What to see in Huesca in 5 days
When the scenery you have at your fingertips is the Pyrenees of Huesca and its charming medieval villages, the result is simply a magical experience. Added to all this is a provincial capital where Romanesque and Gothic architectural treasures await you. The paradisiacal valleys of Huesca and its natural parks are the ideal place for hiking and winter sports. The gastronomic richness is very present in each of its localities. Having five days to travel through these lands is a unique opportunity to organize a complete itinerary, in which you can get to know the most emblematic places. Discover with us how to make your trip to Huesca unforgettable.
Itinerary day 1
10.00-11.00
We start in the capital
We advise you 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 a perfect base camp to reach the different points of interest. Start your day in the capital at the Plaza López de Allué, contemplating the facades of this arcaded square. You can get information at the tourist office and do your first gastronomic shopping at Ultramarinos La Confianza, open since 1871.
13.00-14.15
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, especially for its amazing cloister. Here you have to pay special attention to the elaborate capitals of the columns, signed by the Master of San Juan de la Peña. It is a work worthy of admiration, no doubt.
11.15-12.30
Casino of Huesca
This building is also known as Círculo Oscense and is one of the most beloved buildings in the city. Ildefons Bonells built it in 1901 in an attractive modernist style. The exterior façade announces the impressive interior, with the central staircase and the art deco details of its different spaces.
16.30-18.00
Huesca Cathedral
The main temple of the capital is located in the heart of the old town, where the primitive city was settled. It is a magnificent example of Aragonese Gothic, built between the late thirteenth and early sixteenth century. Its colossal façade and sculptures will welcome you. Once inside, you can contemplate the main altarpiece or climb the bell tower, to have an unbeatable view of all Huesca.
19.30-21.00
Miguel Servet Park
The last visit of the day allows you to stroll through the green lung of this city: Miguel Servet Park, with an area of over 70,000 square meters. Here you will see one of the best known symbols of the city, 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 spend the last hours of the day.
21.30-23.30
Tatau
In Tatau you will not have a simple dinner based on tapas, but this Michelin Star restaurant has taken the format of gourmet tapas to another level. A modern atmosphere, with a very peculiar design, will accompany you while you try these original creations washed down with an exquisite glass of Somontano.
14.30-16.00
La Goyosa
We are sure that this first round of sightseeing has whetted your appetite. In the restaurant La Goyosa you will have a first contact with the cuisine of Huesca, really delicious. The mix of flavors and the creativity of its dishes will conquer you completely. A great way to regain strength to attack the afternoon with more desire.
18.30-19.00
Huesca confectionery
Walking through the old town you will be presented with many opportunities to taste the exquisite sweets of Huesca, one of its most typical products. The Russian cake from Pastelería Ascaso, the Huesca bells from Pastelería Soler or the spongy Huesca glorias from Pastelería Ortiz, are known throughout the province. Do not miss your sweet moment and give yourself a little treat or buy a gift for family and friends.
Itinerary day 2
Itinerary day 3
16.00-17.30
Arrival at Alquézar
One of the best options to spend the night is the beautiful village of Alquézar, one of the most charming villages of Huesca. It has exceptionally preserved its medieval quarter, so take a break while you walk through its narrow streets or visit the Castle and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, excellent examples of Romanesque architecture.
21.00-23.00
Casa Pardina
After this intense day, you are surely dreaming of a quiet dinner in Alquézar before going to rest. At Casa Pardina the classic decoration is in tune with the traditional recipes of Huesca's cuisine, with generous portions and some novel touches in the dishes. The panoramic views from its terrace will do the rest.
10.00-15.00
Natural Park of the Sierra and Canyons of Guara
During your second day, the route through the province of Huesca begins. The first stop awaits you an hour's drive from the capital, the Natural Park of the Sierra and Canyons of Guara. This is the largest protected natural area of Aragon, perfect for a first contact with hiking and adventure sports activities. It is characterized by its karstic relief, full of impressive caves and canyons. The Viadello reservoir, the Bierge waterfall, the Peonera canyon for canyoning, the viewpoints and the medieval bridges are just some of its charms. We suggest you to take your lunch with you to make the most of the morning.
