- Region: Aragón
- Province: Huesca
- Declared a Natural Park: 1994
- Park surface area: 33,000 hectares
- Local towns and Villages: Benasque, Gistaín, Montanuy, Sahún, San Juan de Plan
Points of interest
The Posets-Maladeta Natural Park is a protected natural area located in the north of the Ribagorza region and northeast of Sobrarbe in the province of Huesca. It encompasses two of the highest massifs in the Pyrenees. Heights range from 1,500 m in the valley to 3404 m at the summit of Aneto which is the highest peak in the Pyrenees. The moraines and mountain lakes of Vallibierna, Cregüeña, Batisielles, Millares and Remuñe are home to flora and fauna of the high mountain climate. Along with the Benasque valley there are other valleys within the natural park such as the Estós and Vallibierna.
In addition to Aneto there are also quite a few more high peaks in the area:
- Pico Posets (3369 m)
- Punta d’Astorg (3055 m)
- Pico Maldito (3350 m)
- Pico del Medio (3346 m)
- Pico de Coronas (3,293 m)
- Pico de Tempestades (3,290 m)
- Pico del Alba (3,118 m)
Take a look at this stunning drone footage of Aneto and surrounding peaks in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park
Find a hotel in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park
Nestled in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, the Benasque Valley offers a charming mix of traditional mountain villages and diverse accommodation options. Visitors can choose from cozy alpine hotels, self-catered apartments, and rustic lodges that blend comfort with stunning natural surroundings. The area caters to both adventure seekers and those looking for a peaceful retreat, with options ranging from luxury stays in Benasque town to tranquil cottages in nearby hamlets.
The valley’s main hubs—Benasque, Cerler, and Anciles—each have their own character. Benasque is the lively center, filled with shops, restaurants, and well-equipped hotels. Cerler, perched higher in the mountains, is best known for its ski resort and panoramic views, while Anciles offers a quiet, picturesque setting with stone houses and a slower pace. Together, these villages showcase the authentic spirit of the Pyrenees, making the Benasque Valley an ideal base for exploring northern Spain’s wild beauty.
Flora
Staggered according to altitude and other environmental conditions, at lower altitudes tree cover is mostly rowan, hazelnut and birch. On the more humid slopes, beech, pines and firs and at the highest levels scots pine gives way to black pine.
Aragón Active Holidays close to the Ordesa National Park
Read more about the flora of the Pyrenees on the excellent blog of Hike Pyrenees.
Fauna
Marmots are faily easy to spot if you sit quietly and listen for their high pitched whistles. Wild boar and chamois are the easiest to observe mammals, but also keep an eye open for ptarmigan, Pyrenean newt, Asp viper, Griffon vulture, Bearded vulture and Golden eagle.
Read more about the fauna of the Pyrenees on the excellent blog of Hike Pyrenees.
Natural monument of the Pyrenean Glaciers
The natural monument of the Pyrenean Glaciers is a natural monument in the regions of Alto Gállego, Sobrarbe and Ribagorza in Aragón. The protected area is 3,190 hectares and is surrounded by a further 13,000 hectares of peripheral protection zone. Altitude ranges between 2,700 and 3,000 meters above sea level.
Declared as such the 21 of March of 1990 and includes the following peaks:
- Massif of Balaitús (Sallent de Gállego).
- Picos del Infierno (Panticosa and Sallent de Gállego).
- Viñamala Peak (Torla-Ordesa).
- La Munia (Bielsa).
- Pico Posets (San Juan de Plan , Sahún and Benasque).
- Pico Perdiguero (Benasque).
- Pico Maladeta and Aneto (Benasque and Montanuy).
- Monte Perdido (Bielsa and Fanlo).
In addition to the large volumes of ice, other unique glacier morphologies such as moraines , lakes and U-shaped valleys can be found. Some of these glaciers experienced an expansion during the small ice age but they are currently in the process of total disappearance. The extreme climate means that there are not many animal and plant species found in these glaciers.
The Cuenca Moral Botanical Trail
(A very easy trail indroducing you to some of the plants of the area.)
- Duration: 25 min.
- Slope: From 1,540 to 1,670 m.
- Markings: Two parallel stripes of deep green and light green.
- Difficulty: None.
