Getting off the beaten track in any country is enriching; in Spain, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find untouched old towns that give you a sense of adventure. The well-travelled coasts, the big cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla, the foodie spots of the Basque Country and Galicia and the well traversed Andalusian old towns in the south of Jerez, Cadiz, Cordoba and Granada. Those places are great, we’re in Spain after all and there’s a reason why millions flock each year to those great places but head inland and you’ll be rewarded. A weekend in Aragon could be plenty more if you want to – the landscapes, old towns and villages, the authenticity and the bigger cities surrounding all make a week’s trip to Aragon well worth it.
Let’s start with the track’s surrounding areas; Zaragoza is the capital of Aragon and Spain’s sixth-biggest city. Far away from the coasts of Catalunya and still way over 300km from the sprawling metropolis of Madrid, this isolated city is your gateway to a weekend in Aragon. The enormous Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar dominates the skyline whilst like any Spanish city, there’re plenty of squares to get parked up on – including the main one of the same name – and enjoy quality food and drinks, usually for a little bit cheaper than the other major tourists cities in the country.
48 hours in Zaragoza is an ideal way to start your Aragon trip but what about when you’re here for the weekend? Alcañiz is going to be a place where you spend some time; tracing its roots back to the Islamic Period in Spain and the town as we know it now is over 850 years old. With just over 15,000 residents, there are roughly 36,000 visitors a year, serving as an ideal place to stay for not just the MotoGP event but also wider adventure travel, hiking and taking in the unique scenery around. As far as nightlife goes, Alcañiz comes alive during the MotoGP weekend with the tapas bars and restaurants brimmed with people. Likewise cheap and stunning quality, you really can’t go wrong. A couple of our favourites for you include La Esquinita de Boltaña and Bar Venecia.
Alcañiz doesn’t end the Aragon trip; Teruel – the province it sits in – also has a city of the same name and that place is the capital of the region and for good reason, with Roman Ruins and an old which is rather wonderful too. However, a true highlight is Albarracin, the National Monument-declared hilltop top-valley surrounded town, 40 minutes from Teruel and 2 hours south from Alcañiz. Postcard mountainous Spain at its best. Less than 1000 people live there, yet close to half a million visit but for good reason with the nearby Pinares de Rodeno being a rock-climbing haven. Other towns to consider visiting include Valderrobes, Calaceite and Batea, all historic settlements that all offer accommodation and access to MotorLand Aragon.
Top tips for when you come; a little Spanish goes a long way! English isn’t widely spoken, even in Alcañiz but some Spanish and you’ll be just grand. Cars are necessary – whether that’s your own, a rental or a taxi, you’re going to need wheels to move about Aragon. In Alcañiz, there is no train station – the nearest is Caspe some 30km away – and if you’re relying on public transport, then you’re going to need buses. Teruel does have a train station which connects it with Valencia and Zaragoza so if you’re doing the public transport option, that may be your best bet. Another tip is to carry cash and for sure get restaurants booked in advance.