7 Day Itinerary for Aragon
Aragon offers a genuinely varied Spanish holiday within one region. History lovers explore Mudejar towers and royal palaces in Zaragoza, while romantics follow the tragic legend of the Lovers of Teruel. Meanwhile, hikers and photographers head into the Pyrenees around Jaca, and slow-travel fans wander the red rooftops of Albarracín. Consequently, this seven day route mixes cathedral cities, mountain villages, and one unforgettable former railway station. It moves from Zaragoza’s grand squares through Mudejar market towns, into Teruel’s medieval hills, and finally up to the border with France. As a result, you’ll experience both Spain’s Islamic heritage and its wildest Pyrenean scenery. Read on for a full day-by-day plan through Aragon.
Day 1: Zaragoza
Begin your trip in Aragon’s spirited capital. Many visitors fly into Zaragoza Airport, while others prefer the high-speed AVE train from Madrid or Barcelona into Zaragoza-Delicias station. Check connections and book. Afterwards, head straight into the old town to start exploring.
Basílica del Pilar
First, visit the Basílica del Pilar, Zaragoza’s baroque icon beside the River Ebro. Inside, admire Goya’s ceiling frescoes and the small jasper pillar itself. A panoramic lift also climbs one of its towers for sweeping city views. Get directions
La Seo Cathedral
Just across the square stands La Seo Cathedral, officially dedicated to the Saviour. Its Mudejar wall alone justifies the visit, and the cathedral museum holds an impressive tapestry collection. Because Zaragoza has two cathedrals, comparing both makes a fascinating afternoon. Get directions
Palacio de la Aljafería
Later, explore the Palacio de la Aljafería, a fortified 11th-century Islamic palace that now houses the Aragonese parliament. Its horseshoe arches and orange-tree courtyards rank among Spain’s finest Moorish architecture. Since entry is sometimes limited during parliamentary sessions, booking ahead is wise. Buy tickets. Get directions
Zaragoza has excellent hotels for a first night. The Hotel Palafox offers spacious rooms near the river and scores around 4.4 out of 5, with reviewers praising its spa and breakfast buffet. NH Collection Zaragoza Gran Hotel is known for its Art Deco elegance in the city centre. Hotel Reina Petronila suits business and leisure travellers alike, with guests often mentioning its rooftop terrace. Catalonia El Pilar sits just steps from the basilica and draws praise for its unbeatable location. Finally, Eurostars Boston offers reliable comfort near the train station, valued for cleanliness and helpful staff. Book your accommodation
Day 2: Zaragoza to Tarazona
Today heads west towards the Moncayo mountains, so hiring a car makes the smaller roads far simpler. The drive takes roughly an hour, passing gentle vineyards along the way. Hire a car
Catedral de Tarazona
In Tarazona, seek out the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Huerta, famous for its unusual Mudejar lantern tower. The cloister’s intricate tracery is unlike anything else in Aragon. Restoration work here took decades, so its detail feels genuinely hard-won. Get directions
Plaza de Toros Vieja
Afterwards, wander to the Plaza de Toros Vieja, a former bullring cleverly converted into circular housing. Its balconies still trace the old arena’s shape, making it one of Spain’s oddest landmarks. Nearby, the steep Judería quarter rewards an unhurried stroll. Get directions
Tarazona offers a handful of characterful places to stay. Hotel Ituri Asso sits within the cathedral quarter and rates around 4.5 out of 5, with reviewers regularly praising its quiet courtyard. Hotel Brujas de Bécquer suits budget travellers wanting a central base. Casa Palacio Los Arcos is known for its elegant period furnishings. Hospedería Palacio de Eguarás offers a countryside alternative just outside town. Finally, Hotel Espeón provides simple, dependable rooms valued for good value. Book your accommodation
Day 3: Tarazona to Calatayud
Continuing south, today explores Aragon’s second great Mudejar town.
Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor
In Calatayud, the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor dominates the skyline with its striking octagonal Mudejar tower. Inside, an elaborately carved doorway leads to a richly decorated interior. Because the tower leans slightly, locals nickname it Calatayud’s own leaning landmark. Get directions
Castillo de Ayyub
Next, climb to the Castillo de Ayyub, the Moorish fortress that gave Calatayud its name. From its ruined ramparts, the town’s terracotta rooftops spread out below. The walk up also passes several smaller Mudejar church towers. Get directions
Calatayud has solid overnight options. Hotel Calatayud offers straightforward comfort near the station and rates around 4.0 out of 5, with guests often mentioning helpful reception staff. Hospedería Mesón de la Dolores is known for its traditional Aragonese decor. Hotel Domo provides quiet, modern rooms slightly outside the centre. Pensión Vera offers a friendly, budget-conscious stay. Finally, Hotel Fornos rounds things out with dependable, no-fuss rooms near the old town. Book your accommodation
Day 4: Calatayud to Teruel
Today’s drive crosses rolling countryside towards one of Spain’s most romantic cities.
