The territory of the High Pyrenees and Aran includes some regions of the Western Catalan Pyrenees. There, several protected areas of great importance can be found, for exemple Alt Pirineu Natural Park, which is the largest protected area in all Catalonia; as well as Aran Valley, candidate to be declared as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
On the one hand, Alt Pirineu Natural Park includes a large number of protected species, both animals and plants, and a great variety of landscapes which ranges from Mediterranean forests to alpine flora. Regarding the landscape, the glacial lake of Certascan, which is the largest in the Pyrenees, and Pica d'Estats, the highest peak in Catalonia, stand out among the other natural wonders. The park also embraces several valleys and villages that has its humanized mountains as main feature. It is also possible to enjoy an interesting cultural heritage, in which livestock buildings and transhumant roads stand out.
On the other hand, Aran Valley is the only territory in the state which is located on the Atlantic side of the Pyrenees. Its location, its climate, its orography with hanging valleys, its peaks higher than 2000 meters and perpetual snow, its gastronomy, its cultural heritage, its unique language and a high quality tourist offer make of this Pyrenean spot a special and exceptional place.
