Best Day Trips from Teruel
Teruel is a great base for day trips. Medieval villages, hilltop castles and even the Mediterranean sit within easy reach. Some places are a short hop away. Others need an early start. Either way, you can return to your hotel for a good dinner. A car gives you the most freedom. If you need one, hire it before you arrive. Hire a car with Discovercars. Our guide to driving in Spanish villages also helps. Here are our favourite trips.
AlbarracÃn: The Pink Medieval Village
AlbarracÃn is the classic day trip, and it deserves its fame. Rose-coloured houses cling to a rocky bend in the Guadalaviar river. Walk the old walls up to the Torre del Andador for sweeping views. Then wander to the Plaza Mayor and look for the blue dome of the cathedral.
The cathedral and the castle, a former Islamic fortress, open only on guided visits. Tours run in Spanish, but audio guides are available at the castle. The Fundación Santa MarÃa de AlbarracÃn runs them, and booking ahead is wise. You can buy tickets online before you go.
The drive from Teruel takes about 40 minutes. Buses also link the two towns, though services are limited. Check times the day before. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Mora de Rubielos: A Castle Fit for a Lord
Mora de Rubielos sits about 40 kilometres from Teruel, in the Sierra de Gúdar. Its big draw is the Castillo de Mora de Rubielos. The Fernández de Heredia family turned it into a grand fortress. Inside, you can explore the lord’s private rooms, the arched courtyard and the cellars.
Guided visits need at least four people. You must also book two days ahead. Otherwise, take the self-guided visit with an audio guide. Afterwards, stroll to the old collegiate church of Santa MarÃa la Mayor, a fine Gothic building.
Driving takes roughly 40 minutes, and free parking sits near the castle. Public transport is limited, so a car works best. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Rubielos de Mora: A Walled Beauty
Just a few minutes beyond Mora, Rubielos de Mora feels like a film set. Old walls, Renaissance manor houses and a Gothic town hall frame the streets. Its careful restoration even won a Europa Nostra prize. Take your time here, because every corner has a surprise.
Art lovers should visit the Museo Salvador Victoria. It fills an 18th-century hospital with contemporary art. The museum opens Thursday to Sunday, so plan your day around that. Also pop into the former Colegiata de Santa MarÃa.
Many visitors combine Mora and Rubielos in one day. The drive from Teruel takes around 45 minutes. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Sagunto: Roman Ruins by the Coast
Fancy a change of scene? Head to Sagunto, near the Valencia coast. The Roman theatre climbs the hillside below the castle. It once held around 8,000 spectators. Next, walk up to the Castillo de Sagunto. Its long walls stretch along the ridge and give wonderful views.
Entry to the theatre and castle has been free in recent years, so check before you go. Add a stroll through the old Jewish quarter, too. Then enjoy a long lunch before you head back.
The train takes about two hours each way, so start early. Check the timetable carefully, as services are limited. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Our guide to using trains in Spain explains the basics. Driving is possible as well. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Valencia: City, Sea and Paella
A day in Valencia makes a big contrast with Teruel. Start at the Mercado Central, one of Europe’s largest fresh food markets. Then head to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Its futuristic buildings look amazing in photos.
If you love sea life, visit the Oceanogrà fic. It is the largest aquarium in Europe. Queues can be long, so buy tickets in advance. Finish with paella, which was born in this region.
This is a long day, so take an early train. The journey takes around 2 hours 20 minutes each way. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. If you prefer, stay overnight and make it a mini break. You can also drive. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Alcañiz: A Castle You Can Sleep In
Alcañiz lies in the Bajo Aragón, about two hours from Teruel by car. The Castillo de los Calatravos crowns the hill, and today it is a Parador hotel. Even non-guests can enjoy the views over the town.
Then walk down to Plaza de España. Here you will find the Gothic Lonja, a 15th-century market hall. The Renaissance town hall stands beside it. Look up at the baroque front of the Colegiata de Santa MarÃa la Mayor, too. Finish with some local almond sweets.
Because the drive is long, leave early. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Each of these trips shows a different side of Aragon and the Valencian coast. For more ideas, read our Aragon travel guide. Pack comfy shoes, grab a map and enjoy the ride.