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 Mallos de Riglos, Aragon.
Introduction
Aragon is the fourth largest Spanish autonomous community and one of the least densely populated. Over half of its population of 1.3 million lives in the regional capital, Zaragoza.
Aragon is a region of contrasts, ranging from the glaciers and verdant valleys of the Pyrenees to rich pasture lands and orchards, through to the arid steppe plains of the central lowlands.
Cuisine
As it to be expected from a landlocked region, meat features high in Aragonese cuisine. Game, such as partridge, rabbit, deer, and wild boar are popular, although river fish (trout, eel) are also eaten. Other specialties include roast lamb, pollo al chilindrón (a chicken stew cooked with onions, tomatoes and red peppers), and chireta ("Aragonse haggis", found in the Pyrenees). Teruel is renowned for its arbiello and longaniza sausages and its jamón serrano (dry-cured ham).
There are four appellations of Aragonese wines: Calatayud, Campo de Borja, Cariñena, and Somontano.
Famous people from Aragon include (chronologically): the painter Francisco Goya, and the neuroscientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal (Nobel Prize, dubbed the father of modern neuroscience).
Attractions
North
| Loarre Castle |
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 Perched atop a rocky outcrop 1,070 metres above sea level, Loarre Castle stands as one of the oldest and best-preserved Romanesque fortresses in the country. Built in 1020 and expanded throughout the 11th century, this unconquered fortress features an impressive double wall system with cylindrical towers, the 31-metre-high Tower of Homage, and the remarkable Church of San Pedro with its distinctive apse. The castle's strategic position offers panoramic views of the Pyrenees and Zaragoza plains, whilst the surrounding area is home to diverse wildlife including bearded vultures, griffon vultures, eagles, foxes, and wild boars. The castle gained additional fame as a filming location for the 2005 epic film 'Kingdom of Heaven', and visitors can explore its ancient stone corridors, climb the main towers, and discover the intricate Romanesque architectural details that have remained largely unchanged since its construction. |
| Mallos de Riglos |
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 The Mallos de Riglos are dramatic 300-metre-high conglomerate rock formations located 45 km northwest of Huesca. These reddish-coloured cliffs, formed when eroded Pyrenean material became cemented with limestone, are internationally renowned for rock climbing, with over 200 established routes. The area hosts one of Europe's largest vulture colonies, particularly at the "Vulture Wall". The village of Riglos sits beneath these towering formations and features the 17th-century church of Nuestra Señora del Mallo and a 12th-century Romanesque chapel. The surrounding region offers activities like hiking, with the popular 5.5 km circular "Vuelta a los Mallos de Riglos" trail1, and various adventure sports including rafting and canyoning on the nearby Gállego River. Local cuisine remains true to Aragonese traditions, featuring dishes like chiretas (stuffed lamb intestines) and ajoarriero, complemented by regional wines. |
Other attractions
 Huesca
 Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park
Torla
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Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park |
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 Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, established in 1918, is the second oldest national park in Spain and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The park features spectacular glacial valleys, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls, and impressive peaks, including Monte Perdido, which at 3,355 metres is the third highest mountain in the Pyrenees and the highest limestone mountain in Europe. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems with over 150 species of animals and 106 types of birds whilst enjoying activities such as hiking to the famous Cola de Caballo waterfall, rock climbing, or visiting the dramatic Añisclo Canyon with its vertical walls and deep ravines. The park's rich biodiversity, pristine natural landscapes, and well-maintained trail network attract more than 600,000 visitors annually, making it one of Spain's most popular national parks. |
| Posets-Maladeta Nature Park |
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Established in 1994, Posets-Maladeta Natural Park spans 33,440 hectares in northeastern Spain's Pyrenees, featuring 279 named mountains and 13 distinct glaciers that represent Europe's southernmost permanent ice caps. The park's crown jewel is Pico de Aneto, standing at 3,404 metres as the highest peak in the Pyrenees, though it wasn't conquered until 1842 by Platon de Tchihatcheff. The landscape ranges from heavily forested valleys at 1,500 metres, populated with birch and hazelnut trees, to alpine zones where visitors can spot wildlife such as wild boar, golden eagles, and bearded vultures. The park offers numerous hiking trails, including the family-friendly Aiguallut plain trail, which features a mysterious waterfall that disappears into a chasm before resurfacing in the Arán Valley. The area has historically supported local communities through livestock farming and agriculture, with traditional crops including potatoes and sweet corn in the western regions. The park encompasses five municipalitiesBenasque, Gistaín, Montanuy, Sahún, and San Juan de Planand contains over one hundred mountain lakes, locally known as 'ibons'. |
