One of the highlights of this train journey is trying local foods. You will find hearty meat dishes, but also fish and seafood dishes and desserts.
Train travel gives you time to dream and admire the stunning landscapes of rural Spain. The peaks of Montserrat are especially impressive. Pretty medieval Besalu is another highlight, and holds a Medieval Festival each September.
1. The Spanish Pyrenees
The Pyrenees are a natural divide between the sunny south and the rainy north of Spain. This huge mountain range, extending 450km from the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea and forming a natural border between France and Spain with tiny Andorra tucked in between, is a place where the pace of life slows down.
The mountains are an incredible landscape of peaks and rock formations, but they also offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking and horse riding to climbing and caving. The landscape is dotted with small hamlets, where you can visit churches and discover Moderisme art. For nature lovers, the mountains are a paradise with flora and fauna in its original state. The range is home to large birds of prey including griffon vultures and the lammergeier or bearded vulture, as well as wall creepres and alpine choughs.
Many of the towns and villages are also a treasure trove of history and culture. You can find medieval ruins and ancient Roman roads, and there is a strong folklore and tradition in the area. There are countless festivals throughout the year celebrating local agricultural produce, wine and cheeses. There are also museums devoted to the traditional craftsmanship of the region, as well as art galleries showcasing the work of Catalan artists.
As you travel through the region, there will be many opportunities to appreciate the local floral and fauna and experience the slower rhythm of rural and small town life. You can take a nature walk, go on a hike, cycle or take part in a local festival and stay at a farm, cottage, or apartment for an authentic taste of rural Spain. You can also learn about the heritage of a particular town or village, uncovering the origins of a ruined castle or bridge, a Romanesque church, or a statue on the main square and find out why it was placed there.
There are a great number of places to stay in the Pyrenees, from boutique hotels and cozy bed-and-breakfasts to hostels and ski resorts. You can also rent a cottage or farmhouse and prepare your own meals.
2. The Catalan Pyrenees
The mountainous regions of Catalonia are home to picturesque villages that make a fine base from which to explore this beautiful region. Many of these villages have hotels, restaurants, bars, and other amenities, and some even offer skiing or other outdoor activities. Some have spas, which are perfect for those who want to relax or pamper themselves on a holiday. The region also has a good number of bed-and-breakfasts and hostels, making it easy to find accommodations that meet your preferences. You can also stay in ski resorts, mountain inns, and farm stays, or rent cottages and apartments if you are looking for a more affordable way to enjoy the Catalan Pyrenees.
From the glistening Mediterranean coast to the imposing peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees, this area is filled with natural beauty and rich history. Discover the intriguing culture of this region as you explore its historic towns and cities. Learn about the peasant uprising in La Garrotxa, walk through the medieval town of Girona, and visit the exuberant museum dedicated to world-famous artist Salvador Dali in Figueres.
For those interested in exploring the Catalan Pyrenees on foot, there are many scenic trails that wind through the mountains and forests of this region. These trails are suitable for hikers of all abilities, and they lead to quaint villages and beautiful natural scenery. You can find more information on the routes available from local guides and tourist offices.
A train journey through the Catalan Pyrenees also gives you a chance to experience a different side of this region. A good place to start is the historic village of Peratallada, which is an officially designated historic-artistic monument. This village has many ancient structures that you can tour, including its defensive walls and the 13th-century Romanesque Sant Esteve Church.
Another interesting place to visit is the city of Cerdanya, which lies partly in Spain and partly in France. This is a great example of how both nations work together to form a wonderful region that is popular with tourists from all over Europe. In addition to its stunning natural scenery, this region is also home to a number of beautiful old stone churches. You can see examples of both the Romanesque and Gothic styles in this area.
3. The Pyrenees Mountains
The Pyrenees’ rugged peaks and pristine wilderness are a draw for alpine skiers, mountain bikers, and hikers. The famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route passes through the Pyrenees, and a number of hiking trails have earned this region a place on top-10 lists of the best hikes in Spain.
Aside from awe-inspiring scenery, the Pyrenees mountains also offer a rich cultural heritage. The region’s mountain towns feature well-preserved medieval buildings, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santuari de la Valle de la Vall d’Aran.
Another cultural aspect of the Pyrenees is a regional cuisine and wines that reflects the mountains’ distinct landscape. Small and family-run hotels and bed and breakfasts are known for their excellent wine offerings, including the regions’ famous cava (champagne). In addition to wines, many of the local vineyards produce a variety of spirits and cordials from the area’s berries and other fruits.
The Pyrenees are also home to a large number of rare species of animals, including the endemic and critically endangered pyrenean sheep. These sheep, along with the mountain goats, Iberian ibex and the wildcats of the Pyrenees, are important parts of the region’s wildlife.
In addition to flora, the Pyrenees are also home to one of the most iconic dogs in Europe: the Great Pyrenees. These working dogs were originally bred to protect flocks from wolves and other predators on snowy mountaintops, but today they are mellow companions and dedicated guardians of their families.
Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts will also find a number of amazing trail options, from the challenging Caigre Loop to the easy Ruta por el Canon de Anisclo. Other notable hikes include the Seven Lakes of Astun, a trail that features stunning views of lakes Ibon de Truchas and Argualas.
The Pyrenees are not only an important part of Catalonia’s culture and heritage, but they also make for a spectacular backdrop for a train journey through rural Spain. From 3,000m-high Pyrenean peaks to lush forests and serene Mediterranean beaches, the region offers a wealth of landscapes to explore and enjoy. With a variety of high-speed train routes, it’s easy to discover the beauty and wonder of Catalonia by train.
4. The Pyrenees Coast
A train journey through rural Spain is not complete without a visit to the Pyrenees coast. With its picturesque cliffs and cypresses, the coast offers views that will take your breath away. The shoreline is also home to a number of quaint medieval villages that are well worth a visit. The village of Siurana, for example, is one of the best preserved of these villages and has many lovely old buildings including a 15th century Gothic church.
The coast also offers a variety of hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls that you can visit. For those interested in exploring the area’s flora and fauna, there are a number of specialized guides that can help you discover the region’s natural beauty.
Another way to experience the beauty of the Pyrenees is by taking a scenic train ride through the mountains on the Ligne de Cerdanya or Train Jaune, better known as the yellow train. This train travels from Portbou to Cadaques, passing through secluded mountain landscapes, ancient market towns, and stunning villages.
In addition to offering a unique look at Catalonia’s landscapes, the coastal region is a treasure trove of gastronomic delights. The seafood from the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas are a big feature of local cuisine and can be found in dishes like bouillinade (fish stew flavoured with Banyuls wine) and piballes (grilled baby eels). The Pyrenees also offer a variety of traditional breads, wines, and cheeses that are popular all over Spain.
The unique geography of the region is reflected in its cultural diversity. Since the Pyrenees straddle three different countries and cultures, it is common to find people who speak French, Spanish, or Catalan. Depending on where you are in the region, you may also encounter some people who speak Aragonese or Basque.
A trip to the Pyrenees is ideal for anyone who wants to escape from city life and enjoy a more relaxed environment. There are a multitude of outdoor activities, historic sites, museums, and beautiful scenery that will make your visit to the Catalonian countryside one to remember. There are a number of ways to get to the region, and once you’re there, it is easy to explore by car, bus, train, or taxi.
