This lesser-known region of Catalonia should top your spring travel list

Yahoo

18-03-2025

Curled into Catalonia's western edge, the province of Lleida stretches from the sunny olive-growing plains of Garrigues to the snow-dusted heights of the Pyrenees on the Spain-France border. It might not draw the crowds of Barcelona or the Costas, but those that do explore this sprawling inland region will find startlingly blue lakes, dense pine forests and 9,000ft-plus peaks, punctuated by rolling vineyards and villages built from honey-coloured stone.
Much of Lleida's appeal lies in its active-tourism offerings, whether you fancy hitting the quiet hiking trails in Catalonia's sole national park, whitewater-rafting down the Noguera Pallaresa river, skiing some of Spain's finest slopes in Baqueira Beret or tackling rock-climbing routes across the region. Lleida's cultural highlights, meanwhile, include the UNESCO-listed Catalan Romanesque architecture of the remote Vall de Boí and a thriving regional food-and-drink scene. Whether you're seeking history, activity or gastronomy, here's how to explore the area this spring.
The most rewarding way to savour Lleida's natural drama is by diving into the Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, Catalonia's only national park, which sprawls across 54sq miles of spectacular, elevated Pyrenean terrain. Here, some of the best hiking paths in the country — including a full-day route traversing the entire park from east to west — weave past cascading waterfalls, fir-forested slopes and hundreds of high-altitude lakes.
More low-key trails are available for gentler hikers, such as that above Sant Maurici lake, where unspoilt mountain scenery is reflected in the glassy waters. Along the way you might spot golden eagles and griffon vultures swooping high above. A crop of Alpine-feel villages dotted around the national park's fringes — including Espot and Boí — make tempting bases for exploration.
More high-altitude activities await in the 170,000-acre Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu, the largest protected area in Catalonia, which borders both France and Andorra. Thrills here range from the classic challenge of summiting Catalonia's highest peak, the 10,300ft Pica d'Estats, to going stargazing in the wild or learning to make cheese at local farms. Further east, head to the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró, best known for its challenging walking and rock-climbing routes. This pocket of the Pyrenees' foothills is brimming with wildlife — keep an eye out for chamois, bearded vultures and golden eagles — and makes a great road-tripping destination.
Both natural parks have been awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas by the Europarc Federation, recognising local efforts to support low-impact development that prioritises conservation. And in 2024, the entire province of Lleida was named a Biosphere Gold Destination by the Responsible Tourism Institute, highlighting its strong ongoing commitment to developing tourism with a responsible focus.
Peaks and parks aside, the region is also home to Spain's most important examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture, most notably the elegant churches scattered across the serene Vall de Boí. Built mostly between the 11th and 14th centuries, with distinctively narrow bell towers and astonishingly intricate frescoes (some of which now hang in Barcelona's Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), they're a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other Catalan Romanesque jewels include the 12th-century cathedral in the medieval heart of La Seu d'Urgell and the Romanesque cathedral perched above the provincial capital city of Lleida. This cathedral dates back to the early 13th century and is part of the striking monumental complex of Turó de la Seu Vella, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the city and its surrounding cereal and fruit fields.
Lleida's rich regional gastronomy is packed with from-the-doorstep ingredients, which means you'll be feasting on local specialities like in-season mushrooms and cargols a la llauna (one of several beloved snail dishes). Superb local wines are also a key part of any meal, ideally from Lleida's Costers del Segre DO, which has made a name for itself over the last few years thanks to a variety of powerful reds and whites made from vines spread along the Segre River's basin. Olive oil is also a Lleida staple, with those from the DOP Les Garrigues gaining worldwide recognition for their high quality and distinctly fruity tastes.
This year, the wider area of Catalonia was named 2025 World Region of Gastronomy, a culinary prestige that is well reflected in the many fine-dining restaurants in Lleida — including three Michelin-starred spots. Choose La Boscana in Bellvís for artistic dishes in sleek modern surroundings — don't miss two of the region's favourite ingredients in the pork and apple tartlet. Or make for family-run Malena in Gimenells for a modern twist on traditional grilled dishes such as Xisqueta lamb cooked with cinnamon and pepper. Further northeast, in the small town of Sort, Fogony has a menu that's centred around seasonal vegetables and locally sourced meats.
April to November is typically the best time for hiking and other warm-weather adventures in Lleida's vast natural spaces, with autumn colours bursting into action across the region from mid-September. Winter sees the area's ski resorts swing into gear from December to March.
Those visiting the region in June should be sure to catch the tradition of the Falles del Pirineu. These torchlight descents — named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO — take place in villages across the Pyrenees on the Night of Sant Joan to celebrate the summer solstice and the triumph of light over darkness.
This paid content article was created for Ara Lleida as part of a joint initiative with the Catalan Tourist Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).