Best Day Trips from Huesca
Huesca is a lovely base for exploring northern Aragon. The city sits between the Pyrenees and the plains, so you can reach castles, canyons and big-city sights in a single day. Some trips work by train. Others are easier by car, so consider hiring a car. Hire a car with Discovercars. Before you set off, read our guide to Huesca for more ideas. Here are our favourite day trips.
One quick warning first. A wildfire near Las Peñas de Riglos hit the area in August 2026 and closed several roads. The road to the San Juan de la Peña monasteries stays shut until at least 30 November. Always check road and opening updates before you leave.
Zaragoza: Big-City Sights by Train
Zaragoza is the easiest day trip, because trains from Huesca take about an hour. Check Train Schedules & Buy Tickets on Omio. Services run several times a day, but they are less frequent in the evening. Plans may change, so read our guide to the Renfe refund policy.
Once in Zaragoza, head straight for the BasÃlica del Pilar. Entry is free, and you can pay a small fee for the tower lift. Next, visit the AljaferÃa, an 11th-century Moorish palace. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Mudéjar architecture of Aragon, and it also houses the regional parliament. Opening times can change, so check before you go. Finish with tapas in the old streets of El Tubo. Our guide to where to eat in Zaragoza has more tips.
You can also drive, which takes around an hour by motorway. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Castillo de Loarre: A Romanesque Fortress
The Castillo de Loarre is the star attraction near Huesca. It is about 35 kilometres away, so the drive takes roughly 30 minutes. The castle clings to a steep hillside at around 1,070 metres. Inside, you can walk through the Romanesque church of San Pedro, climb the towers and enjoy huge views over the plain.
The official website is the only place to buy tickets online. Buy your Loarre Castle tickets here. It is wise to book ahead at weekends and in summer. Check the opening days too, because the castle closes on some days outside high season. Then enjoy a coffee in the nearby village of Loarre. Buses do not serve the castle well, so driving is the best option. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Barbastro and Alquézar: Wine and Canyon Views
Barbastro lies about 50 kilometres east of Huesca. The drive takes around 45 minutes. This lively town is the capital of the Somontano wine region. Wander its old streets and look inside the Gothic cathedral. Then stop for lunch with a glass of local red or white. Many bodegas nearby offer tastings, so book a visit in advance if you want one.
After lunch, drive on to Alquézar. This medieval village sits above the Vero river canyon. Its hilltop collegiate church dominates the skyline. Next, follow the wooden walkways along the cliffs for dramatic views. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths can be steep. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Jaca: Mountain Gateway
Jaca is a charming mountain town on the Camino de Santiago. You can learn more about the route in our Camino de Santiago guide. The drive from Huesca takes about an hour. A train is possible, but it takes nearly two hours and runs only twice a day. A car is much easier.
Start with Jaca’s Romanesque cathedral, one of the oldest in Spain. Then walk to the Ciudadela, a star-shaped 16th-century fortress. Soldiers still train in part of it, so check which areas you can visit. Afterwards, relax in the old town with a pastry from a local bakery. Sadly, the popular San Juan de la Peña monasteries are closed for now. You can still continue to Canfranc, about 30 minutes further, to see its grand historic railway station. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
AÃnsa: A Medieval Hilltop Town
AÃnsa is one of the prettiest villages in the Pyrenees. It lies roughly an hour and a half from Huesca by car. Its huge arcaded Plaza Mayor is the heart of the old town. Nearby, the Romanesque church and the castle walls offer views toward the mountains. Visit the small museum inside the castle if you like local history.
Cafés fill the square, so it is a perfect lunch stop. Try local sausages and mountain cheeses. A car gives you the most freedom here, so you may want to hire one. Hire a car with Discovercars. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Torla and Ordesa: A Long Day in the Mountains
Nature lovers should make the longer trip to Torla, which takes about two hours each way. This pretty stone village is the gateway to the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. You can also read our guide to Torla.
From Torla, head into the park for the walk to the Cola de Caballo waterfall. The route follows a river through a deep, forested valley. In busy periods, private cars cannot enter, so you may need to use a shuttle bus. Leave early and bring snacks, water and layers. The weather changes quickly in the mountains. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Whichever trip you pick, Huesca makes a cosy base to come home to. So pack a camera and enjoy the ride!