CATALONIA PYRENEES: SANTUARI DE NURIA

After a three hours trekking along El Camí Vell de Núria, we reached the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria, where we spent a nice day in this fantastic environment. This Sanctuary is a popular place of pilgrimage. Sited at an altitude of almost 2000 metres, it provides not just a natural shelter among the high peaks, but also a spiritual oasis whose history can be traced to ancient origins and traditions.

Vall de Núria offers a great variety of year-round activities surrounded by nature, like archery, horseriding routes and ponies, boats and canoes, crazy golf and a playpark. Its wealth of mountains and rivers make the valley a spectacular setting in which to enjoy trails, peaceful spots and unique views.

One of the first images I saw as soon as I arrived at the Sanctuary of Núria. A fantastic view which makes me forget the effort

This lake in front of the Sanctuary of Núria gives an extra charm to this environment

A group of children having lunch after the trekking

The lake and the Sanctuary of Núria are surrounded by a large green area perfect for children

Resting after having lunch near the Sanctuary of Núria

Next to the Sanctuary of Núria, a creek  gives more live to this beautiful environment

 

A path to walk quietly around the Sanctuary of Núria

Entering the Sanctuary of Núria I liked this stained glass window with the image of a shepherd

 From up there the Virgin of Núria has a fantastic view of the Sanctuary

I visited Núria in summer, but there are a lot of things to do in Núria in winter too.  In this season, Vall de Núria becomes a welcoming ski resort with all the services of accommodation and  restaurants. Suitable for the whole family, for lovers of sports and nature who want to escape from the crowds and where the youngest will enjoy the magic of the snow. 

After visiting La Vall de Camprodon the previous day and La Vall de Núria, the next day we would see  Les Fonts del Llobregat  and a typical nearby village in the Pyrenees: Castellar de N'Hug.

Finally, clicking on the next links you will find links to other beautiful places in Catalonia, Andorra and France, among them, more interesting villages and landscapes in the Pyrenees, like:


- Catalonia:

• Aigüestortes National Park and La Vall de Boí
• Aigüestortes and Llac de Sant Maurici National Park
• Camprodon, Ripoll and Setcases
• Medieval village of Beget
• Olot and Vall de'n Bas
• Santa Pau
• Port del Comte
• Puigcerdà

- Andorra:

• Andorra and La Seu d'Urgell
• Andorra Vallnord Ski Resort
• Andorra Vallnord Arinsal and Arcalís
• Andorra Grandvalira Grau Roig Ski Resort

- France:

• Carcassonne
• Canal du Midi and Pays Cathare
• Gorges de la Fou and Coustouges
• Villefranche de Conflent