Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, the Val d’Aran is a unique mountain destination on the European tourism scene due to its natural wealth, distinct cultural identity, and year-round diversified tourist offerings. With a geography of high mountains and glacial valleys, this territory offers an authentic experience based on a balance between tradition and innovation.
The Val d’Aran is a benchmark for active and sustainable tourism. Highlights include more than 400 km of hiking trails and 800 km of mountain biking trails, the Baqueira Beret ski resort, one of the most important in southern Europe, and protected natural areas such as the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and the Alt Pirineu Natural Park. The responsible management of these resources makes the destination a model of environmental preservation.
On a cultural level, the Val d’Aran maintains its own identity, with an official language (Aranese), traditional architecture, native cuisine, and local festivals that enrich the visitor experience. Its Romanesque heritage, charming mountain villages like Arties, Salardú, and Bausen, and museums like the Ecomuseum of Joanchiquet in Vilamòs and the Val d’Aran Museum offer a genuine immersion in the history of the region.
The destination is committed to digitalization, sustainability, and innovation as strategic pillars to improve the competitiveness and quality of life of residents and visitors. Through initiatives such as Biosphere Reserve certification, the digitalization of heritage, the smart management of tourist flows, and the promotion of accessible tourism, the Val d’Aran is moving toward a smart, inclusive, and resilient tourism model.
With an offering that combines nature, culture, sports, wellness, and gastronomy, the Val d’Aran is consolidating its position as a smart high-mountain tourism destination, prepared to face the challenges of the future without losing its authentic soul.
| Admission to the Smart Tourism Destinations Programme |
Val d’Aran joined the Smart Tourist Destinations project in 2019. The assessment for the renewal of the distinction as an Adhered Smart Tourist Destination will be completed in 2025. |
| Outstanding initiatives
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- Governance
- Conselh Generau d’Aran and Foment Torisme Val d’Aran as coordinating bodies for smart tourism development in the region, with the active participation of local and public stakeholders.
- Innovation
- Promotion of tourist experiences through immersive apps that explain Aranese history, culture, and nature.
- Use of audio guides in cultural spaces for an immersive educational experience.
- Testing of connectivity solutions for mountain areas such as LoRa antennas, visitor counting systems on routes, and bicycle and electric car stations.
- Use of real-time data to manage tourist flows during peak season (trail traffic, parking, slopes, etc.).
- Climate and weather monitoring in ski or mountain areas for better safety management and activity planning.
- Creation of cultural and cultural content on social media and gamified promotional campaigns.
- Technology
- Guidaran web platform and app, with geolocation features and personalized routes.
- Implementation of capacity sensors at key natural sites to prevent overcrowding.
- Regulation of access to natural areas through the implementation of technology.
- Access to platforms that allow for the collection of big data on visitors to the Val d’Aran, with the aim of more efficient tourism promotion and improved territorial management.
- Accessibility
- Progressive adaptation of routes and natural areas for people with reduced mobility.
- Inclusive signage and tourist materials available in various formats: audio guides, specialized apps, etc.
- Sustainability
- Val d’Aran Biosphere Reserve Certification.
- Efficient waste management and renewable energy at resorts such as Baqueira Beret.
- Promotion of responsible nature tourism, guided interpretive trails for the preservation of the natural environment.
- Sustainable mobility projects: electric bike routes, charging stations, hiking with public transportation.
Other Complementary Initiatives
- Val d’Aran Circular: circular economy projects involving the tourism sector.
- Digitization of Aranese cultural heritage, including the Aranese language.
- Smart rural tourism: implementation of themed routes in Val d’Aran villages.
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Technical data
VAT number:
P7500011G Address: Passeg dera Libertat, 16 Postal code: 25530 Telephone: 973 64 18 01 Region: Cataluña Province:
Lleida Population:
Vielha Country:
España Local entity type: Ayuntamiento Date of membership:
20191002 Diagnosis: Sí Diagnosis date:
13/06/2025 Destination Type:
Rural de interior Population:
10,496 Area (km²):
633.60 Density (inhab/km²):
16.56
Level in the Network: Nivel 3
