Where History Comes Alive

Excursions in the Area

Santa Maria is situated in the centre of a triangle of 3 nature parks: The "Prque Nacionál de Ordessa y Monte Perdido is less than an hour drive as is the "Parque Natural de Posets y Maladeta" while the "Parque Natural de La sierra y Coñones de Guarra" is at only 30 minutes.

The Valley of Pineta, the Canyon of the Añisclo and the valley of Ordessa are a must for every visitor of the Ordessa Park. The Posets-Maladeta Natural Park's highlights include the highest peaks in the Pyrenees, Aneto and Posets, the last remaining Pyrenean glaciers (protected as Natural Monuments), numerous glacial lakes (ibones), impressive waterfalls, and a diverse high-mountain ecosystem. In the park of the Sierra de Guarra, numerous canyons are the main attracction for hikers and lovers of canyoning. Besides natural wonders, forgotten desolate villages, medieval bridges, caves with prehistoric paintings and dolmen are to be discovered. The picturesque town of Alquezar with its famous "Pasarelas" is a must for nature and culture lovers alike. On the way to Alquezar, one needs to stop in Lecina to visit the 1000 year old Holm Oaktree, European tree of the year 2021 and tree of Spain in 2020. Another must stop is the Viewpoint of the Rio Vero , a few kilometers south of Lecina and observe the flight of the vultures. along the same winding scenic road are the prehistoric caves of Arpan and mallata. Before reaching Alquezar, the medieval bridges in Asque and Abarda are worth of a stop as well.

The following pictures are only a few snapshots of some of the above wonders of nature and cultural jewels in the wider area around Santa Maria de Buil.