Things to Do in Aragon

Aragon sits quietly in Spain’s north-east, and it rarely shouts about itself. That’s part of its charm. This region stretches from Pyrenean peaks down to sun-baked plains, and it packs in Moorish palaces, Gothic-Mudéjar towers, wild river canyons and villages that look plucked from a fairy tale. Whether you’re chasing history, hiking boots-deep nature, or just a very good bowl of ternasco, Aragon delivers. It’s also one of Spain’s least crowded regions, so you can explore its biggest landmarks without fighting through tour groups. Here’s a rundown of the best things to do across the region, from Zaragoza’s grand plazas to hidden corners of the Pyrenees.

Basílica del Pilar

Start in Zaragoza, because everything else in Aragon radiates outward from here. The Basílica del Pilar dominates the riverside skyline with its domes and colourful roof tiles, and it’s one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites. Legend says the Virgin Mary appeared here on a marble pillar, and that very pillar still sits inside, worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims touching it. Inside, look up at the frescoes painted by Goya himself in one of the domes. Climb the tower for sweeping views across the Ebro river and the old town below. The plaza outside is Europe’s second-largest pedestrian square, so give yourself time just to sit at a café table and take it all in.

Palacio de la Aljafería

Just a short walk from the centre stands one of Spain’s finest surviving Moorish palaces. The Palacio de la Aljafería was built in the 11th century for the Muslim rulers of Zaragoza, then later became a residence for the Catholic Monarchs. Its horseshoe arches and carved courtyards are genuinely stunning, and the delicate stucco work rivals anything you’d find in Andalusia. The whole site now forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing for Mudéjar architecture in Aragon, and it also houses the regional parliament today. Tickets sell out on busy weekends, so book ahead rather than risk a long queue at the door.

Teruel’s Mudéjar Towers

Head south to Teruel, a smaller city that punches well above its weight for architecture. Its Mudéjar towers, built by Moorish craftsmen working under Christian rule, are covered in intricate brickwork and glazed ceramic tiles. The Torre de El Salvador is the standout, and you can climb inside for close-up views of the tilework and a good workout on the narrow stairs. Down in the old town, don’t miss the love story of the Lovers of Teruel, whose tragic tale is immortalised in a mausoleum near the cathedral. For a fuller look at the city’s charms, our guide to Teruel covers where else to wander and what to eat while you’re there.

Albarracín

Few villages in Spain look quite like Albarracín. Pink and ochre houses cling to a hillside above a winding river, all tucked inside medieval walls that snake up the ridge behind. Wander the cobbled lanes, pop into tiny artisan shops selling local ceramics, and climb up to the castle ruins for the best photo in Aragon. It’s remote, which keeps it quiet even in peak season, and the surrounding pine forests make for lovely short walks once you’ve explored the village itself. Read more in our dedicated piece on Albarracín, including tips on the best viewpoints.

Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

For proper wilderness, head north into the Pyrenees. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is often compared to the Grand Canyon, thanks to its dramatic limestone gorge carved by glaciers and rivers over millions of years. Trails range from gentle valley walks along the Arazas river to serious mountain routes up toward Monte Perdido’s snowy peak. Chamois, marmots and griffon vultures are a common sight if you keep your eyes on the cliffs above. Bring proper boots, because paths get rocky fast once you leave the main valley floor. Go early in the day to beat the summer crowds at the main car park, since spaces fill quickly in July and August.

Monasterio de Piedra

This is one of Aragon’s most photographed spots, and for good reason. The Monasterio de Piedra combines a 12th-century Cistercian monastery with a lush nature park full of waterfalls, caves and lakes. Wooden walkways lead behind cascading water and through damp, green grottoes that feel worlds away from Aragon’s dry central plains. The Cola de Caballo waterfall, which plunges over fifty metres, is the star attraction, and you can walk right behind the curtain of falling water. It gets busy, especially at weekends, so buying tickets in advance through the official ticket site saves queuing at the gate.

