Nestled Between Barcelona And Bordeaux Is Spain's Sun-Kissed Village With Panoramic Canyon Views

An unforeseen consequence of a typical European vacation is the stuffy crowds that congregate in concentrated tourist destinations like Barcelona's Sagrada Família or Bordeaux's Place de la Bourse. In between these two coveted European cities, the quiet, sun-kissed village of Llavorsí has out-of-this-world views around three valleys and a rushing river, welcoming visitors to bask in the sunshine and take in sights you won't find in a tourist trap.

In the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain, Llavorsí stuns its guests with undisputed mountain views and the Noguera Pallaresa River. Though Llavorsí's population is less than 400 people, the quaint village in the Catalan region of the Pyrenees Mountain Range is full of outdoor adventure and authentic accommodations. Even if you know the best way to avoid crowds in Barcelona, this more low-key destination will offer an unconventional European travel experience under the Spanish sunshine you'll never forget.

Llavorsí's location in the Pallars Sobirà region of the Pyrenees mountains situates the village in between the Valle d'Àneu, the Cardós Valley, and the Ferrera Valley. For peak outdoor adventure, Llavorsí is the perfect place for canyoning or navigating through canyons and flowing water. For a less intense but equally beautiful escapade, the Alt Pirineu Natural Park (or Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu) is chock-full of glistening lakes, luscious forests, and rocky mountain views. As Catalonia's largest natural park, you can trek through some of the region's tallest mountains, like the Pica d'Estats, or the "ceiling of Catalonia." 

Explore the natural terrain on horseback with Hípica Llavorsí and experience a guided tour through the mountains. In addition to its stunning rocky mountains and green trees, Llavorsí is also known for its rafting opportunities. For even more nature-induced adrenaline, book a guided whitewater rafting adventure with companies like Rafting Llavorsí or RocRoi. Explore the Noguera Pallaresa River from the seat of an inflatable boat, and let the rushing water cool you down under the strong Spanish sun. 

Llavorsí's overnight accommodations immerse visitors within the beautiful countryside and offer mountain views from the comfort of their bedroom. The charming Hotel Lamoga overlooks the Noguera Pallaresa River and boasts a full-service restaurant serving Catalan cuisine. For some pampering after all your outdoor adventures, the Hotel Riberies and Spa has a heated pool, an on-site restaurant, and a wellness center. If you missed the horseback riding excursion, this hotel even has its own private equestrian facilities. You can also get to know other travelers by staying along the river at Hostal Noguera.

To get to town, Llavorsí is a two-hour drive from Spain's Lleida–Alguaire Airport. Additionally, Barcelona's airport is a three-hour drive or a five-hour bus ride. Llavorsí's idyllic location in Catalonia offers travelers the chance to expand their trip across the region and see even more of the beauty that the region has to offer. For another underrated Spanish excursion, Spain's underrated destination of Penedès boasts sumptuous Spanish food and world-class wines. Despite the crowds, Barcelona is still an incredible travel destination. If you do decide to visit the city, consider the best places to stay in Barcelona based on what you want from the trip.