Where To Stay in Baqueira-Beret for Perfect Pistes & Scenic Hiking
Looking for Pyrenees perfection in Baqueira-Beret? Explore some of the best towns and villages to stay in the region
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Located in the heart of the Pyrenees mountains, Baqueira-Beret is a Spanish ski resort near the French border. With its elevation providing reliable snowfall, a typical ski season can stretch from November all the way through to April, making it the most popular winter resort in Spain – it’s even a favourite of the Spanish royal family. Despite attracting the high-fliers of French and Spanish society, the price compared to many Alpine resorts remains exceptionally competitive. There are 161 kilometres of pistes, twenty-eight modern, high-capacity lifts and plenty of options for accommodation. In fact, that may well be the tricky bit. Where to stay in Baqueira-Beret?
Not to worry. Below, our experts here at Plum Guide are giving you the rundown on all the best places to stay during your ski holiday in the Baqueira-Beret region. Spend less time stressing over where to stay and more time focused on remembering how to parallel turn.
Baqueira-Beret resort
Village of Baqueira-Beret in the Aran Valley dusted with snow and Pyrenees Mountains in the background, Baqueira-Beret
Naturally, the obvious answer when asked where to stay in Baqueira-Beret would be to point you in the direction of the Baqueira-Beret resort itself. The centre of the action lies in the resort town of Baqueira. Here, you can organise your ski pass (both single and multi-day options are available) alongside any gear and equipment rental you may need. Several different lifts operate from this spot daily, taking you directly from town up to the slopes.
Not only is it convenient for its amenities, but Baqueira is also home to plenty of accommodation options covering all tastes and budgets. Additionally, you’ll find some of the region’s best bars and restaurants here, offering delicious local cuisine and stunning mountain views. Even if you’re not into skiing, many other activities are available in Baqueira, ranging from bowling or ice skating to dog-sledging and well-earned spa retreats. If you’re visiting the region for a few days, this is undoubtedly one of the best locations to base yourself.
Tredós
Stone houses and a small river on a summer day, village of Tredos, near Baqueira-Beret
Just a five-minute drive down the valley from Baqueira, Tredós has a permanent population of 176 (according to 2020 figures). As you might imagine, this is a much quieter, more tranquil setting compared to the main resort of Baqueira-Beret – perhaps it’s exactly what you’re looking for. Despite having a small, tight-knit community, there are a wealth of accommodation options to choose from and given its location, you can reach the ski lifts in Baqueira early each morning with ease.
On a day off, take a stroll up the old Romanesque church of Sant Esteve de Tredòs. Perched above the town, you’ll be treated to some lovely views of the Aran Valley. Meanwhile, if you’re on the hunt for somewhere with local cuisine in a traditional setting, Era Caseta des deth Mestre happens to be one of Tredós’ best-kept secrets. This family-owned business serves up unbeatable Aranes food with plenty of Catalonian charm and perfect wine pairings. It may well be handy to have this right on the doorstep.
Salardú
Sant Andreu de Salardu church in the Aran Valley, near Baqueira-Beret
A stone’s throw down the valley from Tredós, Salardú is the capital of the municipality of Naut Aran, with a slightly larger population of 630. The main resort and ski lifts in Baqueira are still just a five-minute drive away, making it an ideal place to stay during your trip. Surrounded by the beauty of the Aran Valley, the charming village is quaint and quiet, but comes with several great amenities and attractions.
The start of the show is no doubt Sant Andreu de Salardu, a Romanesque church built around the 15th century. Inside, you can marvel at the Gothic architecture, vivid fresco paintings and the famous Christ of Salardú statue above the main altar. Meanwhile, a visit to the Refugi Rosta is not to be missed. Having offered refuge to King Alfonso XIII and many other famous Spanish characters, this hotel is one of the oldest buildings in the Aran Valley and a treasure trove of Pyrenees history. While primarily a hotel and restaurant, it also acts as a museum where you can learn more about everything from early Pyrenees pioneers and routes to cartography, glaciers and climate change.
