic lunches – on first and final walking days
7 x three 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.
Bike hire if you want the biking option – ask for prices and availability when you book.
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 availability on any day for 200 € (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.
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.
4* 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 Casa Morlans
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.
Views from Casa Pelentos
Frequently asked questions
Which meals are included in the price?
When is the best time to hike the Village to Village itinerary?
Do I need a car?
Are the routes easy to follow?
Do the routes get into the high mountains or do the trails stay in the valley floor?
If we come by car is there somewhere to leave the car while we are hiking?
Could we add a night in a mountain hut?
Here’s feedback from guests on our Village to Village self guided walking holiday. Thanks to everyone that has sent feedback – if you’ve not mailed us any comments yet please do and we’ll add them.
A great introduction to the Pyrenees and the small villages along the way.
Al & Cheryl, Village to Village, September 2018.
Our self guided tour exceed our expectations. Thoroughly enjoyed our 5 days on the trail. Great diversity to our hikes and the difficulty matched our ability perfectly. Look forward to returning and seeing more of this beautiful part of Spain.
Jill & Rick, Village to Village, September 2018.
Stunning walks in beautiful scenery and visiting authentic villages in the Pyrenees. Fabulous holiday, extremely well coordinated and organised by Phil and his team. Highly recommended!
Peter & Rebecca, Village to Village, July 2018.
Conchita and Paco were so gracious and welcoming in Sandinies. Casa Morlans staff were great. Really enjoyed the views and balcony. Sallent restaurant for dinner was exceptional (Casa Jaimico)
Randy, Sharon & Jessica, Village to Village, June 2018.
We enjoyed our trekking holiday – awesome sceneries and had opportunity to be on same route with 5 Americans where we had great time together. In additions, great guidance from Hike Pyrenees staff. Thank you!
Ian & Adeline, Village to Village, June 2018.
A week of very well curated walks. Each day was wonderful, every day was different.
Kati & Tuomo, Village to Village, June 2018.
This was a wonderful holiday! The Hike Pyrenees staff and organization took care of everything and were very friendly and helpful.
Ken & Daryl, Village to Village, June 2018.
This was our first self-guided tour with support and it was a great experience. Hike Pyrenees does an excellent job!
Laura, Village to Village, June 2018.
Excellent holiday. Enjoyed very much!
Jim & Kathleen, Village to Village, June 2018.
Village to Village
Self guided walking holiday
2019 Dates:
Village to Village holiday is available all summer – from 25 May to 13 October. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.
from 1049 € per person
Check availability and get more information:
Check availability or book your holiday:
Location:
Hotel Tierra de Biescas
Hotel Casa Morlans
Hotel Almud
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.