"VALL DE NURIA" a Queralbs Travel Page by Belsaita

Vall de Núria, near the town of Queralbs, is an easy trip from Barcelona, so is very popular among us Barcelonins when we get fed up of the city stress and we want to escape to the nature for a while.

Apart from its natural value, the place has as well an important religiuos and historical significance.

You can "do" Nuria as a daytrip, but to make the full of it, at last an overnight stay is advisable (an at least a couple of nights if you want to do the one of the longer trails). There are an hotel just next to the Sanctuary, apartments and a hostel that's pretty nice (amazing views) and good value.

The Monastery is not so spectacular on itself but there are great trails departing from there. The most famous are climbing El Puigmal and/or Pic de Finestrelles (quite difficult) but there are many easier (but beautiful) trails. You can ask for maps and itineraries, as well as other outdoor activitis, at the visitors' centre next to the monastery. You can learn about the history of the place and the rackway, and about the nature and environement at the small exhibition centre.