Starting point: From Benasque (Benás) go up the main road to the Los Baños detour then follow the asphalt forest road. Once you have passed the Los Baños campsite and the bridge over the Ésera river, walk about 20 meters. and enter the meadow on the left following the signs.
End: The forest road from los Baños to the Hospital (Espital de Benás), 600 mts. before the bridge over the Ésera river.
The Posest-Maladeta Natural Park Botanical Trail runs along part of the old path that linked the Kingdom of Aragón with the south of France through the Bal de Benás (Benasque Valley), taking advantage of the diversity of its natural landscape. It starts next to the Camping de los Baños, the Pllano d’es Bañs o de Turpi, and ends on the forest road that connects the Baños with the Hospital de Benasque. It is representative of the Montane Floor of the Natural Park, with forests of yew, black pine, fir and beech.
The path winds through small pastures surrounded by box trees (Buxus sempervirens), Black pine, Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Wild dog rose (Rosa canina), wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca) and Asphodel (Asphodelus albus). The path runs parallel to the Ésera river. Here there are rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and abundant thickets of boxwood, holly, rododrendron (Rododendron ferrugineum), blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), heather (Calluna Vulgaris) , and flowers such as Lilium martagon and Primula veris
Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding
The Aramón Cerler Ski Resort located in the Benasque Valley, is undoubtedly the ideal place to practice Alpine Skiing and Snow Boarding. It has 68 ski slopes, of which 9 are green, 17 blue, 26 red and 15 black, gathering a total of 79 skiable kilometers, which are accessed by 18 lifts. The minimum height of the station is located at 1,540 meters from the town of Cerler, and the maximum reaches 2,630 meters.
More information on the website here.
Information/Visitors Centers
Benasque Visitor Center (OBLIGATORY VISIT!)
Access: On the road from Benasque to Anciles. Taking the first road on the left. (Located less than 10 minutes from Benasque village.)
Benasque Visitor Center has an excellent interpretation exhibition detailing the four main environments that exist in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. Rock, ice and snow. Grasslands and meadows. High mountain forests and the inhabited valleys. Excellent services and staff that will help you get the most out of a visit to the area. Staff will also help you with footpaths and the best places to visit depending on the time of year you are visiting.
Web: https://turismobenasque.com/
Essential Travel Questions About the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park and Benasque Valley
The Posets-Maladeta Natural Park stands out for housing the two highest massifs in the Pyrenees, including Aneto Peak at 3,404 metres. Its valleys, glacial lakes, and alpine flora create a striking high-mountain landscape shaped by ancient ice. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems ranging from lush beech forests to bare granite summits — each revealing a different side of the Aragonese Pyrenees. More details about the park’s habitats and routes can be found in the main article.
Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels in Benasque to quiet lodges in Cerler or Anciles. San Antón Hotel, for instance, offers mountain-view rooms and traditional Spanish dining just a short walk from Benasque centre. Whether you prefer a rustic apartment or a full-service stay, there’s something for every traveller. You’ll find more hotel recommendations and booking tips inside the main guide.
Wildlife lovers may encounter marmots, chamois, wild boar, or soaring bearded vultures. Patient observers might even glimpse golden eagles circling the high cliffs. The area’s fauna thrives across changing altitudes, with each zone offering a distinct experience. The full article explores where and when to spot these species in more depth.
The Cuenca Moral Botanical Trail is ideal for beginners. It’s a 25-minute walk with minimal elevation, marked by green stripes and shaded by black pines and ash trees. Along the way, hikers can identify wild roses, strawberries, and alpine lilies. Though simple, it perfectly introduces the park’s botanical diversity. More hiking suggestions are included in the main content.
Winter brings alpine skiing and snowboarding at the Aramón Cerler Ski Resort, featuring over 79 kilometres of runs across all difficulty levels. Off the slopes, snowshoeing and scenic drives through the snowy Pyrenees are popular. Those seeking relaxation will find cosy lodges and fireside dining in Benasque. You’ll discover more seasonal activities and travel tips in the full guide.
This protected zone safeguards the last remaining glaciers in Spain, including those near Aneto and Monte Perdido. These icy relics, formed during the last Ice Age, are retreating rapidly due to climate change. The area also showcases striking U-shaped valleys and glacial lakes that reveal the Pyrenees’ geological history. The article explains their formation and conservation status in greater detail.
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