What to see and do in Garós, Valle d´Arán

Garós, crossed by the well-known transhumance path (Camin Reiau), is a beautiful and peaceful village that welcomes you to the Alto Arán. In fact, it was declared this year 2023 as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, thanks to its ancient Romanesque medieval church and its charming houses.

In today’s article, we will take a tour of this interesting place, where history, nature, and architecture combine to offer a unique experience.

What to see and do in Garós, Vall d'Aran

What to see and do in Garós, Valle d´Arán

Yes, you are eager to know what to do and see in this delightful village, but hold on a bit because before you dive into the wonders of the village, you should know…

How to get there

The C-28 road comes from Viella, crosses the municipality, and continues to Baqueira Beret. Garós is located 5.2 kilometers from Viella. With that said, set your GPS and get ready for this wonderful drive.

The Village of Garós

Located in the north of the province of Lleida, at the border between the municipalities of Viella Mitg Arán and Alto Arán, and part of the terçon (territorial division) of Arties e Garòs, we find the village of Garós. It is called a “terçon” because it is a territorial division used as a constituency in the elections to the Aran General Council.

In addition, Garós is situated at an altitude of 1,115 meters and 5.2 kilometers from Viella, with a population of 136 inhabitants, which fluctuates depending on tourism and new temporary constructions.

Its surroundings are the stunning Valle de Arán, with snow year-round and peaks that surpass two thousand meters. This village, located on the right bank of the Garona River in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, invites visitors to enjoy wonderful outdoor walks throughout the year.

Historically, Garós was more of an annex to Arties, at the foot of Mount Espiargo, between the Salider and Cal ravines, just above the C-28 road, connected to it by a branch. Today, Garós and Arties form a decentralized municipal entity, with Arties still acting as the main population center.

Today, Garós is a pleasant and sunny village, with a wide range of hotels and rural houses. It celebrates its major festivity every 28th of August in honor of San Julián and on the 16th of August for San Roque. Its cemetery remains closed by a Renaissance wrought iron gate, and next to the village, a new urbanization has been created, the Era Pleta de Garós.

What to see in Garós, Valle de Arán, Lleida

You cannot leave Garós without visiting the parish church of San Julián de Garós, strolling through its streets and surroundings, and admiring the various forms of traditional Pyrenean houses.

1- Parish Church of San Julián

Let’s start with the first highlight, the parish church of San Julián de Garós, or Sant Julià de Garòs in Catalan, known for its historical and cultural value bestowed by its inhabitants.

A Romanesque church from the 12th century, its extensive reforms, as well as its Gothic apse, date from the 15th century, while the altar paintings are from the 16th century. But there’s more: its central nave dates back to the 12th century, documented as the oldest part of the church.

Inside, you will notice a silver processional cross, a preserved wooden Christ, and a Gothic image of the Virgin. Next, an impressive bell tower, built in 1619, stands out like a typical defense tower from a war movie. Finally, the main altar, in Baroque style (1774), and a clock from 1714, brought from the Santa María de Arties church.

Legend has it that the church housed the skull of the warrior Gegant Mandrónius, who fought against the Roman invasion from the Aranese village of Betlán. Moreover, at the village entrance, behind the church, there is an important archaeological site, with early Christian remains, and its ancient necropolis has been undergoing excavation since recent years.

2- Plaza Mayor (Main Square)

It is a pleasure to walk through this square, surrounded by cobblestone streets, where tranquility, peace, and charm fill the air.

Dare to walk through it. We don’t think you’ll remain indifferent to the design and architecture of its houses.

3- Circular Route in Artiga de Lin

It’s not exactly in Garós, but it is very close, and it’s one of the many excursions you can do in the Valley.

The circular route in Artiga de Lin is easy, ideal for family walks and to enjoy an unforgettable stroll. Surrounded by rugged mountains, dense forests, and meadows, you’ll find a truly beautiful natural environment.

4- Canejan

Also close to Garós, you’ll find Canejan, the ancient gateway to the valley for the Romans, less than an hour’s drive away. Its location made it a strategic and important military site, allowing it to oversee the entire area both to the north and the south.

Additionally, you can see a tree that has been cataloged as a monument by the Generalitat of Catalonia: the Auet de Canejan, a fir tree with enormous branches and over twenty meters in height.

Garós, a corner full of history and nature

Garós is an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect in the midst of nature, but also for lovers of history and architecture. With its Romanesque church, charming squares, and hiking routes surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the village offers a unique experience that you cannot miss. Whether for a peaceful walk or to explore its natural surroundings, Garós always has something special to offer. Don’t hesitate to plan your visit to this beautiful corner of the Valle de Arán!

Holiday accommodation Garós

Holiday accommodation near Garós

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Author: Totiarán

At Totiaran, we know the Aran Valley like the back of our hand. We have been managing vacation rentals for years with a professional, close, and fully adapted approach to this unique destination. We select each accommodation, take care of every detail, and support both owners and travelers to guarantee quality, authentic, and worry-free stays. Our local experience is the foundation that allows us to offer trust, results, and a way to experience the Aran Valley as it deserves.