The 14 things to do in Aragon

Are you staying in Aragon and wondering what are the impossible to visit? Between the historical heritage of its cities and the nature it contains... Discover the 14 wonders of the region!

What to visit in Aragon? Located south of the Pyrenees , between Catalonia and Navarre, Aragon is a rich and wild region. The rustic and multicolored sierra draw unique landscapes. They contain medieval villages and abrupt and lush gorges. In the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, the mountains stand very high!

You will find hiking trails that will make you discover bucolic valleys and majestic panoramas... In short, this little-visited area is a real paradise for nature lovers and authenticity. If you are looking for what to do in Aragon, here are the 14 essentials not to be missed!

1. Zaragoza

The capital of Aragon and the fifth city of Spain, Zaragoza pays tribute to the tumultuous history of the country. Travel to Antiquity and discover the remains of the Roman city. Amaze yourself at the Islamic architecture of the palace of Aljafería, a witness of Arab domination in the Middle Ages.

Browse the plates of the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, a true jewel of Baroque art. Finally, enjoy the banks of the Ebro before going to the Tubo district. This is the ideal place to party and enjoy tapas! An opportunity to meet its warm inhabitants... For all these reasons, Zaragoza is a must to visit the Aragon.

2. The monastery of Veruela

What to do in Aragon to live a moment out of time, a parenthesis of calm and freshness during your stay? Founded in the 12th century by the monks of the Cistercian order, the monastery of Veruela presents a great architectural richness.

If its façade lets a rather sober interior, in reality it is nothing. Its abbey church, cloister and chapel combine Romanesque, gothic and roco influences. It is even possible to guess the Arab print through some curves, some patterns.

In any case, the romantic atmosphere that emerges from it makes the site particularly conducive to the stroll. Not to mention the superb view it offers on Mount Cayo... It is easy to understand why he inspired both Spanish writers and poets through history!

3. Ordesa National Park and Mont Perdu

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ordesa National Park and Mont Perdu contains all the soul of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Through its mountains and valleys, the promises of wonder do not fail... The tops rise very high before opening in cliffs or steep gorges. The torrents are pouring into waterfalls and biodiversity is of invaluable wealth.

It is not for nothing that the park is so popular with hikers, mountaineers and other mountain sports enthusiasts! The ultimate challenge, the Lost Mountain dominates the four valleys from the top of its 3,555 meters high.

4. Alquezar

What to do in Aragon to reconcile historical visits and outdoor activities? Visit Alquezar, which belongs to the association of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its name comes from Arabic al-qasr , which means the castle. And we understand why!

The village is dominated by a castle-collegial, perched on the canyon of the Vero río. Walking around its pretty medieval streets is a real pleasure and promises many surprises.

After the discovery of Alquezar, discover the Guara Gorges. Hard to imagine that the folds of this rocky landscape hide such pretty rivers! This is an ideal spot for canyoning, rafting, etc. Opinions to lovers of strong sensations...

5. The Mallos of Riglos

Visiting Aragon is also discovering landscapes that seem to come from another planet! The Riglos Mallos are a perfect example. These colossal geological formations, commonly known as sugar breads, evoke fingers of giant coming out of the earth. Visit Murillo or the mirador de los Buitres to admire their silhouettes. For even more shows, go during sunset.

The bravest will also climb the Riglos Mallos. The opportunity to approach the red walls and observe more closely the raptors who live them.

6. Torla

Looking for Aragon to discover the Aragonese Pyrenees? So don't miss the very charming village of Torla. Made of typical stone and slate houses, it combines a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful monuments. We advise you to visit the abbey and its ethnological museum, very interesting to embrace the history of the region.

But above all, Torla marks the spirits for its breathtaking panorama. Indeed, the village stands against the peak of Mondarruego. It offers stunning views of Ordesa National Park and Mont Perdu. It’s a great base to explore the surrounding hiking trails!

7. The monastery of Peter

The visit of the Abbey of Piedra is a moment of your stay which will remain suspended in time. Don't miss if you're looking for Aragon to evade! The trail that will make you discover this remarkable site starts in the middle of the forest. It leads you to the throat of the Piedra River, which contains magnificent vasques and cascades.

The Queue de Cheval and its 53 meters high, the Bain de Diane or Lake Miroir offer romantic landscapes, protected by the rock. The walk then leads to the beautiful cave of Iris and the ruins of the Gothic monastery. What to make your imagination vibrate?

8. The Circus of Troumouse

Visiting Aragon is also visiting the Aragonese Pyrenees. Larger than the circus of Gavarnie or the Estaubé, the Circus of Troumouse is one of the most spectacular landscapes of Pyrenees National Park .

