March 18 is World Dream Day, so from Go Aragón we launch the question: what better place to dream than Aragón? We recommend 10 places and dream plans that can become reality to visit them.
1. Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
Located in the central Pyrenees of Huesca in the region of Sobrarbe and declared National Heritage by UNESCO, the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido is the set of four valleys: Ordesa, Añisclo, Escuaíny Pineta. The National Park is also doubly protected, as it is included in the UNESCO World Geopark of Sobrarbe-Pyrenees.
A Pyrenean jewel that treasures several three-thousanders such as Monte Perdido (3,355m) or Marboré. In addition to its rich landscape, this natural site has a varied ecosystem composed of waterfalls, waterfalls of great beauty such as the Cola de Caballo or the Gradas de Soaso, and surrounding villages full of charm as Torla, Tella, Broto or Bielsa.
2. Albarracín, a fairy-tale place
This medieval town in Teruel was declared a National Monument in 1961 and its candidacy is proposed to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its historical-cultural heritage preserves 14th century walls, the Episcopal palace, the castle, different towers (the Andador or the Muela), the Cathedral of the Savior and the Town Hall. In addition to these emblematic buildings, walking through the streets of the Middle Ages is a must, so do not forget to wear good shoes to wander through its steep slopes. This town in Teruel is one of the most beautiful towns in Aragon and also in Spain.
Teruel has seven villages among the most beautiful according to the Asociación Pueblos Bonitos de España.
Combine this visit with nature, walk the Guadalaviar water trail, an easy route that offers beautiful views. The town of Lobet offers a number of active tourism activities where you can practice trekking, mountain biking, canyoning, balloon rides or horseback riding.
In the mountain range of the same name, you will find the source of the Tagus River, the longest river in Spain whose mouth is in Lisbon.
3. Valderrobres, the jewel of Matarraña
Declared a Historic Site, the capital of the Matarraña region is characterized by its medieval streets. The church of Santa Maria, one of the greatest exponents of Gothic architecture in Aragon, connects with the treasure of the town, the castle-palace of Valderrobres. Seal of quality with the mark of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain, its dreamy photograph, with the imposing castle in the background, has made it the scene of a Christmas advertisement for the multinational chocolates company Ferrero Rocher.
Very close to Valderrobres, you can enjoy the nature of the crystal clear waters of the Matarraña, the river that gives its name to the region. Enjoy the route of the footbridges of El Parrizal, in the town of Beceite.
4. Monastery of San Juan de la Peña
A mandatory stop if you visit Jaca is the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña. Nestled on the northern slope of the same name, it is considered the cradle of the Kingdom of Aragon, as well as a site frequented by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Source of mysteries and legends, this magical place will fascinate you with its combination of history, nature and culture.
5.Monastery of Piedra, where art and nature converge
An amalgam of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, this monastery was founded by Cistercian monks. It has a park built by Juan Federico Muntadas playing with the waterfalls of the Piedra River. 5 kilometers of paths with trees, waterfalls and caves, this natural place hides a spectacular waterfall of 50 meters high: the Cola de Caballo (Horse’s Tail). After an intense day combining nature, art and architecture, spend the night in your magical hotel.
6. Festival of the Lovers of Teruel
Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, the Lovers of Teruel brings together people from all over the world in a unique event. During a weekend in February, the town goes back to the 12th century to relive the tragic and beautiful story of Isabel de Segura and Diego de Marcilla. Characters dressed in period costumes walk through the historic center of Teruel mimicking the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Take the opportunity to visit the Mudejar artistic heritage declared a World Heritage Site with its staircase, the towers of El Salvador or the Cathedral of Teruel. In addition, this weekend is an excellent opportunity to taste the Denomination of Origin of Teruel Ham.
7. Tapas route through El Tubo de Zaragoza
A gastronomic offer not to be missed in Aragon is the famous tapas route through El Tubo. In addition, this year Zaragoza becomes the Ibero-American capital of sustainable gastronomy, so you can enjoy delicious, tasty, healthy and sustainable tapas, as well as other events related to gastronomy.
In the heart of the historic center of Zaragoza, in its narrow streets there is a hive of people who continue their route from bar to bar tasting the most traditional tapas to the most avant-garde. The itinerary begins on Estébanes street with bars such as Bodegas Almau, La Ternasca or El Truco. If you continue down the street, you will find classics such as El Champi with its traditional mushroom montados or Taberna Doña Casta, where its croquettes take center stage. There are many bars to be found in El Tubo, but the best way to discover them is to wander through these lively streets.
8. Pirineos Sur, feel the music in a magical environment
The village of Lanuza, with barely two hundred inhabitants, was expropriated last century for the construction of a reservoir that was to flood the town center. Today, on the Lanuza reservoir, in the heart of the Pyrenees, there is a stage that brings together numerous artists from all over the world. A unique festival that combines concerts, exhibitions, workshops, markets and parades during two weeks of summer. Enjoy music and culture in a bucolic setting.
Very close to Lanuza, is the town of Sállent de Gállego. If you visit this town, do not hesitate to eat and stay at the Hotel Balaitus, a place full of history where skiing was born. Cozy and familiar, this place will make you feel at home.
9. Loarre Castle: a film set
Set on a limestone promontory, the Romanesque fortress of the eleventh century. Considered the best preserved Romanesque castle in the world, it is one of the gateways to the Pyrenees. Scenery of many feature films, the photography offered by this fortress is perfect for setting period films. This was the case of The Kingdom of Heaven, where actors such as Orlando Bloom, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson and Eva Green filmed it.
If you have the opportunity, do not hesitate to visit Los Mallos de Riglos, vertical limestone walls that reach 300 meters high and whose formation dates back to the tertiary age of the earth. A paradise for birds and climbers, this environment is especially beautiful at sunset.
10. Planetarium and Tears of San Lorenzo in Huesca
Located in the facilities of the Walqa technology park, the Planetarium of Aragon is a space for children and adults to discover the cosmos and astronomy. An open window to the universe with didactic exhibitions, three telescopes that will bring you closer to the galaxies, or a globe of 10 meters in diameter. Come and discover the surprises of the immensity of the universe.
One of the surprises that awaits you are the Tears of San Lorenzo. If you pass through Huesca in August, do not hesitate to enjoy a magical night. The Perseids are one of the most amazing astronomical phenomena. Take a seat and get ready to watch how 200 meteors per hour streak across the summer sky in a clean and pure atmosphere. All your wishes will surely come true. Discover the best places for astro-tourism in Aragon.
