The Aran Valley has nothing to envy of the Alps, the thing is that tourists don't know how to find it and its charming little towns have managed to escape mass tourism. The most beautiful of all of them is Arties, a town of cobblestone streets and houses made of wood and slate that are reminiscent of a Tyrolean village and is the best plan for a weekend getaway in autumn and winter.
What to see in Arties, Lleida
Arties is located in a fairytale location, with the Montardo massif behind it and the Valarties and Garonne rivers flowing through the old town itself. Next to the water there are stately houses with stone facades and wooden balconies that take us to an Alpine village, with its fresh air and its serene Pyrenean calm.
The center of town is charming and easy to explore on foot. In a quiet walk we will discover the Casa de los Portolá, a stately mansion from the 16th century with its own defensive tower, which has been converted into the Arties Hotel-Parador. Inside is the hermitage of San Antonio, with a beautiful baroque altarpiece.
House of the Portola
Another idyllic stop within Arties is Plaza Artau. It is the heart of the town, where all the festivities and the popular Christmas market are held, which makes this town an authentic winter wonderland snowy. Next to it is the Casa Paulet, a Renaissance mountain mansion from 1549 with beautifully decorated windows.
The postcard of Arties is totally defined by its beautiful church of Santa María, a 12th century Romanesque temple attached to the remains of a Templar castle, of which only the walls and a tower remain. It is not the only religious building to visit here: the church of Sant Joan d'Arties is Templar and you can see it next to the main road.
Where to eat cheap and delicious in Arties, Lleida
Arties' gastronomy is mountain food, with strong recipes to face the cold. Among them is the Aranese pot, a spoon dish with legumes, vegetables and local products that is eaten cold or warm. We can try it at the Artau Tavern for 10 euros.
What to do near Arties, Lleida
The natural surroundings of Arties are an absolute delight at any time of the year. Its forests turn orange and red when autumn arrives, while in winter the snow covers the roofs and becomes a beautiful Christmas card. We can take advantage of its paths to discover the Sant Pelegrí hermitage 10 minutes away or walk to the outdoor thermal water pools, which are 15 minutes from the town. They are two short and beautiful routes, ideal for enjoying your Arties experience to the fullest.
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