Salardú, the most picturesque place to stay in the Aran Valley

A snow holiday doesn’t have to mean staying right by the slopes. There are stunning, quieter places with a more direct connection to nature, like Salardú—a perfect combination of mountains and proximity to Baqueira.

If you want to enjoy the ski slopes but also do other activities, a great option is Salardú, in the municipality of Naut Aran, just 4 km from Baqueira Beret—one of the most charming spots in the Upper Aran Valley.

How to get to Salardú

Salardú is the capital of Naut Aran and shares the municipality with Arties, Bagergue, Baqueira Beret, Garòs, Gessa, Montgarri, Tredòs and Unha, the latter known for its spectacular panoramic views.

If you’re coming by road, you’ll need to go through the 5 km Vielha Tunnel. Once you exit the tunnel and pass Vielha, the landscape changes completely. In winter, snow-covered mountains and low temperatures turn the area into the ideal setting to enjoy the snow season in the Aran Valley.

If you’re planning to come by car between December and March, don’t forget snow chains.

Salardú, a picturesque village

Salardú is one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in Naut Aran.

Among the must-see sights in Salardú is the Church of Sant Andreu, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, and its impressive octagonal Romanesque-style bell tower.

Salardú, a snow-covered village in the Aran Valley

Inside is the Christ of Salardú, one of the most important works of Aranese Romanesque art.

In the Val d’Aran there were about 31 mills that used the power of water to grind grain, and the one in Salardú is the “Era Mòla” mill, restored and open to visitors during certain times of the year.

Events and festivities

For more than 100 years, a livestock fair has been held in October, commemorating the descent of the herds that graze in the mountains.

The village festivities are on May 3, “Era Hèsta de Santa Creu”, one of the first major festivals in the Val d’Aran.

Many events are held in Salardú, including:

  • Ultra Trail Naut Aran
  • Era Roda Non Stop
  • Salardú Country Rock Festival
  • Pyrenades Festival

Routes around Salardú

This small village boasts great natural wealth and is surrounded by the Garonne and Unhola rivers. From here, it’s easy to visit the many lakes in the valley.

From spring to autumn, it’s easy to access nearby golf courses and fishing spots, or go on many hikes along mountain trails.

One of the routes you can’t miss if you’re staying in Salardú is the route through Pla de Beret and Montgarri, where you can discover the source of the Noguera River.

Salardú, a picturesque village in the Aran Valley in the Pyrenees

Photo: Eduard Vilò

Colomérs hike

A highly recommended hiking route in the outer area of Aigüestortes National Park.

It’s a glacial cirque surrounded by peaks close to 3,000 metres, with exceptional panoramic views over more than 48 lakes. Access is from Salardú along a forest track to the Baños de Tredòs.

In the summer months, vehicle access is restricted from the Baños de Tredòs, and there is a taxi shuttle service.

Salardú in the Aran Valley

Photo: panoramicas360.net

Winter activities in Salardú

From Salardú you can enjoy all winter sports, thanks to its proximity to the Baqueira and Beret resort:

  • Snowmobiles: If you want experiences beyond the ski slopes, snowmobiling is one of the best ways to explore the Aran Valley.
  • Mushing: You’ve surely seen it in hundreds of films and documentaries about snowy Nordic countries. It involves dog-drawn sleds. Without a doubt, it’s a unique experience to enjoy the Aran Valley as a family.
  • Snowshoe walk: Hiking with snowshoes lets you discover quieter, more hidden corners of the area at a relaxed pace.

And, of course, skiing in Baqueira Beret and alpine skiing or snowboarding. In Beret there’s a cross-country ski circuit, where you can go snowshoeing, take a dog- or horse-drawn sleigh ride.

What to see in Salardú

If you’re looking for what to see in Salardú, don’t miss:

  • Plaza Mayor, the heart of the old town
  • 17th-century houses with large windows
  • The Church of San Andrés and its defensive bell tower
  • Refugi Rosta and the PyrenMuseu museum
  • Mola de Salardú, a flour mill from 1613

What to do in Salardú

There are plenty of things to do in Salardú: stroll its cobbled streets, enjoy the views towards Unha, or walk along the Aiguamog riverbank.

You can also go hiking, cycling, rafting, horse riding, or fishing in nearby villages and natural spots.

The cuisine is unique

To fully enjoy the destination, you have to try the local cuisine.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Salardú, you’ll find restaurants where you can sample olla aranesa, game meats, and top-quality local products.

Among the best known are Eth Bot Salardú and Restaurante Borda Benjamín.

Eth Bot Salardú

A former stable turned restaurant that takes you back in time. Stone and wooden walls and long tables create a cosy atmosphere.

Highly recommended if you want to try the classic olla aranesa and a great entrecote.

Restaurante Borda Benjamín

It’s located in an old Aranese house, with carefully curated décor that preserves typical elements like the fireplace and dressers.

The restaurant serves traditional valley dishes cooked simply but deliciously. It’s one of the go-to places to try wild boar civet and cheesecake.

If you want to discover a village full of charm, Salardú is your ideal destination. Spend a few days in the snow with Totiaran.

Accommodation in Salardú

Salardú is an excellent option for staying close to Baqueira but in a quieter setting.

Recommended places to stay include Montpius and Casa Nautada, both just 3 km from Baqueira 1500 and perfect for families or groups.

At Totiaran we have more houses and apartments so you can enjoy an unforgettable few days in Salardú.

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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.