While the Spanish public is used to seeing Pedro Sánchez and Begoña Gómez at sunny resorts like Mojácar, Ibiza, or the luxurious La Mareta Palace in Lanzarote, the presidential couple has another favorite vacation spot. Their quiet retreat is the Catalan Pyrenees, where they spent another weekend getaway. This trip was especially needed as a respite for Begoña Gómez, who remains in the spotlight due to court proceedings initiated by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado. The investigation into the prime minister’s wife, on suspicion of influence peddling and other offenses, was recently extended until mid-April.
For their weekend, the couple chose the Parador de Artíes, located just seven kilometers from the popular Baqueira-Beret ski resort. This hotel is a true gem of 14th-15th century Aranese architecture, offering guests cozy rooms with attic ceilings and wooden beams. The windows provide picturesque views of village houses and mountain peaks. The prime minister and his wife, who arrived with another couple whose identities were not disclosed, stayed in a suite that can cost up to 500 euros per night with breakfast.
Seeking maximum privacy, Pedro Sánchez and Begoña Gómez tried to keep a low profile. According to witnesses who recognized them, they barely interacted with other guests. During breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, their table was separated from the rest of the dining room by a screen. As avid nature enthusiasts, the couple spent their time taking leisurely walks around Arties, which was recognized in 2023 as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. They also actively explored the Aran Valley, hiking and going on mountain bike rides.
This is far from their first trip to the region. Last summer, at the end of August, the couple made a nearly secret visit to neighboring Andorra to wrap up their holiday. Notably, on that occasion, the head of government opted for a road trip instead of flying, as is usually the case. Their stay at the spa hotel, however, was marred by a protest: activists from the HazteOír platform displayed a huge banner at the entrance featuring the politician and the word ‘corrupt’.
Sánchez’s passion for cycling, which ranks alongside his interests in basketball, opera, and indie music, has also brought him to Andorra. In 2024, after completing his tour of Africa, he made another private visit to the principality to personally attend the mountain bike world championship. It seems that, for the Prime Minister, the mountains are not only a place for relaxation, but also a haven for his hobbies—though not always free from the realities of politics.
