IMDonehere

Can anyone recommend a Spanish summer mountain retreat, that they have been to, to escape the heat of Madrid or Barcelona? Or another alternative besides the beaches. It would be for next year, so reservations are not concern at this moment.


Thank you

Pvoyageuse

https://www.spain-holiday.com/Catalo...n-the-pyrenees

Robert2016

Check out the Tena Valley area in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

IMDonehere

Thank you for the suggestions.

kja

I enjoyed Taüll.

IMDonehere

Thank you, kja.

Robert2016

A few of our friends have places in Jaca, just to the east of the Tena Valley. North of Jaca is Candanchú, a ski resort near the town of Canfranc.

Before you reach Candanchú, you'll find Canfranc Estación, where the old international train used to run. The route was used by the Brits as a smuggling route during WWII. It's an interesting area and not one frenquented by foreign visitors. The rail station was used as a backdrop during the filming of Doctor Zhivago.

From there you can cross the Pyrenees to Oloron-Sainte-Marie and Pau.

Robert2016

That should be 'just to the west' of the Tena Valley...

IMDonehere

Thank you Robert.

lauramsgarden

We stayed at Finca La Fronda between Aracena and Alajar last week and loved it. At first I was worried that there wouldn't be much to do, but discovered that there is much to explore in the area, and also pretty close to Sevilla and Cordoba. It is in the Sierra Aracena - the inn is lovely and the hosts are more than willing to help you. loved the pool and the view, and discovered some first rate restaurants in surrounding villages (including one that is Michelin rated)

IMDonehere

Thank you all for your suggestions.

kimhe

The Alpujarras mountains "South from Granada" is quite spectacular: http://www.rusticblue.com/andalucia_...alpujarras.php
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...h_from_Granada

And I can highly recommend the old regional capital Tolosa, just inland from San Sebastián and at the foot of the Aralar Mountains. Excellent hiking landscapes, and

kja

I agree that the Alpujarras could be another great option. I spent some time in the Poquiera Gorge years ago -- some great hiking and, at least at that time, much more rustic experiences than I encountered elsewhere.

kimhe

...

And I can highly recommend the medieval regional capital Tolosa by the Oria river, just inland from San Sebastián and at the foot of the Aralar Mountains. Excellent hiking landscapes, and this is cross country skiing heartland in winter time. http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...olosa-tourism/

Very beautiful, as Basque as it gets, of course fantastic food and a Saturday market that is famous all over the Basque Country: https://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/towns...aa30-12375/en/

The open air Saturday markets: https://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/agend...aa30-12375/en/

Literally the best steaks in the world in Tolosa, "Spain's temple of beef": https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryol.../#262e3af56a21

Video intro to the steaks in Casa Julián, one of the best restaurants in town: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOaLtnbKOos&t=46s

More Tolosa food culture, the beans/las alubias!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAoT3fPIACc

OReilly

http://www.thepicosdeeuropa.com/

I spent a few days there one August and it was blissfully cool. Beautiful area.

IMDonehere

Thank you all again.