Ordesa Valley: The Grand Canyon of Europe is located in Spain

With its mighty gorges, roaring waterfalls and lofty plateaus, the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the continent.

Founded in 1918 as one of Spain's first national parks, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It encompasses approximately 156 square kilometers of protected high mountain landscape and consists of four valleys: Ordesa, Añisclo, Escuaín, and Pineta.

In addition to lush meadows, idyllic hiking trails, and relaxing routes, the national park in the far northeast of Spain also offers high altitudes. Enormous rocky outcrops enclose the mighty Monte Perdido, at 3,355 meters the highest limestone mountain in Europe. What makes the national park unique is its extraordinary geology.

Raised from the seabed approximately 50 million years ago, the rock layers were later carved into breathtaking canyons by glaciers and rivers. This combination of geology, altitude, and biodiversity makes the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park a true jewel of the Pyrenees and a challenge for hiking enthusiasts.

The most famous and most visited of the four valleys is the Ordesa Valley. It begins at Torla, a picturesque village with stone houses and an ideal starting point for exploration. From there, a road leads to the Pradera parking lot (accessible by shuttle bus during high season), where most hikes begin.

The cliffs in the National Bark provide a breathtaking panorama.

Source: IMAGO/Addictive Stock

The steep valley walls of the Ordesa Valley, some over 800 meters high, create a dramatic scenery reminiscent of the vast gorges of the Grand Canyon in the USA. On the valley floor, the Arazas River rushes past beech forests, waterfalls, and alpine flower meadows. Vultures, eagles, marmots, and the rare and potentially endangered bearded vultures populate the skies above the valley.

There are numerous hiking trails in the national park. Many of them lead past the most famous natural spectacles, featuring cascading waterfalls, vulture feeding stations, and numerous spots for spectacular nature photography. Most of the routes are suitable for beginners.

The hikes in the national park offer breathtaking views.

Source: imago/Westend61

Anyone who wants to venture to the summit of Monte Perdido should have some hiking experience. The route includes two small climbing sections, and many sections are very steep. To help you reach Europe's Grand Canyon without too much planning and preparation, the travel reporter has selected two more relaxed, but no less breathtaking, routes for you.

For an introduction to the region, we recommend the "Cola de Caballo" hike , one of the most popular and beautiful trails in the Pyrenees. Against a backdrop of mountains, the trail leads through the landscape of the Ordesa Valley, across meadows and through deciduous forests to spectacular waterfalls.

The Cola de Caballo waterfall is located on one of the most popular hikes in the national park.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

The 17.5-kilometer hike is considered a comfortable, easy route with no significant elevation gain or technical difficulties. The extensive signage and excellent condition of the trails make it suitable even for beginners. The starting point of the hike is the centrally located Pradera parking lot. From there, the trail continues along the banks of the Arazas River through forests and under rocky overhangs to the destination, the Cola de Caballo waterfall. Plan on five to six hours for the hike. The total ascent is a leisurely 490 meters.

This hike only looks similar to the "Cola de Caballo" at first glance. While the first part of the route is identical, it then climbs high. Instead of retracing the same route as before, after visiting the large waterfalls, you start the ascent and follow the signs for "Senda de Los Cazadores" and "Faja de Pelay."

From there, the climb continues steadily uphill, along the steep slopes of the canyon. With every step, the view improves, and at around 1,900 meters, a sweeping view of the famous gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Europe, opens up. After the strenuous climb, the final descent is steep and leads back to the starting point, the Pradera parking lot.

Also beautiful in autumn: the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park.

Source: IMAGO/Addictive Stock

The circular hike over the "Faja de Pelay" can easily be done in reverse, by tackling the steep climb at the beginning of the tour and then walking almost exclusively downhill, enjoying the view. However, absolute beginners should avoid this challenging route. Not only does it cover approximately 22 kilometers, but it also involves more than 1,500 meters of elevation gain. Allow at least seven hours for the hike.

Because the national park is located amidst the mountainous Pyrenees landscape, most people arrive by car. The roads are well-maintained, and nothing stands in the way of a carefree drive with magnificent views. The most popular starting point for visitors is the small town of Torla-Ordesa. Accommodations and a visitor and tourist information center are available here.

From Torla, a car is no longer necessary to set off on a hike. Convenient shuttle buses depart from the southern parking lot to the Pradera parking lot, the starting point for most hikes. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and tickets for the buses are available directly at the parking lot in Torla. A round-trip ticket costs €6 per person. A dog costs €2 extra.

However, the buses only run during the peak season, from June to early November. Shuttles also run on certain holidays, such as Semana Santa in Spain in mid-April. The earliest bus departs at 6 a.m. in summer. The last return trip to Torla is at 9 p.m. This means nothing stands in the way of a long day of hiking full of panoramic views.

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