Are you staying in the Aragonese Pyrenees and want to discover the region’s historical and natural heritage? Here are the 15 most beautiful villages in Aragon!
Wild and still mysterious, Aragon is a region to discover. Located on the other side of the Pyrenees, it boasts remarkable mountains and valleys. You’ll find many villages steeped in history and charm.
Do you dream of immersing yourself in a new facet of Spain? Whether in the provinces of Zaragoza, Huesca or Teruel… Here are the most beautiful villages in Aragon!
1. Albarracín
Right in the heart of the Albarracín mountain range, a fortified village of rosy hues blends into the landscape. It was built by the Moors in the 10th century, then rebuilt by the Catholics in the 14th. This blend of influences can be felt everywhere, from the Arab ramparts to the Christian tapestries in the cathedral.
But beyond the beauty of its ancient stones, Albarracín is also worth a visit for its environment. The multicolored sierra is pierced by caves, in which engravings dating back to the Upper Paleolithic can be found.
2. Alquezar
As soon as you arrive in Alquezar, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most beautiful villages in Aragon. Its collegiate castle dominates the valley from the edge of a canyon. Further down, the narrow streets are a mess.
Visiting them is like stepping back in time. Studded doors, emblazoned facades, limestone vaults… But visiting Alquezar also means discovering its exceptional surroundings! All around, the famous Sierra de Guara and its lush gorges are hidden in the desert landscape.
3. Valderrobres
It would be a shame to take a tour of the most beautiful villages in Aragon and miss Valderrobles. This pretty medieval village in the province of Teruel is one of the most pleasant to visit. Its stone streets are full of nooks and surprises.
Cross the medieval bridge and pass through the Portal de San Roque to reach the two main monuments. The church and the Gothic castle are well worth a visit. The Matarraña comarca stretches out all around you. You’ll soon understand why this region is sometimes referred to as Spain’s Tuscany!
4. Lanuza
If Lanuza is one of the most beautiful villages in Aragon, it’s above all for its exceptional environment. It lies at the heart of the Tena Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Here, wild forests, lakes and rugged rocky peaks form the landscape.
The Río Gállego flows at the foot of Lanuza, enriching its atmosphere. The steep streets, framed by charming stone and slate houses, are a delight to wander through. The beauty of the village and the striking beauty of the surrounding countryside combine to perfection!
5. Santa Cruz de la Serós
With its stone houses and slate roofs, Santa Cruz de la Serós has all the hallmarks of a typical Aragonese village. Its quiet, old-fashioned atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a stroll.
Visit the Romanesque church, a fine vestige of an 11th-century convent that was very prominent in Spain. A beautiful road then leads you to the monastery of San Juan de la Peña, part of which is carved into the rock. Several Spanish kings are buried in this splendid pantheon…
6. Puertomingalvo
Want to discover an authentic Aragonese village? Puertomingalvo is one of those Spanish villages that seems to have been frozen in time.
In addition to the vernacular architecture of its pretty alleyways, there are a number of monuments worth a visit. Most are made from the same ochre stone as the houses, giving Puertomingalvo its unity.
Don’t miss a visit to the castle-fortress. Its tower houses a small ethnographic museum that will take you back in time!
7. Berdún
Located on the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, Berdún offers a picturesque setting. Its pretty alleyways are full of welcome points for pilgrims, but also for those wishing to visit the region.
There’s no shortage of places to visit in the surrounding area, including the Hecho valley and the San Juan de la Peña monastery. It’s an ideal base between the province of Huesca and nearby Navarre.
8. Aínsa
Nestled in the Ordesa National Park, Aínsa is easily one of the most beautiful villages in Aragon, and even in the Pyrenees! This ancient fortified town was at the height of its prosperity between the 11th and 16th centuries. The remains of its ramparts, its fine stone buildings and its Romanesque church bear witness to this.
Today, its doors are open to visitors wishing to rest after a hike in the heights of the Montañesa peña, the backdrop to Aínsa…
9. Sos del Rey Católico
Sos del Rey Católico… What history lies behind this name? This is the village where Ferdinand the Catholic was born, the man who wanted to unite Spain with Queen Isabella of Castile. This ancient medieval town is a must-see if you want to visit the most beautiful villages in Aragon!
Its pretty cobbled streets will lead you to the 12th-century keep, the Sada palace and the church of San Esteban. Don’t miss a visit to the crypt, with its superb 14th-century frescoes.
10. Agüero
Once you’ve seen it for yourself, it’s hard to forget Agüero’s distinctive silhouette. It’s the mallos, huge fingers of sedimentary rock, that give this Aragonese village its character.
Not only for climbing enthusiasts, but also for history buffs… Agüero is an ancient medieval bastide town. It has preserved some interesting vestiges of that era.
11. Calaceite
Calaceite has a typically Spanish old-fashioned charm. Less touristy than most of the other Aragonese villages in this top list, it nevertheless boasts a highly interesting architectural heritage. But a visit to Calaceite also opens up a little-known chapter in Spanish history…
Discover the Iberian village of San Antonio, occupied since the 6th century BC. And don’t miss the Juan Cabré archaeological museum. It’s a must-see if you want to delve into the origins of the region.
12. Ansó
Ansó sits enthroned in the middle of the valley of the same name. This pretty village is a delight to explore. In addition to its traditional Pyrenean architecture, it offers a unique insight into the region. Visit the Ansotano Costume Museum, which pays tribute to traditional local dress.
Ansó is surrounded by a rich natural heritage. From the Parc Naturel des Vallées Occidentales to the Oza forest, from the Roncal valley to the Boca del Infierno… there’s no shortage of ways to get away from it all!
13. Torla
It’s hard to imagine a more bucolic place than Torla. This small Pyrenean village is nestled against the immense Mondarruego cliff, in the heart of the Ordesa National Park. It offers a panorama whose beauty has the effect of a sledgehammer…
It’s an ideal base for hiking on this remarkable site! You’ll find a peaceful atmosphere and a number of interesting historical relics. In particular, we recommend a visit to the abbey, which houses an ethnological museum.
14. Roda de Isábena
If it’s one of the most beautiful villages in Aragon, it’s because this tiny bastide has what it takes to excite the imagination. The complex doesn’t go beyond the ramparts, which encircle a rocky outcrop.
Inside, there’s no shortage of architectural treasures. San Vincente Cathedral is the oldest in Aragon and the smallest in Spain. It contains remarkable works of art, such as the polychrome bas-reliefs in the crypt and the frescoes in the cloister. A real invitation to take a stroll!
15. Benasque
Although it doesn’t have much charm, Benasque is an ideal destination for mountain activities.
It lies at the foot of high mountains, in the Posets-Maladeta Nature Park in the eastern Aragonese Pyrenees. The park boasts glacial lakes, beautiful waterfalls and numerous spots for mountaineering, climbing and skiing.
In the heart of Benasque, the atmosphere is particularly pleasant. A welcome stopover for sports enthusiasts!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Aragon