What to see in Huesca in 4 days
If you have a few days off and you are thinking of taking the car and break the routine, Huesca can be a great option. The distances between the main points of interest are very short, ideal for organizing a complete itinerary. You can quickly go from visiting the architectural treasures of the capital to immersing yourself in its natural parks. Along the way you will stop in some of the most beautiful villages in Spain, enjoying its medieval past and discovering the best gastronomic products of the region. Don’t miss any detail of our guide and hit the road.
Itinerary day 1
10.00-11.00
We start in Huesca capital
It is best to spend the first day of your route in the city of Huesca, as it is located right in the center of the province and is perfect for reaching other points of interest. Start your tour in the Plaza López de Allué, an arcaded square with striking facades. In addition, here you will also find the tourist office and do your first gastronomic shopping at Ultramarinos La Confianza, open since 1871.
11.15-12.30
Monastery of San Pedro “El Viejo”
This Romanesque jewel is located very close to the Plaza Lópes de Allué and dates from the 12th century. It is one of the most famous monuments of Huesca and you can not miss its superb cloister. You have to take a good look at the elaborate capitals of the columns, signed by the Master of San Juan de la Peña. It is one of the obligatory stops in the city.
13.00-14.00
Casino of Huesca
This building is also known as Círculo Oscense and is one of the most beloved buildings among the locals. The Catalan architect Ildefons Bonells built it in 1901, with an attractive modernist design. The exterior facade already prepares us for the impressive interior, with the central staircase and the art deco details of its different spaces.
14.30-16.00
Las Torres Restaurant
Huesca is full of great restaurants that work with the most coveted local products. One of the most recommendable is Restaurante Las Torres, run by the Abadía brothers. In their menu you will discover a wonderful signature cuisine, with the gastronomy of Huesca as the absolute protagonist. A real luxury for the senses in a very unique space.
16.30-18.00
Huesca Cathedral
In the heart of the old town stands the colossal cathedral, where the primitive city was settled. This construction is a magnificent example of Aragonese Gothic, dating from the late thirteenth century and early sixteenth century. Its imposing façade and sculptures are in charge of welcoming you. Once inside you can contemplate the main altarpiece or climb the bell tower, to have one of the best possible panoramic views.
19.30-21.00
Miguel Servet Park
The green lung of this city is the Miguel Servet Park, with an area of more than 70,000 square meters. Here is one of the fundamental symbols of Huesca, the sculpture of Las Pajaritas by Ramón Acín. The large pond, the bandstand, Snow White's little house or the more than 60 species of trees complete the attractions of this park where you can stroll while the late afternoon is running.
21.30-23.30
Tatau
In Tatau you will not have a simple tapas dinner, but this Michelin Star restaurant has taken the gourmet tapas format to a new level. A modern atmosphere and a very peculiar decoration will accompany you while you try these original creations, washed down with a great glass of Somontano.
Itinerary day 2
10.00-16.00
Alquézar
The charming village of Alquézar is located less than 50 kilometers from the capital. It has completely preserved its medieval quarter, so relax, stroll through its narrow streets or visit the Castle and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, examples of Romanesque architecture. Do not forget the main attraction of Alquézar: the Pasarelas del Vero. It is a pleasant 90-minute circular route, suitable for all ages. Thanks to these footbridges you will be able to walk over the river, contemplating the last stretch of the canyon with breathtaking panoramic views. For lunch we recommend Casa Pardina, where you will savor the traditional recipes of Huesca's cuisine.
17.30-20.00
Aínsa
Your next destination is located about an hour's drive away, the town of Ainsa. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, with an old town declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1964 that retains its medieval essence. It is best to wander through its cobbled streets to reach the Plaza Mayor, the Castle Fortress and its imposing Torre del Homenaje or the Ecomuseum of Fauna. It is one of the star destinations in the province, a real journey into the past.
20.30-24.00
Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña Hotel
For your second night in Huesca we suggest the Hotel Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña, less than 10 minutes drive from Aínsa. It has an idyllic location in the old Monastery of Boltaña, on the banks of the Ara River. Its views of the Pyrenees and its fantastic spa will be the perfect complements for you to indulge yourself during your trip. In Marbore, its main restaurant, you will have a five-star dinner between classics from Huesca and more modern recipes.
Itinerary day 3
10.00-15.00
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
Spending the night at the Hotel Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña, you will be at the gates of this World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. There are trails and itineraries for all tastes and levels. The Cola de Caballo route is one of the most popular, passing by several waterfalls. The Fajas de Pelay offer a spectacular aerial panorama of the valley. If you are in good shape, you can go along the Añisclo canyon, which reaches the Fon Blanca. The viewpoints of Revilla also have very good views. Prepare your sandwich, backpack, appropriate footwear and you will be ready for the excursion.
16.00-18.30
Lacuniacha Wildlife Park
Today the day will be about natural environments, so you can not miss this forest near Ordesa and Monte Perdido, in the small village of Piedrafita de Jaca. It is home to a total of 15 species in a state of semi-freedom, such as deer, mouflon, European bison, boreal lynx, bears and Iberian wolves. It is a very good opportunity to learn about the different ecosystems that coexist here.
19.30-23.30
Tena Valley
Now you can consider several possibilities depending on the time of year. If you travel in winter and you want to ski, it is best to stay overnight in Formigal, to take advantage of a full day of snow the next day in the resort of Formigal-Panticosa. If, on the other hand, it is spring or summer, we suggest you spend the night in Biescas. Thus, the next day you will be able to do some of the many activities offered by the Tena Valley when it is not ski season. If you stay in Formigal, we encourage you to dine at Vidocq, with an excellent wine cellar and product. In Biescas there are several great restaurants, such as La Borda del Bosnerau.
Itinerary day 4
18.30-20.00
Loarre Castle
On your last afternoon we recommend you to visit the Loarre Castle, an hour's drive from Jaca. It is the best preserved Romanesque castle in Europe, located more than 1000 meters above sea level. It was built by order of King Sancho III in the 11th century. You will surely get some of the best pictures of your trip in this exceptional construction. In addition Huesca capital is only half an hour away, so put the finishing touch by dining at the Michelin-starred restaurant Lillas Pastia. Although here the real star of the dishes is the black truffle, one of the most coveted products of Huesca's gastronomy.
14.00-17.00
Jaca
When your plans do not include an intense day in the snow, you can take the opportunity to have lunch and visit Jaca, just half an hour drive from the valley. This town is known as "the pearl of the Pyrenees". The Citadel is a military fortress dating from the sixteenth century and you will be struck by its peculiar pentagonal plan. There is also a drawbridge and the space is full of green areas. Try the juicy grilled meats at the Biarritz restaurant or go to the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, where many of the kings of Aragon are buried.
10.00-13.00
Tena Valley
If you opt for winter sports, we imagine you'll want to make the most of a full day on the extensive slopes of Formigal-Panticosa, with 176 skiable kilometers spread over six valleys. If you're in the warmer months, the options in the Tena Valley are also very numerous: a hiking route to the Ibón de Espelunciecha, taking the Panticosa cable car for a panoramic tour, the enormous zip line located in Hoz de Jaca, the water activities at the Lanuza reservoir or the train ride from Tramacastilla are just some of the alternatives.