Aísa

Picture of Aísa

Aísa lends its name to one of the most beautiful and least known valleys of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Open thanks to the river Estarrún, a tributary of the river Aragón, the valley runs along a wide stretch of brownish-grey limestone forest grounds, over eocenic soil. Lumber industry and bovine and ovine farming represent the main economic activity for the area, aided by a survival form of agriculture which is largely dependant on the climate of the mountains, with its long and cold winters. Aísa (1045 meters of altitude) is the head of a district which is also composed by Esposa and Sinués. It is placed South of the Pico de Aspe, a summit which, together with the Llana de la Garganta and Llana del Bozo, shape an easy-to-recognize skyline of mountains which borders to the North with Candanchú. In winter, the Southern slope becomes an ideal scenery for photography. In the summer, it allows walking, bathing and climbing. Everyone can come here; from the most daring mountain climber to the quietest family. We can choose from a ten minute walk to a hard and difficult ascension. We are no doubt referring to one of the most spectacular spots in the Pyrenees. Also within the vast village district there is the prestigious ski resort of Candanchú, the first in this country.

Aísa natural scenery

The village center of Aísa is remarkable for the excellent state of preservation of most of its houses and for the thorough restorations carried out, which manage to keep the unmistakable appearance of the beautiful popular architecture typical of the mountains. Slate roofs, lovely chimneys and facades with the stone showing are repeatedly and harmoniously found all over the central area of the village. Around the whole valley, there are still ancestral traditions and customs which form part of the history of its people and which coexist with new ways of life and development. The Sinués dance is one of the most outstanding examples. It was recovered by its inhabitants during the 90's after two decades of ostracism. Its richness resides in the variety of its elements (handkerchiefs, cloth bands and trena, sticks, etc.). It is connected with the rest of the dances of the Pyrenees. The valley of Aísa is a privileged spot in the Pyrenees for tourism and sport activities. From hang gliding to climbing, apart from hiking, skiing or cycling. The natural scenery we can enjoy in this area has no match.