6 Things to Do in Espot: The Best of the Spanish Pyrenees
The iconic Estany de Sant Maurici, with a reflection of Els Encantats peaks
Every summer, our beloved town Sitges becomes too hot and crowded for our (honorary) Scandinavian side!
So, we decided to rent a car and cool down for a few days up in the mountains! Espot, Spain is the hidden gem of the Spanish Pyrenees we had been dreaming of. Imagine stepping into a postcard-perfect village, surrounded by dramatic mountains, with welcoming locals.
While there are tourists, mass tourism is not a thing here (yet), so we thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet!
Espot offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and local charm that's simply irresistible. Ready to dive into this beautiful corner of Catalonia? Let's explore top six things to do in Espot.
Visit Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
The main highlight of Espot is Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Established in 1955, it’s one of Spain's most stunning national parks and the only national park in Catalonia. The taxi system and marked trails help preserve unique landscapes and ecosystems. Tranquil lakes, reflecting ponds, majestic peaks (the most iconic are Els Encantats), flowered meadows, streams, waterfalls, lush forests, you name it. Whether you're up for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, this park promises an unforgettable encounter with pristine wilderness.
We can’t tell you how good it felt to breathe fresh air and enjoy cold water in the middle of Spanish summer!
As anywhere in the mountains, waterproof/Goretex shoes are your best friend. We enjoyed sunny skies, and summer hiking shoes would have been enough — like our Nike Pegasus Trail sneakers — but the weather can shift very quickly at this altitude. You can get high GTX boots like these for hiking, or slightly lower if your malleolus have a mind of their own (like Eli’s here).
Don’t forget a good picnic and plenty of water — try a reusable water botter like Hydrapak Stash Bottle.
Someone said bears?
Did you know the Pyrenees are home to the elusive brown bear? Reintroduced in the 90s after their complete extinction, they roam the remote mountain areas. While sightings are rare, make sure to read the guidelines at the Tourist Office in case of an encounter. And remember, respect for their habitat is essential to ensure they continue to thrive. If you’re as obsessed by bears as I am, you can track a polar bear (no brown bears yet) with Fahlo’s Tracker bracelet. They partner with Polar Bears International, which we interviewed in another article. Get 20% with our coupon PENGUINTRAMPOLINE20.
Take a hike in the Spanish Pyrenees
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park offers plenty of trails, from a gentle stroll to the most challenging mountain adventure.
And obviously, it’s our number one recommendation if you’re there only for a couple of days. We hiked from Estany de Sant Maurici to Amitges refuge and estany, and then back by Estany de Ratera, Mirador del Estany and the dam.
This is the most popular hike, but we want to go back and hike to Estany Nere and Portaró d’Espot.
Don’t forget your camera — you’re going to want to photograph this beauty! — food, lots of water, and depending on the season, additional clothing layers.
One last thing: while all these lakes are soooo tempting — tell Eli about it! — it’s forbidden to swim in the park to keep the water pristine.
Outside of the park, you’re free to swim anywhere, and there are great trails too.
Make sure to book a travel insurance if you venture out there, and benefit from a 5-15% discount for booking through Penguin Trampoline with our partner Heymondo!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Before and after your hike, you can fill up your water bottles at the natural fountain next to the park (“ranger”) cabin by the Estany de Sant Maurici. It’s coming right from the mountains, so pure and delicious!
Enjoy the cold and pure water
The waters around Espot are some of the purest you'll find. Without leaving Espot, you find plenty of options to refresh. Steps away from the shops, there’s a stream with small waterfalls: the perfect spot to cool down and rejuvenate your muscles after a long hike, in a fairytale setting!
If you’re driving from Barcelona, you can stop at Gerri de la Sal, a picturesque village by a river. Right under the Romanesque bridge, you’ll find the perfect swimming spot, with just enough current to make things fun!
A 20 min drive from Espot is Gerber waterfall, falling from a height of 125 meters! The best times to visit are during the spring and early summer when the waterfall is fed by melting snow. You can park nearby and walk 10 min, or park at Bosque del Gerdar and take an easy stroll through the beautiful forests and meadows.
You can also book a rafting or canyoning experience in nearby Llavorsi.
Eat local food
No trip to Espot — or anywhere! — is complete without savoring the local cuisine. The flavors are rich and hearty, reflecting the rustic charm of the region and typical mountain dishes. Delight in traditional specialties like escudella (Catalan stew) or trinxat (potato, cabbage, and bacon mix).
