Honeymoon TR: Spanish Pyrenees

(Last Updated On: August 21, 2011)

After the constant movement of Barcelona, it was time to return to the more tranquil pace that Frank and I are accustomed to. So, we sought solace in the Spanish Pyrenees. We headed toward the town of Baga, located in the Serra del Cadí range, still part of Catalunya, just outside of Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró.

How did we decide to go there? Frank and I considered a number of National Parks and other parks located in the Pyrenees. We Googled them, looked at the images that appeared, and chose the park that had the most remarkable mountains, in our opinion. The Serra del Cadi are most characterized by the peak known as El Pedraforca. Of course, it is far more mesmerizing in person than on the Internet. (from the East)
Photobucket

A map of the Serra del Cadi can be seen here.

Though Pedraforca dominated, there were plenty of other majestic scenes offered to us by the Serra del Cadi.
Photobucket

The village of Manceners.
Photobucket

Another perspective of Pedraforca, seen from the south.
Photobucket

Pedraforca from the southwest.
Photobucket

The southern region of the Serra del Cadi are marked with many tiny villages, like this.
Photobucket

The Serra del Cadi can be as green as Ireland.
Photobucket

Or, just a couple of miles away, it can feel like you’ve been transported to the Utah desert.
Photobucket

We rented bikes to help us take in some of the amazing scenery the Serra del Cadi had to offer.
Photobucket

But, sometimes the best scenes were the local inhabitants – like this pig who liked to chase his chicks.
Photobucket

Photobucket

I particularly enjoyed the village of Gosol, where Picasso once lived for a summer (1906).
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

But the most stunning scenes were viewed from just above Gosol, at the Col de Josa.
Photobucket

Photobucket

Still, Pedraforca dominated the scene and dominated our photos.
Photobucket

Photobucket

We were amused by translations.
Photobucket

Even better.
Photobucket

We enjoyed our stay in the sleepy town of Baga, a nice change of pace from bustling Barcelona.
Photobucket

Baga is a medieval town whose center, much like this church, was established in the 1300’s.
Photobucket

The medieval Palace.
Photobucket

Photobucket

As was much of Catalunya, Baga was once the home of Cathars. Cathars are considered to be a Christian sect that flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries, whose practices often conflicted with those of Catholic Rome. Therefore, the Cathars were considered heretics by the Catholics and were eventually persecuted. They fled, and their last hold out was Catalunya. Today, their path of “escape” can be retraced and is called the Route of the Cathars or the Cami dels Bons Homes. The route is shown below.
Photobucket

The medieval center of Baga held both beauty and character.
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

But perhaps the most fun we had was our first dinner in Baga- Their only customers for the evening, they opened the restaurant for us, turned on the lights, and called the chef! But, the food was delicious 🙂
Photobucket

Complete List of Honeymoon Trip Reports:
Barcelona
Gaudi
Spanish Pyrenees
Climb of Tosa d’Alp
Cardona Castle
Montserrat
Five hours in Lisbon
Horta Part I
Horta Part II
Island of Faial
Island of Pico, Day 1
Portugal and The Azores Highest Point: Montanha Do Pico 7,713′
Watching Whales & Swimming with Dolphins
Pico Adegas, Gardens, and More
Island of Pico

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

2 thoughts on “Honeymoon TR: Spanish Pyrenees

Got something to say? We love your comments!