pyrenees

More objects from the medieval Esteva Pharmacy are set to be shown in the Llívia museum once restored

Alt Urgell county contributes to the over 300 hectares of high-altitude viticulture in Catalonia – which is expected to become more widespread due to climate change

Quality Travel adds Val d'Aran to its ski destinations, while facility in western Catalonia will host new pilot training center

International Olympic Committee approves Catalonia's candidacy to host the major international event in 2030

Catalan government says animal will be removed and despite defends reintroduction program

A cheesemaker in the Pyrenees has elaborated a product especially to melt in raclette dish

All but one of Catalonia’s ski resorts will close their slopes on Sunday

Almost 100% of accommodation booked in the Pyrenees, with 1 in 4 rooms available by the sea

The brown bear population in the entire mountain range increased to 43 in the last year

The small Pyrenean principality has planned weeks of events commemorating the passing of its Magna Carta in 1993

Rail and school transport services also interrupted in some areas

This on-demand transport service has transported over 48,000 passengers, including locals and tourists alike

The joint bid between Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra and the closest Catalan town, La Seu d’Urgell, to organize the 2018 Special Olympics Games has been successful. The Mayor of Andorra la Vella, Marc Pons, and the mayor of La Seu d’Urgell, Albert Batalla, made this public last week. The two mayors said the games would be a challenge and there will promote the two cities as sports centers and towns of solidarity. The event will be held from the 4th to 7th of October and will bring more than 2,400 people from more than seventeen international delegations. This will be the first time that the Special Olympic Games, the most important international sports event for athletes with mental disability, will be held in the Pyrenees.

Although the candidature was presented by the Andorran government, there are Catalan, Spanish and French villages amongst the 63 municipalities from the Pyrenees which share the celebration of this festival. In fact its transversal nature was one of the most valuable points of the candidature, according to UNESCO's committee. On the night of the summer solstice, people carry flaming torches from the mountains to light traditionally constructed beacons. The descent is a special moment for young people, signifying the transition from adolescence to adulthood but also a time for regenerating social ties and strengthening feelings of belonging and identity. In 2010 UNESCO recognised another Catalan tradition, Catalan human towers, as one of the most genuine and unique cultural practices in Europe.

The river Noguera Pallaresa, in the Catalan county of Pallars Sobirà, used to be known for its trout fishing until the species decreased, accompanied by a decrease in fishermen. Now it is only known for its adventure sports. Located in the Western Catalan Pyrenees, near the border with Aragon, the County Council is now working on building new canals in Llavorsí and Escaló where the fish will be able to grow and swim upriver more easily. Work is expected to be completed this spring and the facilities could already be used this fishing season, which will end in September. The aim is to rediscover the environmental balance in the rivers of the Pallars area and to generate further economic activity by attracting anglers from throughout Europe.