Additionally, there are some great restaurants to be found in Salardú – Vinacoteca Eth Cerer and Restaurant Borda Benjamín both serve up delicious local dishes at fair prices. If you’re looking for a traditional, charming Romanesque village with easy access to the slopes, Salardú is the place for you.
Arties
If you haven’t figured it out by now, the Aran Valley is full of charming, beautiful Romanesque villages. Arties is no different, proving to be a great option when deciding where to stay in Baqueira-Beret. If you can spare the time away from the slopes, it’s well worth strolling around the beautiful streets, taking in the quaint bridges and houses, as well as the magnificent views.
Inside the gorgeous Santa Maria d'Arties, you’ll find some exquisite, original paintings that have been very well preserved. On top of this, we’ll pique your interest by letting you know about the thermal baths located here. After a few hard days on the slopes, what better way to treat yourself (especially your battered legs) than a wellness day in the natural hot springs? Yes, please.
Vielha
A pink building, stone house and the Church of Sant Miquèu captured on a sunny day in Veilha, near Baqueira-Beret
Located at the junction of the Garona and Nere rivers, Vielha is the tourist centre of the region. It's an excellent base if you’re looking to visit the Aran Valley and don't mind a fifteen-minute drive to the Baqueira-Beret resort. With main roads running south into Spain and north to France, it’s very well connected to the nearest international airports such as Toulouse or Barcelona.
Being the main city in the region, it’s certainly busier than a few other towns and villages we’ve mentioned above. You can find everything you possibly need here, from businesses specialising in hiking and winter sports to Pyrenees arts and crafts shops, restaurants, bars, supermarkets and all your other basic necessities.
Dating back as far as the Romans (they get everywhere, that lot), it boasts a rich heritage of mansions, mountain houses and 12th-century churches, such as the Church of Sant Miquèu. Moreover, Vielha is the starting point for so many hiking and walking trails, making it a great choice not just for ski holidays or winter excursions but also for all seasons. During summer months, you can expect to find fishing opportunities, mountain biking, camping, white water rafting, golf, paragliding and more.
Bagergue
Pink flowers and vines along cobbled pathway with stone houses in distance, Bagergue, near Baqueira-Beret
Bagergue. Population: 101. This sleepy (but extremely pretty) little hamlet is the highest inhabited village in the Aran Valley. At 1490 metres, it’s surrounded by vertical mountain walls and breathtaking views. Quite useful for you, it’s also just a ten-minute drive to reach the main resort in Baqueira.
Ideal for ski holidays, you’ll also find a truly unique museum in Museu Eth Corrau, a collection of some 2,500 artefacts and pieces from hundreds of years ago. It represents what life was like in the Aranese past, showcasing its culture, its traditions, work life and old arts and crafts.
Despite its modest size, Bagergue is packed with some of the best restaurants in the region, with many visitors travelling in from Baqueira and elsewhere. Casa Peru is a favourite, serving up excellent mountain dishes that are all homemade. Top tip: their tortilla de patatas are renowned throughout the valley. Just across the road, Restaurante Casa Rosa offers local Aranese dishes with great prices and a friendly atmosphere.
Garós
Nestled just off the main road leading to Baqueira (a ten-minute drive away), Garós offers calm and tranquillity among alpine pastures. A small village with just 136 residents, it’s a great way to get a taste of local life up here. Apparently, a much larger population once lived here. Legends and myths tell the tale of a skull being found in the ancient necropolis at the back of the San Julián church – nothing too amiss about that, except for the fact it was 3 metres long. This skull is said to belong to the giant Mandronius, who fought against many Roman invaders.
While giants of the land are long gone, you may still possess the appetite of one after a hard day on the slopes. While small, Garós has some great eateries. Es Arraïtzes Restaurant showcases delightful Peruvian cuisine with a Catalonian twist, while Erasala is often considered one of the best bars in the valley, renowned for great coffee and the friendly owner Ana, who’ll make you feel right at home.