Huesca Travel Guide

Explore the cultural, natural and adventurous sites and activities, top-rated accommodations, and dining options in Huesca, Spain.


Introduction to Huesca

Nestled in Aragon, a Northern Spain region, Huesca is renowned for its breathtaking natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage. Home to various prehistoric sites, medieval-era architectural gems, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Huesca is a top-rated destination for nature lovers and history buffs. The place vibrates with traditional Spanish customs and is a perfect destination to experience Spanish culture at its best.

List of Places to Visit in Huesca

Huesca has something unique to offer everyone, ranging from history, scenic landscapes to adventurous activities. Here are some of the top-rated places to visit in this beautiful destination:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Huesca Cathedral: Built during the 13th-century, this Romanesque-style cathedral showcases a blend of contemporary and ancient art, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Spain’s culture.
  • Museum of Huesca: A World Heritage site, which exhibits the prehistoric items and cultural relics of the region.
  • Castillo de Loarre: An ancient fortress built-in 1070 on the outskirts of Huesca offers stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains.

Natural Attractions of Huesca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park: A UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most picturesque national parks in Spain, offers scenic hiking trails coupled with waterfalls and lakes.
  • Alquezar and the Sierra De Guara: Famous for its canyoning and adventures, it boasts splendid ancient village architecture along with the mystical beauty of bungee jumping and other outdoor activities.
  • Pyrenees Mountains: Stunning, snow-capped mountains offer visitors various options of skiing and snowboarding in winter.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Huesca

Huesca’s surroundings are packed with diverse Spanish landscapes, ranging from mountains, rivers, to dense forests. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in and around Huesca:

  • Camino de Santiago de Compostela: From Somport pass, this ancient trail goes through the Pyrenees mountains, leading to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
  • The GR-11: This hiking trail, also known as the Pyrenean Trail or Great Pyrenees Trail, running across the peak of the Pyrenees mountains from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast.
  • Sierra de Guara: A haven for nature lovers, the Sierra de Guara is home to several rivers, canyons, and Mediterranean forests. The site offers convenient routes for hiking and mountain biking of different terrain and levels.

Best Things to Do in Huesca: Activities and Tours

Apart from natural sites and cultural landmarks, Huesca offers plenty of other exciting things to do for visitors of all ages. Some of the best things to do while exploring the area are:

  • Horseback riding: Various horse riding paths traverse scenic routes through forests and countryside of Aragon hills.
  • Spa Activities: Relax and rejuvenate at the thermal springs of Benasque.
  • Hot-air balloon rides: For a bird’s eye view of Huesca’s stunning landscapes.
  • Canyoneering: Visit the ancient village of Alquezar with a range of canyoneering options from basic to extreme tours.
  • Skiing: Huesca’s winter resorts offer tourists an exceptional skiing experience on the snow-capped mountains of Pyrenees mountains.

Week-Long Itinerary for Huesca

To make the most of your trip to Huesca, here is a comprehensive itinerary for a week-long visit:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Huesca Cathedral and historic center.
Day 2 Explore the Ordesa Y Monte Perdido National Park and its hiking trails.
Day 3 Enjoy adventure tourism activities like canyoning, bungee jumping, and paragliding around Huesca.
Day 4 Visit the Castillo de Loarre Fortress and the Jaca city, the old religious capital of Aragon.
Day 5 Tour the valleys of Aragon and enjoy activities like horse riding and hot air balloon rides.
Day 6 Explore Benasque, Spain’s largest natural reserve and spa region.
Day 7 Take Day trip to Sierra de Guara and spend the day canyoneering, biking, swimming, and hiking.

Food and Drink Scene of Huesca

Spain is renowned globally for its delicious food, flavorful wines, and cultural dining traditions. Huesca is no exception, and visitors can enjoy local delights like:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tapas: Spanish culinary’s most famous dish, consisting of bite-sized savory items, usually served with drinks.
  • Trinxat: Mashed potatoes, cabbage, and bacon dish.
  • Chiretas: A traditional lamb or kid sausage

Local Beverages

  • Wine: With world-renowned vineyards located in the region, wines like Somontano, Cariñena, and Campo de Borja QDO are worth tasting.
  • Beer: Flavored smooth-alcoholic beer, which has gained immense popularity around the world.

