Aragon

In the north eastern part of Spain, Aragón borders France with the Pyreenes lying between them. It is a region rich in folklore, with rural, mountainside villages renowned for their Romanesque architecture, beautiful valleys and awe-inspiring peaks.

The region can be separated into three different areas: the central area consisting of the Ebro Basin, a vast flat lowland, the northern Pyrenees, and the area made up of the Iberian mountain range in the northwest and southeast of the region. The northernmost province of Huesca is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, a beautiful area with plenty of picturesque towns and villages to visit. It is also good walking country with numerous trails offering anything from short day walks in the valleys to long-distance treks in the mountains. Skiing is popular too. 

Bordering Huesca, the province of Zaragoza is home to the region’s capital, also of the same name. Zaragoza is a lively town with plenty of bars and restaurants, plus numerous museums and architectural treasures. Outside the capital, you’ll find more villages, countryside, and vineyards where the best of the region’s wine is produced; the mapped-out Ruta del Vino will take you through the area. The third province of Teruel is largely comprised of the Iberian mountains, with attractive towns, medieval sights and more dramatic scenery to admire.

Aragon is made up of three provinces: Huesca, Zaragoza and Teruel. 

Places of interest

Aljafería Palace: Spectacular Moorish monument. 

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar: Baroque temple from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Benasque: Attractive alpine town, gateway to the Pyrenees.

Casa-Museo de Goya: Art museum, including engravings by Goya.

Jaca: Home of the country’s oldest Romanesque cathedral.

Monasterio de San Juan de la Peña: 17th-century Baroque monastery and 10th-century monastery in Romanesque style.

Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido: Alpine national park.

Cuisine of the region

Specialities include lamb, locally produced ham and sausages; fruit is also used a lot in desserts.

Chilindrones: Sauce of tomato and pepper.

Frutas de Aragón: Sugar-candied fruits covered in chocolate.

Pollo al chilindrón: Chicken (or lamb) stew with onions, tomatoes and red peppers.

Salmorrejos: Cold soup.

Suspiros de amante: Dessert with cheese and egg.

Ternasco: Roast lamb.

Tortas de alma: Dessert made with pumpkin, honey and sugar.

Trenza de Almudévar: Dessert with nuts and raisins soaked in liqueur.