The Pre-Pyrenees is an extremely diverse territory where, thanks to the differences in climate between the areas, it is possible to find clearly differentiated ecosystems. As a result of this diversity, it is possible to observe a large number of botanical species.
Among the most characteristic habitats, you’ll find oak forests or holm oak forests, kermes oak forests, Portuguese oak forests, as well as various pine, silver fir and beech forests; the latter are located on the Atlantic side of the different Pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges. In the landscape, two species of bushes—common box and Echinospartum horridum—can be found, always in the driest areas. The limestone and conglomerate crags are home to the other species, forming part of the spectacular geological formations of the Pre-Pyrenees.
The Pre-Pyrenees (which constitute the outer ranges of the Pyrenees mountains) and the Somontano region (which lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees ) are the two geomorphic units that mark the transition between the Mediterranean and Atlantic climate zones. This implies the observation of a wide biodiversity of species both in terms of flora and fauna. You may come across species on the same excursion that are many kilometers apart in Europe, such as holm-oak groves (Quercus ilex) together with Scots pine forests (Pinus silvestrys), or rosemary (Rosmarinus oficinalis) together with Pyrenean-violets (Ramonda myconi).
The proposed trails will lead us through a contrast of landscapes, from the arid steppes of the south of the Somontano region to the rocky limestone peaks of the pre-Pyrenees, in less than 50 km.
An adventure experience in Cinco Villas for families on planet Earth, where we can all encounter the four elements of nature: EARTH, WATER, FIRE AND AIR.
Our adventure starts in Las Bardenas, a landscape of pine trees and desert where lights and shadows meet. We prepare a family breakfast in the heart of nature where a guide will show you the most beautiful locations and secrets of this region known as Las Bardenas.
By the way, did you know there’s a White Bardena and a Black Bardena? One belongs to Navarra and the other to Aragón.
During our adventure we will also visit castles, but don’t worry, there aren’t any dragons. First we will climb up the Castle of Sádaba to touch the sky and then we will visit the Castle of Uncastillo where we will walk through the lovely streets of this medieval town.
Did you know Uncastillo hosted three different cultures? If you take a close look at the houses or take the guided tour you will learn whether they were Christians, Jews, Muslims, Tatars or Eskimos.
Our adventure continues through the magical forests of Luesia in the Sierra de Santo Domingo mountains. We will take a walk with one of our forest rangers to discover some of the best kept secrets of trees, plants and wildlife. He will tell you where the “churrundún”, a fabulous creature of the forest, lives.
To conclude our adventure, we will visit Ejea and learn how our ancestors farmed the land and used water. You will also find out about big agricultural machinery in the past and other surprises at the Aquagraria Museum.
Let’s start our quest in search of the 4 elements of Cinco Villas.
Prepyr365 is a series of routes, experiences and travelling proposals in Southern Pyrenees. It is also the tourism brand that public and local partners from Cinco Villas, Hoya de Huesca and Somontano de Barbastro regions choosed for working together in the promotion of our destination. Do you want to know more about Prepyr365?
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