Torres Mudéjares
In Teruel, admire the Torre de El Salvador, one of four surviving Mudejar towers listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Its glazed ceramic tiles form geometric patterns unlike anything elsewhere in Spain. Climbing inside also reveals the tower’s hidden double-shell structure. Get directions
Mausoleo de los Amantes
Then visit the Mausoleo de los Amantes, resting place of Teruel’s tragic legendary lovers, Isabel and Diego. Their alabaster effigies lie with hands almost touching, sculpted by Juan de Ávalos. Because the site gets busy around Valentine’s Day, pre-booking tickets saves waiting. Buy tickets. Get directions
Teruel has plenty of comfortable places to stay. The Parador de Teruel occupies a Mudejar-style mansion outside town and rates around 4.5 out of 5, with reviewers praising its peaceful gardens. Hotel Torico Plaza sits right on Teruel’s central square. Hotel Alfonso II suits travellers wanting modern rooms with mountain views. Hotel Boira is known for its stylish, minimalist design. Finally, Hostal Aragón offers a simple, affordable base near the old town. Book your accommodation
Day 5: Teruel to Albarracín
Today’s short drive leads into the Sierra de Albarracín, home to one of Spain’s most photographed villages.
Murallas de Albarracín
Walk the Murallas de Albarracín, medieval walls that snake dramatically up the hillside above town. The Torre del Andador offers the best viewpoint over the red rooftops. Consequently, sunset here draws photographers from across the region. Get directions
Catedral del Salvador
Nearby, the Catedral del Salvador holds a beautifully painted 16th-century altarpiece. The attached Diocesan Museum displays fine Flemish tapestries and religious silverwork. Afterwards, the tiny Casa de la Julianeta makes a charmingly crooked photo stop. Get directions
Albarracín offers characterful stays across its old town. Casa de Santiago is known for its cosy, traditional rooms and scores around 4.6 out of 5, with reviewers praising the warm, family-run welcome. Hotel Arabia suits travellers wanting sweeping valley views. Posada del Adarve is valued for its atmospheric medieval setting. Casa Azagra offers a striking, minimalist design inside a colourful historic house. Finally, Hostal Doña Blanca provides a reliable, budget-friendly option. Book your accommodation
Day 6: Albarracín to Huesca
Today’s longer drive crosses Aragon from south to north, reaching the gateway to the Pyrenees.
Catedral de Huesca
In Huesca, visit the Catedral de Huesca, a Gothic church built atop a former mosque. Its carved altarpiece by Damián Forment is considered a masterpiece of Spanish sculpture. The adjoining museum also displays fine medieval goldwork. Get directions
Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo
Afterwards, explore the Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo, one of Aragon’s oldest Romanesque monuments. Its beautifully carved cloister holds the royal pantheon of two medieval Aragonese kings. Because the capitals depict biblical scenes in fine detail, it’s worth pausing here. Get directions
Huesca offers good accommodation for the night. Hotel San Marcos sits centrally and rates around 4.1 out of 5, with reviewers mentioning its comfortable beds and friendly staff. Hotel Sancho Abarca is known for reliable, modern rooms near the old town. Abba Huesca Hotel suits travellers wanting a spa and pool. Hotel Pedro I de Aragón offers spacious rooms close to the cathedral. Finally, NH Huesca Sancho Abarca provides dependable comfort valued for its central location. Book your accommodation
Day 7: Jaca, Canfranc, and Departure
Your final day heads deep into the Pyrenees before looping back to Zaragoza. Regular buses also connect Huesca to Jaca for those without a car. Buy Tickets
Ciudadela de Jaca
In Jaca, explore the Ciudadela de Jaca, a remarkably intact star-shaped Renaissance fortress. Inside, the Museo de Miniaturas Militares recreates famous battles in miniature detail. Walking its surrounding moat also offers lovely Pyrenean views. Get directions
Catedral de Jaca
Nearby, the Catedral de Jaca ranks among Spain’s earliest Romanesque cathedrals, dating from the 11th century. Its carved capitals show remarkably lively animal and human figures. The attached Diocesan Museum holds outstanding medieval fresco fragments. Get directions
Estación Internacional de Canfranc
Finally, drive up to the Estación Internacional de Canfranc, once one of Europe’s grandest railway stations. Abandoned for decades, the building now houses a striking luxury hotel and restaurant. Even a quick look inside reveals its astonishing Belle Époque scale. Get directions
From Canfranc, it’s roughly a two-hour drive back to Zaragoza for onward travel. Return your hire car at the airport or train station before heading home. This loop through Aragon proves that one region can hold Islamic palaces, Mudejar towers, tragic legends, and Pyrenean peaks all at once, so it richly rewards the journey.