The Mesa and Piedra valleys offer a two-day getaway featuring thermal waters, striking landscapes and historic heritage. Alhama de Aragón, Jaraba, Nuévalos and the Monasterio de Piedra make up a route that combines relaxation, gastronomy and nature without venturing too far from Zaragoza.
Just over an hour from Zaragoza, the Calatayud region is home to some of the province’s most distinctive landscapes. Water has played a central role in this area for centuries, carving deep gorges, feeding thermal springs and creating natural settings that contrast with the dry terrain found across much of inland Aragon.
The area offers an appealing combination of wellness tourism, historic heritage and nature. Its spas are part of a tradition dating back to antiquity, while towns such as Alhama de Aragón, Jaraba and Nuévalos offer the chance to explore small communities whose identity is closely tied to their natural resources.
We propose a two-day trip to explore some of its leading attractions, enjoy a thermal bath and visit one of Aragon’s best-known natural sites: the Monasterio de Piedra. The itinerary can be enjoyed for much of the year and is especially appealing in summer, when longer days make it easier to make the most of each stop.
Day one: the thermal waters of Alhama de Aragón
The trip begins in Alhama de Aragón, a town about 110 kilometers from Zaragoza that has built much of its identity around its thermal springs. Its waters have been known since Roman times and, over the centuries, helped foster a major spa industry that continues to attract visitors seeking rest and wellness.
The town center preserves buildings that recall its historic past, including the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady and the tower of the former castle. It is worth spending some time strolling through its streets before heading to one of the town’s main tourist attractions: the thermal lake at Termas Pallarés.
This site offers one of the most distinctive experiences available in Zaragoza province. It is a natural lake of approximately two hectares, fed by mineral-medicinal springs that emerge at around 32 degrees Celsius. The water remains pleasantly warm year-round, allowing visitors to swim even outside the summer season.
The lake lies within the Termas Pallarés complex, surrounded by gardens and historic buildings linked to Alhama’s spa tradition. Visitors should check opening hours, rates and access conditions in advance, especially on summer weekends.
Jaraba, a town among springs and towering rock walls
After lunch, the route continues to Jaraba, another town historically associated with the use of mineral-medicinal waters. The town is located in the Mesa River valley, surrounded by limestone cliffs and riverside vegetation that rank among its main attractions.
Jaraba has a long spa tradition. Its springs encouraged the development of establishments devoted to relaxation and mineral-water treatments, turning the town into one of Aragon’s best-known spa destinations.
The Mesa Gorges, one of the region’s great natural landscapes
Over time, the Mesa River has carved a deep corridor between limestone rock walls, creating one of the Calatayud region’s most spectacular landscapes. The Mesa Gorges stand out for their sheer rock formations, riverine vegetation and the presence of birds of prey that find shelter on the cliffs.
There are several ways to explore the area, including access to the Vulture Viewpoint from Calmarza, but it is essential to check trail conditions in advance and follow guidance from local authorities and the tourism office.
Day two: Nuévalos and the La Tranquera Reservoir landscape
The second day heads toward Nuévalos, a town that has become one of the province’s most recognizable tourist destinations thanks to its proximity to the Monasterio de Piedra.
Before visiting the monastery, it is worth stopping in the area around the La Tranquera Reservoir. This broad expanse of water, set among slopes and low hills, offers a landscape very different from the Mesa gorges. The reservoir’s scale and the changing hues of its waters create a particularly appealing setting in the early morning.
The Monasterio de Piedra, a garden of waterfalls in the heart of Aragon
Few places in Zaragoza province offer such a striking contrast as the Monasterio de Piedra. In a region dominated by dry landscapes, the Piedra River has shaped a setting of waterfalls, grottoes, lakes and abundant vegetation that stands as one of Aragon’s foremost natural attractions.
The appeal of the Monasterio de Piedra extends beyond its park. The monumental complex dates back to the founding of a Cistercian community in the late 12th century and preserves spaces that offer a glimpse into medieval monastic life.
The cloister, chapter house and former religious quarters recall the monastery’s historical importance, completing a visit in which heritage and nature are part of the same experience.
A getaway to savor at the table, too
The route through Alhama de Aragón, Jaraba and Nuévalos also offers an excellent opportunity to discover the cuisine of the Calatayud region. Local establishments maintain a culinary tradition rooted in local products and traditional Aragonese recipes, with offerings that round out days of sightseeing and relaxation.
The region also has an important winemaking tradition. The Calatayud Designation of Origin is particularly known for wines made from Garnacha, a grape variety that finds distinctive conditions in the area’s high-altitude vineyards.
Two days to discover another side of Zaragoza
The Mesa and Piedra valleys bring together an unusual combination of tourism resources. Thermal waters, small towns, gorges, reservoirs and medieval heritage are all located within relatively short distances, making it easy to organize a getaway without extensive travel.
Alhama de Aragón offers a starting point for enjoying its spa tradition; Jaraba provides a distinctive landscape and an opportunity to discover the close relationship between water and the history of its inhabitants; and Nuévalos, with the Monasterio de Piedra as its main landmark, completes the route with one of Aragon’s leading natural and heritage sites.
