Benasque is a small municipality of about 2,200 inhabitants in the province of Huesca, in Aragon, in the heart of the Benasque valley, the upper valley of the Ésera river. Surrounded by the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, many over 3,000 metres, it is popular with hikers and climbers in summer and skiers in winter.
The village
The old town keeps traditional stone houses with slate roofs, doorways with coats of arms and mansions such as the Palace of the Counts of Ribagorza and Casa Juste. The Romanesque church of Santa María dates from the 13th century. The streets are full of mountain shops, bars and restaurants. Benasqués, the local variety of Aragonese, is still spoken.
Posets-Maladeta natural park
Much of the valley is protected by Posets-Maladeta natural park, which includes the two highest peaks in the Pyrenees: Aneto, at 3,404 metres, and Posets, at 3,375. The park has Europe's southernmost glaciers, sadly retreating fast, over a hundred glacial lakes and wildlife including chamois, marmots and bearded vultures.
Hikes
- The ascent of Aneto, demanding and crossing the glacier, requiring equipment and experience, usually with a night at La Renclusa refuge.
- The Forau d'Aigualluts, a sinkhole where the stream disappears underground below a fine waterfall.
- The Cregüeña and Batisielles lakes.
- The Hospital de Benasque, an old travellers' refuge and starting point for many walks.
- The Three Refuges Route and sections of the GR 11 trail across the Pyrenees.
Skiing
Cerler resort, a few kilometres away, is one of the main ones in the Aragonese Pyrenees, with runs up to over 2,600 metres. The valley also offers cross-country skiing and ski touring.
Food and festivals
Mountain dishes such as migas, ternasco lamb, river trout and cheeses. The patron saint festivities are around San Marcial, in late June, with traditional dancing.
Getting there
Benasque is about 145 km from Huesca and 270 km from Barcelona. The road climbs the Ésera through the narrow Congosto de Ventamillo gorge. Buses run from Barbastro and Huesca.