A lush verdant wonderland, mountainous northern Aragon is a region of outstanding beauty. Inhale the crisp alpine air of the awe-inspiring Pyrenees, which reach their peak on Aragonese soil.
Beset around the imposing Monte Perdido, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park encompasses sweeping glacial valleys, thunderous waterfalls, enchanting caverns and charming hilltop villages.
Part of the national park, Valle de Pineta (📷) is wedged between two high ridges, and is undoubtedly a must-visit for any itinerary. Hikers who push deeper into the valley find themselves narrowing into a bottleneck at both ends, with the valley culminating at 'cirques’ — natural amphitheatres carved out by glaciers.
For an inward view of perhaps the most remarkable example of a ‘cirque’, you will cross over into France to gaze upon the grandeur of Aragon’s impermeable gates. Author Victor Hugo once described Cirque de Gavarnie as “the Colosseum of nature” in an attempt to convey its remarkable scale. Here, the Monte Perdido mastiff soars high above the deep glacial-carved valley below, creating a staggering natural fortification that humans could never replicate.
Famed for its waterfalls, Ordesa Valley is a dream-like world unto itself. Cascada de la Cueva is a textbook example of idyllic fairytale fantasy existent in reality. Flowing waters gently tumble from the canyon above, spilling into a tight-knit valley deep in the forest. The monumental twin-drop Cascada de Sorrosal (📷) roars as it plummets over 100 meters from a dramatic cliff.
Luckily, ease of access by foot makes admiring the sheer force and scale of the falls from afar possible. However, expect to see avid thrill-seekers abseiling down the rugged rock-face, as a well-established ‘via ferrata’ of steel cables and makeshift ladders has become a favourite amongst adrenaline addicts.
Encapsulated by lush forest, Monasterio de la Piedra (📷) is a restful oasis discreetly tucked out of sight. For over 800 years, this place has provided peaceful sanctuary to monks, royalty, and — nowadays — welcomes guests drawn by the allure of its beauty.
The surrounding natural park is a true fairytale wonderland, famed for its many stunning waterfalls. Alongside the countless cascades and otherworldly caverns, vibrant flora and fauna awaits, with falcons, eagles, owls, foxes and rabbits roaming free.
When shuffling across the hallowed halls of Monasterio de Veruela (📷), it feels as though each of the carved Cistercian columns arching overhead conceals a story of its own. Beams of sunlight seep in from the courtyard through etched stone windows, and silence surrounds you. Perhaps, all the quiet contemplation that has occurred within these walls is the source of the calming ethereal magic found here.
Perched atop a rugged cliff near Aragon’s border with the historic Kingdom of Castile, an imposing medieval fort casts its shadow across the surrounding Sierra Menera mountains.
Bronze-hued sandstone allows Castillo de Peracense (📷) to blend in with its ‘rodeno’ foundation — a jagged rocky outcrop abundant at nearby Pinares de Rodeno — and is also typical of materials used to build houses in hilltop towns across the region of Teruel.
The infamously flat and dry Ebro Valley dominates Central Aragon. In the midst of which, one of Spain’s most historically important cities has flourished as a vibrant cultural hub.
Zaragoza — the capital of Aragon — straddles a crossroads between Moorish, Roman and Iberian cultures. A diverse heritage showcased in stunning architecture, care-free attitudes, and an entirely unique local gastronomy. With roughly 50% of native Aragonese people residing here — combined with the highest density of bars in all of Spain — there is no better place to begin exploring.
An awe-inspiring sight to behold, the formidable Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (📷) will surely stop you in your tracks. Ground was broken on this colossal cathedral back in the 17th century, taking over 100 years to reach completion. Spires regaled in Mudéjar patterns ascend hundreds of meters to pierce the sky, as worshippers find peace within the nine elaborate domed chapels concealed inside.
Zaragoza is constantly abuzz. The warmth, enthusiasm, and feist of locals is reflected in delectable tapas bars that encircle El Tubo — a colourful maze of tight-knit side-streets. Enticing aromas seemingly escape from each and every restaurant you pass, in contest for your custom.
Simple pleasures can be found roaming the expansive avenues and grandiose fountains of Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, or stumbling upon charming antiquated patisseries churning out time-tested indulgent treats laced with fresh cream, marzipan, and cocoa.
In Teruel, the ornate Torre Mudejar de El Salvador juts out above red-tiled rooftops, casting a view over Plaza del Tórico, which earns its name from a tiny bull statue attached to the centrepiece fountain, and is surrounded by eye-catching stilted buildings with elaborate Rococo stylings.
Southern Aragon is an important historic crossroad between Iberia and North Africa. In the unforgiving environment, the Moorish community crafted breath-taking villages. Crumbling castle walls slink the hillsides of Albarracín (📷) — a delightful medieval maze of cobbled streets and pink-hued sandstone casas.