| Alquézar |
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 Alquézar is a medieval village named after the Arabic word for fortress (al qaçr), which grew around a 9th-century Moorish castle that later became the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria. The village, recently recognised as one of the 32 most beautiful towns globally by UNESCO, features labyrinthine medieval streets with unique 'callizos' (covered passageways) that once allowed residents to traverse the entire village without touching the ground. Located in the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park, it offers activities like canyoning, rock climbing, and hiking, whilst the surrounding area contains over 60 limestone caves with prehistoric paintings, earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998. The village is part of the Somontano wine region, known for its robust reds and delicate rosés, and visitors can sample local delicacies such as migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo) and ternasco (roasted lamb). Remarkably, the village experienced a renaissance after near-abandonment in the 1950s and 1960s, transforming from having just one restaurant to boasting 17 restaurants, multiple hotels, and 60 tourist apartments. |
Centre
| Saragossa (Zaragoza) ※ |
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 Zaragoza, Spain's oldest settlement dating back to 24 BCE, was originally named after Caesar Augustus and showcases a remarkable blend of Roman, Moorish, and Renaissance influences. The city features well-preserved Roman ruins, including one of Spain's largest Roman theatres from the 1st century CE. The Stone Bridge, spanning the Ebro River since Roman times, connects the historic centre to modern districts. The city's rich cultural heritage is exemplified by its connection to Francisco de Goya, one of Spain's most celebrated painters who was born nearby. Zaragoza's culinary scene is renowned for its ternasco (milk-fed lamb), unique local vegetable borrajas (borage), and traditional migas made from sautéed breadcrumbs. The city gained international recognition when it hosted Expo 2008, focused on water and sustainable development, which left a legacy of innovative architecture. The Grande Jose Antonio Labordeta park stands out as the city's main green space, featuring diverse gardens, fountains and viewing points. |
Other attractions
 Calatayud
Fraga
 Cervera de la Canyada
Tobed
South
| Albarracín |
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Perched on a rocky promontory carved by the Guadalaviar River, Albarracín is a medieval town with distinctive pink-hued houses and overhanging wooden balconies. The town, named after the Hawwara Berber dynasty of Banu Razin, was an independent lordship from 1167 to 1300 before being incorporated into the Kingdom of Aragon. Its surrounding red sandstone cliffs are a popular destination for rock climbing and bouldering, whilst the area offers scenic hiking trails and waterfalls. The town's gastronomy reflects its multicultural heritage, with Muslim-influenced desserts like almojábanas (fluffy doughnuts) alongside traditional dishes such as migas, local trout, and lamb prepared with regional herbs. Notable landmarks include the 10th-century Torre del Andador (the town's highest viewpoint), medieval walls offering panoramic vistas, and a 16th-century cathedral that underwent two decades of painstaking restoration. The area is also known for its mushroom hunting in the Albarracín Community Mycological Park, and the town hosts annual gastronomic events celebrating truffles and wild mushrooms. |
Other attractions
Daroca
La Fresneda
| Teruel ※ |
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Teruel is renowned for its remarkable Mudejar architecture, a unique blend of Islamic and Gothic styles that earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The city's skyline is dominated by stunning towers, including Torre de El Salvador and Torre de San Martín, featuring intricate designs and colourful tiles. The city centre houses the Mausoleum of the Lovers, commemorating the tragic 13th-century tale of Diego and Isabel, whose story has inspired numerous works of art. Beyond architecture, Teruel offers the Dinópolis theme park and is celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, particularly the Protected Designation of Origin Jamón de Teruel (cured ham) produced from local Duroc pigs at high altitudes. The surrounding landscape includes the Sierra de Albarracín mountains, whilst the city played a pivotal role in Spanish history, notably during the fierce Battle of Teruel in the Spanish Civil War from December 1937 to February 1938. |
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: Local interest
: Moderately interesting
: Outstanding place
: Must-see in the country
: Top cities in Europe