Rialp
Gateway to the municipality
Rialp is the municipality’s main settlement, with 510 inhabitants (January 2025). It stands at 725 m above sea level, on the right bank of the Noguera Pallaresa and the Sant Antoni stream, beneath the hill that dominates both valleys. The town is located just 5 km north of Sort, with direct access via the C-13 road towards Vielha.
Rialp preserves the charm of an old walled town. Even today, you can still see the arch of the Portalet de la Mola and the tower of en Virós, both witnesses to its former defences. The carrer del Mig still has arcaded houses of medieval origin, evoking life in centuries past.
At the highest point, the castle of Rialp recalls its strategic role: it was initially an advanced tower of the castle of Surp, controlling the entrance to the Àssua valley and the route towards the valleys of the Alt Pirineu. Today, it is a magnificent viewpoint over the village and the surrounding natural landscape.
The parish church of Mare de Déu de Valldeflors, with a single nave and an octagonal bell tower topped with a pyramidal roof, is a characteristic building of the area. Inside, the image of Mare de Déu de Valldeflors is venerated. Also worth noting is the chapel of Sant Cosme i Sant Damià, linked to the local patron saints.
With the development of winter sports, Rialp has undergone a revitalisation reflected in its urban growth and the increase in services for visitors.
Main festival: 15 August.
Festival of Sant Cosme i Sant Damià: 26 September, with religious events, a community meal and dancing.
Carnival: a lively celebration with traditional dances such as the Ball de la Passa, the Esquerrana and the Rigodons.
Crafts and trades fair: first Sunday in June, reviving the spirit of Rialp’s old fair, originally livestock-based and now commemorating the trades once practised in the municipality.
Rialp is a key tourist centre in Pallars Sobirà. Its privileged location, surrounded by mountains and rivers, makes it a hub for activities all year round:
- Snow sports in winter.
- Adventure sports in spring and summer (rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed).
- Activities available all year round: hiking, mountain biking, horse riding.
- A wide range of accommodation and restaurants, both in the town itself and in neighbouring villages.
Hiking
Route 1 – Riverside Walk
0.8 Km | +0 m | 30′
Route 2 – Camí de la Canarilla (along the left bank of the Noguera Pallaresa river)
2,7 Km | +90 m | 1h
Route 7- Path to Beraní (Rialp – Sant Joan de Colinos – Beraní)
10,3 Km | +580 m | 3h
Route 9 – The Àssua Valley (Rialp-Altrón- Saurí-Llessuí-Sorre –Escàs- Caregue- Surp-Rialp)
13,3 Km | +1240 m | 4h 45′
Other routes connecting with villages in the valley:
Rialp – Sort (greenway)
Rialp – Mola de Sall – Altron – Sorre
Rialp – Altron (via the Roca Roia path)
Rialp – Surp
Rialp – Rodés
Businesses
Rialp brings together most of the businesses, facilities and services.
Matxicot’s decision
Experience Rialp with the family!
Enjoy a fun village gymkhana with “Matxicot’s decision”, an activity that will help you discover corners, symbols and traditions while having a great time with your loved ones.
