The Tena Valley (in Aragonese Bal de Tena ) is a Pyrenean valley located in the Aragonese region of Alto Gállego (crossed by the Gállego river from north to south). It borders with the French valley of Ossau and access to France is through the Portalet d’Aneu pass . The southern limit is found in the Foz de Santa Elena which separates it from Biescas.
It is one of the largest and most populated valleys in the Pyrenees with an area of about 400 km² and mountains range from 600 meters of altitude in its lowest part to over 3000 m in many of its peaks (Balaitus, Gran Facha, Argualas or the Picos del Infierno). There are also two large reservoirs: Lanuza and Búbal.
Towns and villages in the Tena Valley
- Sallent de Gállego, Lanuza, Escarrilla, Sandiniés, Tramacastilla de Tena.
- Hoz de Jaca.
- Panticosa, El Pueyo de Jaca.
Find a hotel in the Tena Valley
In Panticosa, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations to suit different travel styles. Traditional hotels and resorts offer comfortable rooms, often with spa or wellness facilities, perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor activities. For those who prefer more independence, self-catered apartments and holiday flats provide space, privacy, and the convenience of cooking your own meals, making them ideal for families or groups.
Budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a more local experience can opt for guesthouses or pension-style lodgings, which are often simple but cozy and centrally located. For outdoor enthusiasts, mountain refuges and rustic hostels Like the Hotel Vicente are available, typically situated near hiking trails or ski areas, offering basic amenities and easy access to the natural surroundings.
Planning a Trip to the Pyrenees? Top Activities to Book with Get Your Guide
Visiting the Pyrenees offers a mix of rugged scenery, quiet valleys, and adventure-filled experiences. When you explore activities on GetYourGuide, you’ll see options that range from canyoning and kayaking to cross-border day tours. These choices help you shape a trip that fits your pace, whether you want adrenaline, scenery, or a blend of both.
Check out the Pyrenees activities available over at Get Your Guide!
You can dive into canyoning routes that lead you through narrow gorges, waterfalls, and natural pools, or choose a peaceful kayak outing along dramatic cliff-lined waterways. Moreover, guided day trips let you move between Spain, France, and Andorra, offering cultural stops and mountain viewpoints along the way. With this variety, planning through Get Your Guide makes it easy to build a Pyrenees itinerary that feels both memorable and effortless.
Or perhaps some hang gliding?
The Artouste Train: Spain’s Alpine Gem in the Tena Valley
Nestled in Spain’s Pyrenees within the enchanting Tena Valley, the Artouste Train offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the mountains. This narrow-gauge tourist railway seamlessly combines comfort and adventure, granting access to the region’s remarkable beauty. At a staggering altitude of 2,000 meters, the Artouste Train provides a gateway to the stunning Lake Artouste and panoramic views that stretch across the Tena Valley.
The Artouste Train is an immersive experience. A cable car ride takes passengers to the departure station at 1,950 meters. The ensuing 50-minute train ride winds through rugged landscapes, offering glimpses of cascading waterfalls and vibrant flora and fauna, all leading to the highlight of the journey.
A short 15-20 minute walk from the train’s terminus reveals the crown jewel of the experience: Lake Artouste. Mirroring the surrounding mountains, the crystal-clear waters of the alpine lake create a scene of unparalleled beauty.
Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, the Artouste Train is an invitation to escape and connect with the environment. From the cable car ascent to the train journey and the encounter with Lake Artouste, every moment is meticulously designed to forge a deep connection between visitors and the natural world.
The official website for buying tickets (in Spanish) is here: https://www.formigal-panticosa.com/tren-de-artouste-formigal-panticosa.html
Or you can use the French official site (in English) here: https://artouste.fr/ete/en/
Information Centers
A must visit for this area is the Lacuniacha Wildlife Park of the Pyrenees. here you can see Cervidae (deer, reindeer, roe deer and fallow deer), goats ( chamois and ibex ), European bison, wild boar, mouflon, lynx, bear, Przewalski’s horse and European wolf, and other native animals.
The Park is located in the town of Jaca Piedrafita at 1380 m. altitude and occupies over 30 hectares of forest
Web: https://www.lacuniacha.es/en/
Opening times: https://www.lacuniacha.es/en/schedule-and-location/
There are two ski stations in the area.
- Aramón Formigal is a ski resort located in the Pyrenean town of Sallent de Gállego.
- The Aramón Panticosa ski resort is located in the municipality of Panticosa.
The Tena Valley in Spain’s Pyrenees is home to two of the region’s most popular ski destinations: Aramón Formigal and Aramón Panticosa. Together, they form the largest ski area in the Spanish Pyrenees, offering a wide variety of slopes for all levels, modern lift systems, and plenty of activities beyond skiing. From adrenaline‑fuelled runs to family-friendly slopes, these resorts cater to both seasoned skiers and beginners looking for a memorable mountain experience.
The Hotel Vicente is right at the door of the ski slopes and is also a great choice whilst you are exploring the area.
Formigal, located near Sallent de Gállego, is renowned for its extensive skiable terrain and vibrant après‑ski atmosphere, while Panticosa offers a more relaxed pace, ideal for families or visitors seeking a quieter retreat. Both resorts are well connected, allowing travellers to explore multiple valleys, enjoy snow-based activities, and soak up the spectacular mountain scenery that defines the Tena Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Tena Valley in the Pyrenees
The Tena Valley, located in Aragon, Spain, is one of the largest and most populated Pyrenean valleys. Visitors are drawn to its stunning landscapes, ranging from river valleys to peaks over 3,000 metres. With picturesque towns, reservoirs, and direct access to France via the Portalet d’Aneu pass, it combines natural beauty with cultural experiences. Activities, scenic hikes, and winter sports make it ideal for both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation.
Some of the most charming settlements include Sallent de Gállego, Panticosa, Lanuza, Escarrilla, and Tramacastilla de Tena. Each offers a mix of traditional architecture, local cuisine, and cultural heritage. While Panticosa is particularly popular for its spa facilities and mountain views, other villages provide quieter, more rural experiences. Exploring these towns gives visitors a sense of authentic Pyrenean life.
Visitors can choose from a wide range of options, from traditional hotels and spa resorts to self-catered apartments for families or groups. Guesthouses and pension-style lodgings provide cosy, central stays, while mountain refuges or rustic hostels appeal to hikers and ski enthusiasts. Whatever your preference, there’s accommodation suited to both comfort-focused travellers and budget-conscious adventurers.
The Pyrenees offer a mix of adrenaline and scenic experiences. Options include canyoning, kayaking, hang gliding, and guided day trips across Spain, France, and Andorra. For a more leisurely adventure, the Artouste Train offers a scenic journey to Lake Artouste at 2,000 metres, combining panoramic mountain views with a short walk to the alpine lake. Find out more in the full article.
Absolutely. The area hosts two main ski resorts: Aramón Formigal in Sallent de Gállego and Aramón Panticosa in Panticosa. Both offer slopes for all levels, modern facilities, and options for snowboarding, skiing, and family-friendly winter activities. Even outside peak season, these resorts provide scenic lifts and winter hiking trails, making the valley a year-round destination.
Beyond the mountains and rivers, Lacuniacha Wildlife Park is a highlight. Located at 1,380 metres, it spans over 30 hectares of forest and is home to deer, ibex, European bison, lynx, bears, and more. Combined with scenic hikes, reservoirs like Lanuza and Búbal, and panoramic viewpoints from the Artouste Train, nature lovers will find plenty to explore.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!