Espot is a municipality in the province of Lleida where you can enjoy a very complete rural tourism experience. It's located within the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, with the Escrita river running through it towards Lake Torrassa.
This municipality is also part of the Pallars Sobirà region and boasts spectacular scenery, including Los Encantados - the Enchanted Mountains - a massif made up of two impressive peaks measuring more than 2,700 metres in height.
What to do in Espot?
This small village has plenty of things to do and see. Its 400 inhabitants are divided into two nuclei, Solau and Obago, connected by the Capell Bridge, a Romanesque stone bridge that gives the village a special charm.
On the left hand side of the river we find the most important religious heritage site in the area, the church of Santa Llogaia, which dates back to the 12th century. It's the main temple of worship where the image of the patron saint of the village can be found. You won't be able to resist taking photos of its curious bell tower, standing out against the mountainous landscape behind.
But if there is one point in the village that will stay in your mind’s eye long after you leave, it’s the Torre dels Moros or Espot Tower. This 14-metre-high circular construction was crucial for the defence of the village as it provided the best views of the approach road. Also protecting the town were the walls and the Llort Castle, now in ruins, which provi.de a glimpse of the town's past.
If you’re travelling to the area with children, here are the best things to do as a family.
One of the best activities to enjoy in winter is a trip to the slopes. The ski resort, which is one of the most important in the Pyrenees, has 22 slopes of different difficulties in an area of 25 skiable kilometres. There is a gradient of more than 1,000 metres. All in all, it's a wonderful place to enjoy the snow with your loved ones.
Although the winter season is one of the most popular times of year among visitors, Espot in summer is also a perfect destination for mountain lovers. There are a large number of activities you can do, such as hiking from the village into the National Park and immersing yourself in nature.
As you can see, any time of the year is a good time to stay in Espot and enjoy every cobble stone in the streets and every fold in the landscape in peace. Staying in a holiday cottage, or in an airbnb-style flat next to the ski resort, will let you recharge your batteries after getting to know the village.
Finally, how to get to Espot? The best way to get there is by car on the LV-5004, which takes you directly to the village and will allow you to explore the pretty villages nearby. However, if you wish, you can also arrive by train and bus.