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

Huesca provides perfect options for travelers looking for luxurious accommodation, social experiences, budget-friendly options, or calm and serene stays. Our top recommended options for visitors include:

  • La Demba Art-Hotel: A luxurious hotel, perfect for couples and families looking for complete privacy, just a few minutes away from the Sierra de Guara and the Pyrenees Mountains.
  • Apartamentos Turisticos: El Lagar de El Abuelo: A budget-friendly guesthouse surrounded by the magical landscapes of the Sierra and Alquezar village.
  • Hostal Jaime I: In the center of C/Santo Angel de la guarda, this value-for-money hostel is ideal for travelers seeking social experiences coupled with comfort.

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

Visitors traveling to Huesca would not want to miss a chance to take back a part of Spanish culture back home. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to consider buying:

  • Cheeses and wines: The Spanish cheeses and wines are well known for their delicious flavors and impeccable quality. Visitors can buy locally made wines and cheeses from various outlets in the town.
  • Spanish Mementos: Visitors can purchase traditional Spanish-style shawls, flamenco dresses, fans, and ceramics from local shops.
  • Artisanal Products: Visitors can take home regional artisanal products made using leather, wood, and metals, displaying popular Spanish artwork and culture.

Local Culture and Customs of Huesca

An essential aspect of any journey is understanding a region’s local culture and customs. Here are several customs unique to Huesca:

  • Festivals: During the summer months, festivals are commonplace in Huesca, showcasing the best of Spain’s cultural traditions and religion.
  • Local Language: Spanish (or Castilian) is the official language. Visitors are recommended to learn some basic Spanish words to communicate efficiently with locals.

Best Time to Visit Huesca

Huesca offers an enchanting experience in every season of the year. However, the preferred time to visit Huesca is during the summer months from June to August when the climate is favorable to outdoor activities with clear skies and little to no rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Huesca

Do:

  • Respect the local culture, beliefs, and religion.
  • Be courteous to locals and fellow travelers.
  • Get to know some basic Spanish.

Don’t:

  • Drink excessively in public places.
  • Disrespect cultural sites and landmarks.

Safety and Health

Safety in Huesca

Huesca is considered a relatively safe destination. Visitors should, however, take common precautions to avoid theft and petty crimes and ensure that their belongings are kept safe during outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and canyoning.

Health in Huesca

Medical facilities in Huesca are world-class, and Spain’s healthcare system is among the best globally. Visitors are encouraged to bring their health insurance papers and emergency contact numbers and take the relevant precautions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Getting to Huesca: Transportation Options and Logistics

Huesca is easily accessible through different modes of transport, as it is centrally located in Northern Spain. Some ways to get to Huesca include:

  • Flight: The nearest airport is Zaragoza airport, roughly an hour’s drive from Huesca.
  • Bus: Visitors can access Huesca from Barcelona, Zaragoza, and other Spanish towns via bus transport operated by Alsa lines.
  • Train: The trains to Huesca run from Zaragoza, Barcelona, and several other big Spanish towns.
  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car from the airport or various Spanish towns located around Huesca.

How to Get Around in Huesca

Huesca is well-connected with its surrounding regions, with various transport options available like buses, taxis, and car rentals. Several biking and hiking trails options are also available for nature lovers to explore at their leisure.

Where to Go Next from Huesca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Huesca provides access to several exciting neighboring regions that visitors can include in their travel itinerary. Popular neighboring destination options include:

  • Zaragoza: 75 km towards the South of Huesca, with a history tracing back to Roman times, Zaragoza showcases various tourist attractions like The Basilica del Pilar and La Seo Cathedral.
  • San Sebastian: Popularly known as Spain’s culinary hub and home to breathtaking beaches and coastal views, San Sebastian is about 330 km away from Huesca and is an absolute must-visit destination.
  • Barcelona: Barcelona is located roughly 300 km away from Huesca, offering visitors a glimpse into Spain’s most happening cultural scene with masterpieces like Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia exhibits.

Conclusion

Huesca is an exquisite destination, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural attractions, cultural and historical landmarks, and luxurious accommodations coupled with a wide range of outdoor activities. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors should feel confident in exploring and enjoying this mesmerizing destination. Plan your trip today and experience the best of Spain!

The city of Huesca as seen from the cathedral The city of Huesca as seen from the cathedral Sunset view of the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña (Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rock), with the village of Aniés in the front; this hermitage, featuring elements from as far back as the 13th century, is accessible only on foot Sunset view of the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña (Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rock), with the village of Aniés in the front; this hermitage, featuring elements from as far back as the 13th century, is accessible only on foot Cathedral of Huesca. Cathedral of Huesca.