Dear fellow travellers,

I am travelling to Spain in late September flying into Barcelona 5 nights and then heading to Mannorca for 4 days. Out of 5 nights we have in Barcelona, we want to experience Pyrenees for atleast a night or 2, this is where I need your advice.

I saw pics of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and its breath taking. However, the driving time from Barcelona is around 5 hours, which might be a bit too much considering we only have around 2 days to explore. I am considering Cardona as an option as I saw a beautiful Castle parador where I would love to stay, but I wonder if there is much of nature/ scenery around. Please help me finalize a destination with beautiful mountain views, nature and scenic drive on the way. We will be hiring a car from Barcelona for this 2 or 3 days trip. We also would like to see Monsterrat if it's on the way (we dont plan to go on top to save time).

*** we are a couple in early 30s

Looking forward to your suggestions/ ideas....thanks a ton!!!

Cheers- SG

You can head up to Seu d'Urgell in the Cadi-Moixeró, about a 2-1/2 hour drive from Barcelona. You can stay at the Parador in Seu d'Urgell or El Castell de Ciutat.

Consider Taüll in the Pyrenees, although it is three hours from Barcelona according to Google map.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4267106194/

Hotels should not be a problem as it is a ski resort in the winter.

Thanks Robert and Michael for the helpful advice. I will look into it, and soon get back with my final itinerary

s disapppointed in Cardona Parador...View of huge salt mines was not my idea of great vistas!!! Was also a little taken aback by the indifference of the staff but perhaps the current economy has changed their attitudes and now the customer(read $$$)is a bit more important. Or maybe the rudeness was someone having a bad day. Only place in Spain (5 trips in 2 and 1/2 years)to experience this. Monsarrat is interesting and a day trip will do it just fine. Easy drive, parking down in the village and cable car up!!! Good time of year however!!