Family Adventure in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Ordesa's Waterfalls: A Family's Day of Discovery

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. We set out to explore the famed waterfalls, and the experience was nothing short of magical. The fresh air, stunning views, and the joy of sharing it all with Jihad and Lina made it a day I'll cherish forever.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante La Cocinilla in Torla. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm tostadas filled the air, a perfect start before our adventure. We enjoyed some traditional Spanish pastries, fueling up for the hike ahead. Lina was particularly excited, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the waterfalls we were about to see. The staff were so friendly, making us feel right at home, just like the warm hospitality I remember from Zahlé.

After breakfast, we hopped on the bus that took us into the heart of Ordesa National Park. The ride itself was scenic, winding through lush greenery and offering glimpses of the towering peaks that surround the valley. The anticipation built with every turn, and soon enough, we arrived at the trailhead, ready to begin our trek.

Our first stop was the Cascada del Estrecho. The trail was relatively easy, perfect for Lina, and it meandered alongside the Arazas River. The sound of rushing water grew louder as we approached, and then, there it was – a stunning cascade of water plunging down the rocks. The spray felt refreshing on our faces, and the sight was simply breathtaking. I snapped dozens of photos, trying to capture the beauty, but no picture could truly do it justice.


Explore the enchanting Cascada del Estrecho, a breathtaking waterfall in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Lina was fascinated, running around and pointing out every little detail, from the moss-covered rocks to the tiny wildflowers blooming along the path. Jihad and I exchanged smiles, grateful for these moments of shared wonder. It reminded me of family trips back in Lebanon, exploring the mountains and valleys with my own parents and siblings.

We continued our hike towards the Gradas de Soaso, a series of stepped waterfalls that are perhaps the most iconic feature of Ordesa National Park. The trail became a bit more challenging here, with some steeper inclines, but the views were more than worth the effort. As we climbed higher, the valley opened up before us, revealing a panorama of green meadows, towering cliffs, and cascading water. It was like stepping into a postcard.


Explore Gradas de Soaso: A breathtaking ecological park with stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails in the Ordesa Valley, perfect for nature lovers.

Nature's beauty is a gift that we must cherish and protect, for ourselves and for future generations.

The Gradas de Soaso were even more spectacular than I had imagined. The water tumbled down the rocks in a series of shimmering tiers, creating a mesmerizing display of light and sound. We spent a long time here, simply soaking in the beauty and enjoying a picnic lunch. I had packed some sandwiches, fruit, and of course, some Lebanese sweets to share. Lina devoured her food with gusto, clearly energized by the fresh air and exercise.

As we sat there, surrounded by such incredible natural beauty, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and gratitude. Life in Toronto can be so busy and hectic, and it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind. But moments like these remind me of what truly matters – family, connection, and appreciation for the world around us.

After our picnic, we made our way back down the trail, taking our time to savor every last moment. The sun began to dip behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the valley. The air grew cooler, and the crowds began to thin out, leaving us with a sense of tranquility and solitude.

Back in Torla, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Restaurante Atalaya Torla. We enjoyed some traditional Aragonese cuisine, savoring the flavors of the region. Lina insisted on trying the local dessert, a creamy custard that she declared was the best thing she had ever tasted. Jihad and I shared a bottle of Spanish wine, toasting to a day well spent.


Discover exquisite grilled dishes at Restaurante Atalaya Torla, where local flavors meet stunning Pyrenean landscapes for an unforgettable dining experience.
Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped by Café Bar Mondarruego for a quick drink. The cozy atmosphere and friendly locals made it the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on our day. I enjoyed a cup of mint tea, reminiscing about similar cafes in Zahlé where I used to spend hours chatting with friends and family.


Discover the cozy charm of Café Bar Mondarruego, where local flavors meet stunning views in the heart of Torla-Ordesa.
As I write this, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventure. We plan to hike to the Cascada de la Cola de Caballo and visit The Molar Viewpoint, and I can't wait to see what wonders await us. But for now, I'm content to bask in the memories of today, grateful for the opportunity to share such special moments with my family in this incredible corner of the world.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Cascada de la Cola de Caballo and The Molar Viewpoint. We will start our day with breakfast at Bar Restaurante Arazas, have lunch at La Lola de Ordesa and for dinner we are planning to try Hotel Restaurante Casa Frauca. Before that we might stop by Artesanía las Nieves to buy some souvenirs.

This trip has also made me realize that I forgot to pack a portable phone charger, binoculars and rain jackets. I will have to buy a portable phone charger and binoculars tomorrow. I hope it doesn't rain, but if it does, we'll just have to embrace it!

The beauty of Ordesa is truly captivating, and sharing these moments with Jihad and Lina makes it even more special. It's experiences like these that remind me why we chose to travel, to explore, and to create lasting memories together.

I am so excited for what tomorrow holds, and I know it will be another day filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

I am also grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with you, my readers. I hope that my stories inspire you to explore the world and create your own unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Until tomorrow!