Aragon Travel Guide (Northern Spain/Spain/Iberia/Europe)

Introduction to Aragon

Nestled in Northern Spain, Aragon is a charming region that’s steeped in history and culture. With a rich legacy dating back to the Roman era, this region boasts an array of intriguing museums, awe-inspiring landmarks, and sprawling national parks.

Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking to unwind in a scenic locale, Aragon has something for everyone. Here’s our comprehensive guide to all the best things to see and do in this unforgettable region.

List of Places to Visit in Aragon

Before we delve into the region’s top attractions, let’s take a look at some of the must-visit spots in Aragon:

Zaragoza: This capital city of Aragon has an intriguing history and architecture, including the famous Basilica del Pilar and Aljaferia Palace.
Huesca: Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Huesca is a charming city with stunning views and historical sites like the Monastery of San Pedro el Viejo.
Teruel: Visitors come to Teruel to see the iconic Mudéjar architecture and Dinópolis theme park, perfect for families with kids.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park: This park is great for outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of trails and natural wonders, including the Monte Perdido glacier.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Aragon is home to some of Spain’s most fascinating cultural attractions, including an impressive array of museums and historical landmarks. Here are just a few to add to your itinerary:

Pablo Gargallo Museum: This museum located in Zaragoza is dedicated to the works of Pablo Gargallo, one of Spain’s most famous sculptors.
La Seo Cathedral: This remarkable cathedral is one of three in Zaragoza and is notable for blending architectural styles of Gothic and Renaissance.
Castle of Loarre: This castle perched on top of a hillside with fantastic views was built in the 11th century and is in remarkable condition.
Albarracin Old Town: This town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Spain and offers a glimpse into Spain’s rich cultural heritage.

Natural Attractions of Aragon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Aragon’s staggering natural beauty is one of its most significant draws, with glorious mountain ranges, wildlife reserves, and national parks. Here are a few natural attractions worth exploring:

The Pyrenees: These dramatic mountains offer some of the best year-round hiking and skiing experiences in Spain.
Congost de Mont-Rebei: This massive virgin gorge can only be traversed on foot and offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Moncayo Natural Park: This natural park is a favorite among bird watchers, featuring an array of rare birds and hiking trails.
The Grado Reservoir: a scenic lake located in the Northwest region of the Zaragoza province with hiking trails, fishing and swimming areas, and boating.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Aragon

Lace-up your hiking shoes or strap your helmet on and explore the region’s best hiking and biking routes through Aragon’s lush countryside. Here are some of the best routes that provide exciting outdoor adventures:

The Camino de Santiago: This route, which stretches over 900 kilometers, is a popular and well-known hiking trail that takes travelers through iconic destinations in Northern Spain and Southern France.
La Ruta de la Piedra: This route features an array of stunning natural rock formations, waterfalls, and carving, and it’s a popular location for hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering.
The Greenway of Teruel: This bike route through an old railway line is easy for families and beginners, and travelers can absorb the breathtaking countryside of Spain while cycling.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park: This park features more than ten marked trails of varying levels that allow hikers to enjoy spectacular views of the Peña Montañesa, Monte Perdido, or the Ordesa Valley.

Best Things to Do in Aragon: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Aragon offers an array of enjoyable activities and tours to make your holiday unforgettable. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

River Rafting: Aragon’s rivers offer thrilling rafting experiences with varying levels of difficulties, suitable for all ages.
Skiing: Enjoy one of the most exceptional Spain’s winter sports in the Pyrenees, with stunning views of mountain ranges as the backdrop.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Aragon’s landscapes are stunning, and there is no better way to view them than on a hot air balloon ride that allows visitors to take in the landscape’s vast beauty.
Wine Tours: Aragon has some of Spain’s best wine regions, and taking a wine tour to taste local wines and learn about the region’s distilling processes is a fantastic experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Aragon

A week is just enough to enjoy Aragon’s diverse offerings. Follow this seven-day itinerary to explore everything the region has in store:

Day 1: Explore Zaragoza, checking the Pablo Gargallo Museum, La Seo Cathedral and enjoy authentic Spanish paella in one of the restaurants in the Plaza del Pilar.
Day 2: Hike or bike the Camino de Santiago, starting in the village of Artieda, with views of the Bardenas Reales dessert and the medieval castle.
Day 3: Head to Huesca and explore the bustling town in the morning before visiting the Museum of Huesca in the afternoon to learn about the Roman history and religious paintings depicting the area by artist Pablo Gargallo. End the evening in a tapas bar in the city’s plaza, Plaza Navarra.
Day 4: Visit the impressive Castle of Loarre with a medieval history dating back 1000 years and set across five floors, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 5: Thrills come on the fifth day, as visitors can go rafting the Gallego river, choose from a range of adventures to go from gentle to turbulent waters.
Day 6: The Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park has to be visited, hiking, mountain biking, or rock climbing are popular choices with trails leading to waterfalls and wildlife observation.
Day 7: In the morning, head to the Moncayo Natural Park, where travelers can enjoy bird watching and a scenic hike with Red and Blue Maggonies as their guide. Return to Zaragoza for the evening, taking a hot air balloon ride at sunset before enjoying a traditional dinner.

Food and Drink Scene of Aragon

The best way to experience a culture is through its food. Aragon has a diverse culinary scene where travelers can savor dishes that boast a blend of Mediterranean, Spanish, and French flavors. Here are some of the best dishes and beverages to try in Aragon:

Must-Try Dishes

Migas: This rustic bread dish is made with breadcrumbs, garlic, chorizo, and olive oil and typically served as a starter.
Ternasco: Roasted or grilled lamb dish seasoned with garlic and parsley, often served with honey indicating Aragonese cuisine’s sweet touch.
Chilindron: A traditional dish from Aragon made with chicken, lamb or goat meat, fresh tomato and red pepper.
Chinitas: traditional Zaragoz dialect for chicken wings and lively satisfying with a sizeable portion.