Classified at Unesco World Heritage, it deploys over 10 kilometres of scale. The mountains encircle the meadows and lakes. The highest, Mont Munia, peaks at 3,133 meters above sea level! Along the hiking trails, you will cross marmots, wild lys and flocks of sheep... A wonder of nature.

9. Teruel

Small and peaceful, Teruel is one of these cities that let nothing predict their wealth at first. And yet, she is particularly beautiful.

Its Arab heritage is felt through its streets and monuments. Teruel is an epicentre of mudéjare architecture! Don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla, the Church of San Pedro and the many towers of the city. Continue your journey in time on the plaza del Torico, which contains beautiful examples of the neo-mudejar style. Guaranteed change!

10. The parade of Ventamillo

Ventamillo is one of the most impressive landscapes of Aragon. This 3-kilometre long parade is bathed by the Esera River, with a bright blue. But it is especially its particularly steep rock walls that give it all its character!

To discover this narrow canyon, you have the choice between hiking and the car. In any case, the panorama is breathtaking.

11. The monastery of San Juan de la Peña

The monastery of San Juan de la Peña is a place that marks the spirits. Already, it contains a great architectural richness. His church and cloister are very beautiful witnesses of Romanesque art. They make up the first pantheon of the Aragonese kings, used until the 12th century. But you will also find a second baroque monastery, more recent.

However, the particularity of San Juan de la Peña lies above all in its exceptional natural setting. Monuments blend in with the rock, as if they were only one entity.

12. Albarracín

Go to the Sierra de Albarracín to discover one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Already, the frame is remarkable. Green, ochre, carmine, pink... The sierra and its flamboyant colors plant the decor. But it must be said that the medieval bastide of Albarracín fits perfectly with the landscape.

Lose yourself in its mazes of steep alleys, which contain many treasures. In particular, the Moorish ramparts and the cathedral are worth a visit. Pass the doors of the latter! You can admire seven tapestries of the 16th century that illustrate the history of Gideon, a biblical character.

13. The castle of Loarre

Visiting Aragon is an opportunity to admire one of the best preserved Romanesque castles in all of Europe. The castle of Loarre is a colossal stone fortress, perched as an eagle nest at an altitude of 1,100 metres. It offers a breathtaking view of the Ebro and the surrounding plain. It is quickly understood why this castle was of vital strategic importance against Arab invasions.

Several slices of Spanish history mark the fortress. Visit his dungeon, chapel and even his theater. It is that the beauty of the site has made it a framework of choice to shoot many films and documentaries...

14. The walls of Finestras

What do you do in Aragon to take your eyes? Visit the Congost de Mont Rebei to join the walls of Finestras. These are two huge cliffs in limestone particularly sloping. This remarkable form gave them the nickname of Finestras China walls. Between the two you will find an uninhabited village and the ruins of a medieval castle.

To observe the walls, you can go to the window of the San Marcos chapel. It is from here that leaves the path that allows to discover them. And to make no mistake, the latter is very uncommon. It is necessary to be courageous to borrow it! But the game is worth the candle...

Between the breathtaking cliffs, the turquoise lake and the old stones, the site is a true hidden treasure to discover.

How do I get to Aragon?

By car

To get to Aragon from France by car, you can go by:

• the pass of Pierre Saint-Martin;
• the collar of the Pourtalet;
• the Somport tunnel;
• Bielsa tunnel.

By bus or train

The Spanish railway company Renfre allows you to reach Zaragoza from Madrid or Barcelona in less than 1:30. You can also turn to bus companies: Bus Jiménez, Alsa, Ágreda, etc.

By plane

If you want to visit the Aragon, you also have the opportunity to reach Zaragoza from Madrid. In particular, Iberia offers numerous flights. Do not hesitate to consult the offers on the Compare of flights Skyscanner . By sharing your dates and departure airport, you will find the most interesting prices!

Move in the region

To radiate in the region, the best thing is to stop in Sarragosse, Teruel or Huelva. In these cities you will find car rental companies. Ideal for visiting the Aragon in all freedom!

Otherwise, you can connect the main places of interest through local train or bus lines.

Where to stay in Aragon?

Before choosing where to stay in Aragon, you have to ask the right questions. Did you plan to move a lot in the area? Do you travel alone, with family, with friends? Would you like to relax with nature or rather go out in the evening?

Very well served, Zaragoza is the ideal option if you want to visit the Aragon in depth. There you will find a large range of accommodation suitable for all budgets. Whether you prefer to stay in the city centre or on the outskirts, it is also a good option to get out!

On the other hand, if you are looking to relax, you can opt for accommodation located in the heart of the Aragonese nature. You will find charming hotels, holiday cottages, self catering Airbnb , unusual housing... Do not hesitate to use this Compare hotels to enter the most interesting offers!