Free walking tours in Candanchú and what to see

Must-sees

Candanchú is a ski resort in the Aragonese Pyrenees, at the head of the Aragón river and next to the Somport pass on the French border. It belongs to the municipality of Aísa and grew up around the slopes: its residential core is made up of hotels, apartments and mountain services. It opened in 1928. Its runs climb to the La Tuca area, with demanding sections for experienced skiers, and it shares a lift pass with neighbouring Astún.

Beyond the snow, Candanchú has a Camino history. Close by, beside the Aragón river, are the ruins of the Hospital de Santa Cristina de Somport, which for centuries sheltered pilgrims crossing the Pyrenees on the Aragonese Way of St James. The route runs down from the Somport to Canfranc, with the huge International Station building, and on to Jaca. In summer the area is a good base for mountain walks.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours as such in Candanchú. One option is a guided visit to the ruins of the Hospital de Santa Cristina de Somport, explaining its role on the Camino de Santiago. In winter, most people combine the Candanchú and Astún lift pass with ski lessons. For heritage tours, Jaca, with its Romanesque cathedral and citadel, is half an hour's drive away.

How long to spend

In the ski season, people usually stay a weekend or a full week to make the most of both resorts. The visit to Santa Cristina takes a couple of hours. Outside the snow season, a day is enough for the ruins, a stretch of the Camino and Canfranc station. Add Jaca and the valley and allow two or three days.

Where to stay

Staying in Candanchú is the most convenient option if you are skiing, as the hotels and apartments are right by the slopes. Outside winter, part of the accommodation closes. Canfranc Estación and Villanúa, further down the valley, have hotels, apartments and rural houses with more life all year round. Jaca is the alternative with the most services and restaurants, about 28 kilometres from the slopes.