Benasque in Winter: A Wonderland in the Spanish Pyrenees
Full of winter wonderland magic, the Spanish village of Benasque is an outdoor enthusiasts' playground in both the summer and winter months. Only miles from the French border, Benasque is located in the northernmost section of the Huesca Province sitting at an altitude of 1,140 m (3,420 feet).
With activities such as skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding, hikers and adrenaline fiends will all find something here.
With various snow activities and mountain adventures, the town is home base for travelers looking for wintry escapes by day, and apres-ski fireside dinners in the evenings.
A perfect fairytale ski town in the heart of Los Pirineos (Spanish Pyrenees Mountains), the town's moody stone buildings are blanketed in powder soft snow, with the mountain backdrop that has me humming, "silver white winters that melt into spring...".
Go for the gastronomy, the romantic winter landscape, or go for the sports. But whatever you do, GO. Put this on your list for winter escapes in Spain.
Below learn more about a weekend in Benasque, Spain including things to do, where to stay and places to enjoy a nice meal.
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*Please note that my travels to Benasque are planned for January 2025. I have provided you all of my research below in advance of my travels so that you may too enjoy planning your winter escape to the Pyrenees! Expect personal anecdotes and photos in February :-)
Things to Do in Benasque in Winter
There are a number of Benasque Valley Tours to choose from, mostly which are do-it-yourself. You'll need a car and a solid know-how of driving in the snow.
Rent Snowshoes from Llanos del Hospital
In addition to snowshoes, you can also rent skis and sleds here for traversing their trails. Heed the warnings about snow coverage on the often treacherous mountain road leading to the hotel. If you have a reservation at the restaurant (for lunch, for example) you get a free parking space included with your visit.
A perfect day would be spent snowshoeing for 1-2 hours, having lunch, then heading back to town for tapas and a big hearty dinner.
Pro Tip: I also understand that you can rent Snowshoes in town at one of the shops, like Barrabes.
Out of curiosity, I went searching on Amazon for Snowshoes (especially like these adorable ones for kids) and found that they are pretty affordable, so if you are able to pack your own (or even an inflatable snow tube or something), you can make your own fun without the stress of finding a rental.
Ski at Cerler Ski Resort
Skiing (or downhill anything) is not my thing, but I do love a good cable car and a hot (spiked) beverage at a ski lodge. You can ride any of the chairlifts for a fee without skiing, but after a mildly (ok really) traumatic incident as a child on a chairlift I am also not a fan of riding open bench-style lifts. Since there is no cable car at Cerler, I'll be taking a pass on this one.
However, if you are a fan of downhill sports, by all means head to the slopes - it's the reason many people go to Benasque in the first place!
Here's some information to get you up the mountain, including details on the runs, the chairlift options (yes, they have bunny slopes) and more relevant info for the avid skier.
Shopping in Benasque
Although not a ton of shopping is available in town, there are still several grocery stores (which I always enjoy browsing for food souvenirs) and there are multiple outdoor shops selling sporting goods and clothing.
Visit Sabores de Pueblo for the best local food souvenirs from jarred jams and sauces, quesos (cheese) and various cured meats. My kind of store!
In town you can also find a typical Spanish (Chinese) Bazaar selling all manner of goodies, like at Bazar Pirineo.
Yes, this is a fun winter time activity too! It really doesn't matter what time of year it is, if the wine is flowing, I'm going! Tastings are typically very affordable but must be arranged in advance; drop ins are not usually welcomed in Spain.
Take a tour or go on your own to wineries not far from Benasque (about 1 hour), including:
Visits available Wednesday-Sunday at 11:30am and 5pm starting at 12 euros.
Visit Monday to Saturday at 11:30am or 1pm. (See organized tours that take you there).
Closed Sundays.
Tastings start at 10 euros with multiple days and times. Or visit their bar for 1-2 Euro wines. Closed Sundays.
Tastings are Saturdays and Sundays at noon for 10 euros.
(a personal favorite off the shelves)
Tastings are Monday to Friday at noon or Saturdays at 11am.
Closed Sundays.
Visit their websites and contact them directly for tastings and hours.
This interesting building is actually a fortified palace in Benasque of great historical value. On occasion visitors may enter to view rotating exhibits. It's sort of the luck of the draw if it's open to visit the interiors, but the exterior is still nice. Look for the sentry box on the corner.
See other interesting historic buildings in town at this link.
Activities and Additional tours near Benasque include:
Waterfall hikes, like at Forau d'Aigualluts
Miradors (scenic vistas) like at the Benasque Valley Overlook
Horseback riding
Las Gorga de Alba and Botanical Trail (Alba Gorges) - a family-friendly hiking area with waterfalls (note - this trail is NOT suitable in Winter)
Spa time at the Gran Hotel Benasque
Walk from Benasque to Anciles
Parque Natural Posets Maladeta (there's a glacier there!)
Check out this great list of things to do in Benasque with kids
For more ideas, visit this link or the Benasque Tourism website.
Along your drive towards Benasque, consider visiting the towns of Ainsa and Alquezar. I've also rounded up some great ideas for day trips if you are venturing further into Aragon from Zaragoza: Unique Day Trips From Zaragoza (Under 2 Hours Drive).
Best Restaurants in Benasque
Top rated La Parilla Restaurant serves up quirky mountain decor and sharp Mediterannean features all at the same time. Expect a really good steak dinner here.
If you are in the mood for tapas and smaller plates, head over to El Veedor de Viandas, a popular place in the town for drinks and montaditos.
If you venture up to Cerler to see the ski slopes, consider dropping into La Borda del MastÃn, a high ceiling asador with stone walls and a hot fire for grilling up your meal.
Where to Stay in Benasque
Charmingly decorated with classic ski town decor and stone walls, the vibes are perfect for an affordable ski town getaway.
A January stay here will cost between $109-130 per night, on average (for three people). Breakfast is included, and there are also options for room and board (including breakfast and dinner). Parking is available for free on site.
Hotel Ciria - $$
Slightly more upscale, rooms are contemporary, but the lobby fire pit is an enchanting place to relax with other guests (and a tall beverage). Breakfast is included in your stay, which is about $160 per night. Although the interiors are more modern, the exterior stone building sets the tone for a very on-theme stay in extremely cozy surrounds.
Camping Aneto - $
Cozy bungalow cabins are sure to set the mood for a winter scene. Situated a little further north of town, this Benasque camping village is perfect for those who prefer to make their own meals and just enjoy nature. Town is just a short drive away, and you'll have a relaxing and warm haven to call your own.
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