Local eateries provide a cozy, informal setting to unwind and enjoy the best of Pyrenean hospitality. We enjoyed a full, hearty, traditional meal at Casa Palmira, and inventive cuisine with local ingredients at E BO.
If you need a picnic for your hike, the bakery La Granja can make you sandwiches, or you can buy bread and make your own with local cheese and embutidos.
And if you enjoy good food as much as we do, don’t miss our Foodie Corner!
Thumbs up, Espot!
As an expert in tourism backed up by my work experience and MA (Eli), I can honestly say that Espot is doing a fantastic job with tourism management! Hotels, restaurants and other actors are very dynamic, and follow an eco-friendly ethos. The taxi system is excellent to protect the park, and very well organized. The village itself is super clean, with flowers everywhere, and well maintained. ¡Enhorabuena!
Stay at a lovely hotel
There are several great accommodation options in town. We stayed at Els Encantats Hotel. This charming hotel blends rustic charm with modern comforts — rooms are renovated in a tasteful way — providing a perfect base for your adventures in Espot. Wake up to stunning mountain views, enjoy a hearty breakfast with local embutidos and relax by the river and the fire pit in the garden after a day of exploring. There’s also a game room for rainy days!
The staff is super nice, helpful and professional.
Walk through history
For history nerds — like Jake, here! — Espot’s heritage is as captivating as its landscapes. We enjoyed strolling through the quaint village streets, admiring the charming stone houses and medieval architecture. The Romanesque Church of Santa Llogaia d’Espot is very picturesque with its mountain background. You’ll see the Romanesque bridge, a testament to the area's rich cultural heritage, spanning the river like a gateway to another era.
Romanesque bridge in Espot
FAQ: Visiting Espot and the Spanish Pyrenees
When is the best time to visit Espot?
Summer and early autumn (June to October) are ideal if you're into hiking, spotting marmots, and catching alpine sunsets. Winter (December to March) is your moment if you’re here for skiing or snowshoeing through snowy pine forests.
Do you need a car to get around?
Not strictly, but a rental car helps. There’s a bus from Lleida or Barcelona to Sort, and sometimes direct to Espot — but a car gives you more freedom to explore the villages, trailheads, and panoramic viewpoints nearby (plus the occasional mountain bakery). From Espot, there’s a great shuttle system to get to the park.
Can you swim in the lakes in Aigüestortes National Park?
No — swimming is strictly forbidden in the lakes inside the national park, to protect fragile ecosystems. If you want to cool off, you can swim in rivers, waterfalls or natural pools outside the park boundaries.
How long should you stay in Espot?
Three to four days is ideal for exploring the park, hiking a few trails, soaking in the mountain air, and sampling all the local cheese and cold cuts. You’ll want at least one day just for Aigüestortes.
Is Aigüestortes National Park free to visit?
Yes! Entry is free year-round. However, you can’t drive into the heart of the park — you’ll need to take a 4x4 taxi from Espot to reach key trailheads like Estany de Sant Maurici.
What should I pack?
Good hiking shoes, layers (even in summer), sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a foldable towel for impromptu swims, snacks, and a portable battery for all the photos you’ll take. And don’t forget a rain jacket/windbreaker — mountain weather is unpredictable.
Are there bears in the Pyrenees?
Technically yes — the brown bear population has been slowly recovering thanks to conservation efforts, but sightings are extremely rare. You’re much more likely to spot marmots, deer, or a particularly sassy cow.
Where should you stay in Espot?
The village has charming family-run hotels, rustic guesthouses, and cozy mountain lodges. For full immersion, choose one with wooden balconies and breakfast views of the peaks.
Here is some music to set the ambiance:
Espot, with its blend of natural splendor, rich history, and warm hospitality, is calling you. And we can’t wait to go back!
So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to go off the beaten path, deep into the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees!
And if Catalonia is on your bucket list, explore further with our collection of Catalonia travel articles:
🏖️ Costa Dorada’s Hidden Gems: Beaches, Tuna Dives, and Nature Escapes
🌋 5 Things to Do in La Garrotxa – The Unknown Catalonia
🐟 8 Hidden Beaches Near Barcelona You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
🌈 LGBTQ+ Sitges – Celebrate Pride in a Postcard Town
🏛️ Kyra’s Guide to Sitges Off the Beaten Track
🏝️ Off the Beaten Path: Formentera, Sardinia & Costa Brava
Last update: August 6, 2025