18.00-20.00
Pasarelas del Vero
The main attraction of Alquézar are the Pasarelas del Vero. It is a pleasant circular route of 90 minutes, suitable for all ages. Thanks to these walkways you can walk over the Vero River, admiring the last stretch of the canyon with incredible panoramic views and even spotting vultures.
Itinerary day 4
17.00-20.00
Aínsa
Your next destination is located about an hour's drive away, the town of Ainsa. It is considered one of the most amazing villages in Spain. It has an old town declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1964, which has retained all its medieval essence. It is best to walk through its cobbled streets, to visit the Plaza Mayor, the Castle Fortress and its imposing Torre del Homenaje or the Ecomuseum of Fauna. It is one of the star destinations of the whole province, where you will experience a real journey into the past.
20.30-24.00
Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña Hotel
To spend your third night in Huesca, it is best to stay at 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 privileged views of the Pyrenees and its fantastic spa will be the ideal complements for you to relax during your trip. In Marbore, its main restaurant, you will enjoy a five-star dinner between traditional Huesca flavors and more modern recipes.
12.30-15.30
Roda de Isábena
Just 30 kilometers separate Graus from the next town where it is worth stopping, Roda de Isábena. This town is located on a promontory, in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Its most beloved treasure is the Romanesque cathedral, declared a national monument. Just behind it you will find the fortified palace of the Prior, built in the first half of the 16th century. Admire the views that this town offers and take the opportunity to eat at the Hospedería de la Catedral restaurant, where you can taste the grilled veal from the Benasque Valley.
10.00-12.00
Graus
For this day we suggest a route through several of the most beautiful villages of Huesca, very close to each other, until you reach your final destination at the Hotel Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña. The first stop is Graus, just over 50 kilometers from Alquézar. This town still preserves part of its wall, with streets dotted with stone houses and bridges. Don't miss the Plaza Mayor, its main attraction where several architectural styles come together, such as the Mudejar arches of the town hall. How about a good breakfast in the square before continuing?
Itinerary day 5
Itinerary day 6
10.00-15.00
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
By spending the night at the Hotel Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña, you will be practically on the doorstep of this World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Take advantage of all the time you can to discover its secrets, as 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, try the Añisclo canyon to reach the Fon Blanca. The viewpoints of Revilla also offer great views. Prepare your sandwich, backpack, appropriate footwear and start your adventure.
16.00-18.30
Lacuniacha Wildlife Park
Since the day is about natural environments, do not miss this curious park very close to Ordesa and Monte Perdido, in the small village of Piedrafita de Jaca. Here live 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 in this space.
19.30-23.30
Tena Valley
Now there are several possibilities depending on the time of the year. If you travel in winter and you want to ski the best is to stay overnight in Formigal, to take advantage of the following day a full day of snow in the resort of Formigal-Panticosa. If, on the other hand, you travel in spring or summer, you can 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, go for dinner at Vidocq, with a superb wine cellar and product. In Biescas there are several outstanding restaurants, for example La Borda del Bosnerau.
Itinerary day 7
18.30-20.00
Loarre Castle
Spend your last afternoon at 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 ordered to be built by King Sancho III in the 11th century. You will surely get some of the best pictures of your trip in this exceptional construction. Huesca capital is only half an hour away, so we encourage you to put the finishing touch by dining at the Michelin-starred restaurant Lillas Pastia: although the real star of its 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 a fun 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 one of the most impressive in the province of Huesca and is known as "the pearl of the Pyrenees". The Citadel is a military fortress dating from the sixteenth century and is striking for its curious pentagonal plan. There is a drawbridge and the space is full of green areas. Try the delicious 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 it is ski season and you have opted for winter sports, we imagine that you will want to spend the whole day on the fantastic slopes of Formigal-Panticosa, with 176 skiable kilometers spread over six valleys. On the other hand, if your trip takes place in the spring and summer 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 huge zip line located in Hoz de Jaca, the water activities in the Lanuza reservoir or the train ride from Tramacastilla, among many other alternatives.