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
Booking.comActivities and things to do in the Pyrenees
Visiting the Pyrenees? Check out the activities available over at Get Your Guide!
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.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
The Caminito del Rey
Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
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.