Aragon
A magical part of Spain
Welcome to red soil country, filled with medieval towns, dragons and absurdly tasty jamon.
Our first trip to the region lasted three days which was enough to cover three great towns in the South: Teruel, Albarracin and Rubielos de Mora.
Check back later this year as we'll definitely go back to visit the North (Zaragoza, Tarazona etc.) and add our recommendations for them here as well.
Bienvenido!
Other Spanish travel blogs: Moraira and the Marina Alta, Formentera, Alpujarras and Granada.
All photos by: https://instagram.com/matsrennstam/
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TERUEL Population 36,000.
Great Mudéjar architecture and the story of Les Amantes.
At an altitude of 1,000 metres above the sea, you'll find a drier climate here than down at the costas, something that works wonders for the local cured ham which is a must taste. It also means it gets a bit colder at night so bring a jumper even though the daytime temperature is roasting.
The main attractions, as well as restaurants and bars, are located within walking distance, so just head out on foot.
Our top recommended stops:
THE MUDÉJAR TOWERS. Torre de El Salvador & San Martín. These impressive towers (four in total) built by the moors are immediately apparent. Tall and intricately patterned with coloured tiles.
LA ESCALINATA. Leading up from the train station to the centre of town are these Mudéjar styled (but built more recently) steps.
PLAZA DE EL TORICO. The main square lined with restaurants and a tiny bull on top of the centred pillar; El Torico. If you only want drinks, get a table before 8PM, after that table cloths will come on and those tables are for food only.
MAUSULEO DE LOS AMANTES / CHURCH OF SAN PEDRO.
"The lovers" is a famous local love story as sad as Romeo and Juliet, but real. The lovers' bodies were exhumed and now Juan Diego de Marcilla and Isabel de Segura lie in sarcophaguses with two beautiful statues above them holding hands. The entrance ticket will also take you to the beautiful San Pedro church, one of the town’s World Heritage sites.
COCKTAILS AT BAR LUVITIEN. Let the incredibly talented bartender, Javier, mix you something as cool as the bar itself.
Albarracín
ALBARRACÍN Population 1,000.
Wander down narrow lanes that haven't changed since medieval times.
Poised above the river Guadalviar, half an hour from Teruel, you will find one of the most picturesque towns of the region. Start at the tourist office for a map and a sheet with opening hours. E.g. the Castillo Musulmán closes at 2PM and opens up again at 6.30PM. Perfect for a long lunch in one of the many restaurants (we opted for a superb Pulpo a la brasa with puree and smoked fish shavings at Senorio de Albarracín). Although small, the town has two churches, one Catedral and the Museo de Albarracín. The main pleasure however is just walking around and head up the medieval town walls pretending you're part of Game of thrones. There are a number of hotels and in hindsight, we would have liked to stay over as it was August and very busy with tourists (who presumably disappear come evening).
Rubielos de Mora
RUBIELOS DE MORA Population 800.
Beautifully restored palacios and cobblestoned narrow streets.
The, bizarrely, similarily named Mora de Rubielos has an impressive enormous palace, but we preferred Rubielos de Mora where you can spend hours wandering the cutesy streets only to stop for a cold Ambar now and then (the Teruel region's preferred cerveza). We unknowingly arrived on the day of the Moors and Christians' festival (end of August) which meant musicians on the streets and traditional dresses adding an extra nice touch to the visit.
It is an easy and very pretty mountainous drive here from Teruel in 45 minutes.
WEATHER
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Other Spanish travel blogs:
- Moraira and the Marina Alta,
- Formentera,
- Alpujarras,
- Granada.
All photos by: https://instagram.com/matsrennstam/