Castillo de Loarre

Perched on a rocky outcrop near Huesca, the Castillo de Loarre is widely considered Spain’s best-preserved Romanesque castle. Built in the 11th century by King Sancho III, its towers and thick stone walls have starred in several films, including Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven. Walk the ramparts for views across the Hoya de Huesca plain toward the Pyrenees, and duck into the Romanesque church inside for a look at its carved stone capitals. Weekends fill up fast, so grab tickets ahead through the official site before you set off, especially in summer.

Alquézar

Alquézar clings to a cliff above the Río Vero canyon, and it’s easily one of the prettiest villages in Aragon. Its collegiate church and old fortress walls date back to Moorish times, while narrow arcaded streets below beg to be explored on foot at a slow pace. Adventure lovers come here for canyoning through the nearby gorges, which are shallow enough for beginners but still thrilling for a first attempt. Local outfitters run half-day trips with all the gear included, so no experience is necessary. Stay for lunch afterwards and try local trout pulled straight from the river running below the village.

Jaca and the Pyrenean Way

Jaca served as an early capital of the Kingdom of Aragon, and its cathedral is one of Spain’s oldest Romanesque buildings, dating back to the 11th century. The town also marks a key stop on the French route of the Camino de Santiago, so expect a steady trickle of pilgrims passing through with walking poles and shell badges pinned to their bags. Beyond the old town, Jaca is a handy base for skiing at nearby resorts in winter or hiking mountain trails in summer. Its citadel, a star-shaped fortress, is also worth a wander if you have an extra hour to spare. Our full guide to Jaca has more on where to stay and eat.

Sos del Rey Católico

This walled hilltop village gets its name from King Ferdinand II of Aragon, who was born here in 1452. Stone mansions with carved coats of arms line the streets, and the whole place feels frozen somewhere in the 15th century. It’s tiny, so a couple of hours is enough to see the castle, the main square and the birthplace house of the king, which is open for short guided tours. Cobbled alleys twist between honey-coloured stone buildings, and there’s barely a modern shopfront in sight. Combine it with a wider loop through Aragon’s north if you’re driving between Pamplona and Huesca.

Calatayud

Calatayud grew up around a Moorish fortress, and its skyline still shows off that heritage with Mudéjar church towers rising above the rooftops. The town also sits at the heart of a respected wine-growing area, so a stop for local Garnacha wouldn’t go amiss after a morning of sightseeing. Market days bring the main square to life with local produce, cured meats and plenty of chatter between stallholders and regulars. The old Jewish quarter is worth a slow walk too, with narrow streets that hint at the town’s layered past. For the full lowdown, check our guide to Calatayud.

Tarazona

Tarazona is often nicknamed the “Florence of Aragon”, thanks to its tightly packed old quarter and striking cathedral topped with a Mudéjar tower. Its bullring, unusually, doubles as a circular block of houses, which makes for one of the odder and more memorable sights in the region. Steep, narrow streets reward slow wandering, and the views from the upper town stretch out across the Moncayo mountain range on a clear day. The old Jewish and Moorish quarters sit side by side here, each with its own distinct character. Read more about the town in our guide to Tarazona.

Try Ternasco de Aragón

No visit to Aragon is complete without trying ternasco, a young roast lamb dish that’s protected under its own designation of origin. The meat is tender and mild, usually roasted simply with garlic, rosemary and a splash of white wine, then served alongside roast potatoes. You’ll find it on menus across the region, but it tastes best in a rustic countryside restaurant near Huesca or Teruel, where family recipes get passed down through generations. Pair it with a glass of local wine from Calatayud or Cariñena for the full experience, and finish with a slice of almond cake if you’ve still got room.

Aragon rewards travellers who like a bit of everything. You can stand beneath Goya’s frescoes in the morning, hike a glacial canyon by lunchtime, and finish the day watching the sun set over a pink hilltop village. It’s a region built for slow exploring rather than ticking off a checklist, so leave room in your itinerary to simply wander. Rent a car if you can, since many of Aragon’s best spots sit well outside the main cities and public transport can be patchy in rural areas. Whichever corner of Aragon you choose, you’ll come away with a much clearer picture of why locals guard this region so fondly.