Local Beverages

Wine: Aragon boasts some of Spain’s best wine regions, including Campo de Borja, Somontano, and Cariñena.
Beer: Locals love the Ambar beer, which comes in a variety of flavors like La Dark Lager, Especial, and Negra.
Licor de Oro: This golden-colored liquor is perfect for an after-dinner digestive and is a merge of herbs and spices that result in a vibrant yet smooth taste.

Where to Stay in Aragon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Aragon’s diverse regions offer a wide range of accommodations options for all budgets and needs. Here are some of the best places to stay when visiting Aragon:

Parador de Alcañiz: This medieval castle was reformed into a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the countryside.
Hostal El Cobertizo: A classic guest house situated in the charming village of Albarracín, perfect for romantic getaways.
Hotel Hiberia: This hotel in the heart of Zaragoza is a perfect place to stay in the city meeting point of locals and tourists.
Casa de la Señora: Charming vintage-styled rooms, great for solo travelers or couples, in a picturesque village near Huesca.

What to Buy in Aragon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From local gastronomy products to artisan crafts, Aragon offers a unique selection of souvenirs to take home as a reminder of your trip. Here are a few suggestions:

Wine from Somontano: This wine region located in Aragon is known for producing some of Spain’s best, so why not take home a bottle as a souvenir?
Olive Oil from Bajo Aragón: The production of olive oil is a significant industry in Aragon, so you can purchase a bottle of extra virgin olive oil to use in your kitchen or as a gift.
Chilindron sauce: Bring home a jar of this traditional sauce made with red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic that’s served with many local dishes.
Pottery from Muel: Renowned for its pottery, Muel has generated beautiful handmade pieces like wine decanters and plates that are perfect unique gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Aragon

The traditional culture of Aragon is a mix of Spanish and French influences, which is reflected in the region’s various customs, religious events, and world-class festivals (such as the world’s most famous tomato fight: La Tomatina). The locals of Aragon are known for their warm hospitality and love to share their culture with visitors.

Best Time to Visit Aragon

The best time to visit Aragon varies depending on the activity or attraction you want to enjoy. For outdoor activities like hiking and rafting, the best time is between March and June or September to November when temperatures are more moderate. For those looking to enjoy winter sports, December through to February is best, while summer is perfect for cultural festivals and exploring the cities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Aragon

When traveling to Aragon, keep in mind the following:

Do:

Always carry cash and a credit card in case of emergencies.
Try to learn basic phrases of the Spanish language to help you communicate with the locals.
Respect local customs and courtesies, especially during festivals and religious events.

Don’t:

Don’t forget to tip at restaurants; a 10% tip is standard.
Refrain from making loud noises in public places, such as train and bus stations or nightclubs.
Don’t litter, as it’s frowned upon in Aragon; find a waste bin to dispose of your trash appropriately.

Safety and Health

When visiting Aragon, it’s essential to keep in mind the following health and safety concerns:

Safety in Aragon

Aragon is generally a safe place to travel; travelers should use common sense and avoid areas that may be unsafe.
Always keep an eye on your valuables and carry a copy of your passport and ID in case it’s lost or stolen.
Pay attention to traffic when crossing the street.

Health in Aragon

The quality of health care in Aragon is excellent; hospitals are well-equipped and staffed by medical experts.
Visitors should bring a first aid kit, sunblock in the summer, and insect repellent during the warmer months.

Getting to Aragon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Aragon is conveniently located in Northern Spain, making it easily accessible via various modes of transportation. Here are some of the best ways to get to Aragon:

Airports Near Aragon

Zaragoza Airport is the primary airport serving the region, and one can get direct flights from Stuttgart, Bologna, or London.
Other nearby airports include Huesca–Pirineos Airport and Lleida-Alguaire Airport, which offer flights within Spain and to nearby countries.

Bus Stations Near Aragon

Zaragoza Bus Station is the main bus station in the area, offering regular services to Madrid, Barcelona or Pamplona.
Huesca Bus Station and Teruel Bus Station offer buses to smaller cities or even the tiny villages of the area.

Other Options

One can typically rent a car in larger cities like Zaragoza or Huesca to reach surrounding areas in Aragon.

How to Get Around in Aragon

Aragon’s public transport system connects all of the region’s key destinations. Here are the different modes of transportation you can use to explore Aragon:

Car: Renting a car is the most recommended way of getting around Aragon and exploring its wilderness, National Parks, and fantastic drives, as well as visiting remote villages not covered by public transport.
Bus: Aragon has an extensive bus network, making it easy to get around the region comfortably.
Train: Aragon has three train stations that service the region and surrounding areas, but note that train travel is limited to connect larger cities.

Where to Go Next from Aragon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Aragon’s central location means visitors can access several other destinations in Northern Spain via public transportation, car or organized tours. Here are some of the must-visit destinations:

The Basque Country: A unique culture and world-class cuisine await you in the Basque Country, just a few hours north of Aragon.
Catalunya: Visit Barcelona or explore the stunning Costa Brava, both located within a few hours’ drive.
La Rioja wine region: Wine lovers should head to the nearby La Rioja region for a wine tour.

Conclusion

Aragon is a diverse region with something to offer everyone, from charming cities to stunning natural beauty to a range of outdoor activities. Refer to this guide to plan your holiday, taking the dos and don’ts into account, take advantage of the region’s transportation network, and enjoy all Aragon offers to enhance your next European trip.