Get to know every detail of the Aragon Valley and Jaca
INDEX
- Introduction.
- What to know before you go.
- When to go.
- How to get there.
- What to see.
- Where to sleep.
- Indispensable for the traveller.
- Aragon Valley at a glance.
- Jaca.
- Castiello de Jaca.
- Borau.
- Aísa.
- Villanúa.
- Canfranc.
- Astún.
- Candanchú.
- Routes and walks.
- San Juan de la Peña.
- Monte Cuculo.
- Roman road Caesaraugusta-Beneharmo.
- Lakes of D'Ayous in the Astún Valley.
- Ip. reservoir.
- From Canfranc-Estación to Vuelta de Iserías and Ibón de Iserías.
- By Canal Roya to the Ibones de Anayet.
- From Candanchú to Ibón de Estanes.
- Ibón de Tortiellas.
- Ascents and routes.
- Peak of Garganta de Aísa or Aspe (2,645 m.)
- Anayet Peak (from Canal Roya)
- Punta Escarra (2,760 m.)
- Peña Oroel.
- GR 11 Trans-Pyrenees Crossing.
- Other activities.
- Hiking.
- Canyoning.
- MTB.
- Alpine skiing.
- Cross-country skiing.
- Ski mountaineering.
- Canoeing.
- Paragliding.
- Caving.
- Useful information.
Introduction
If you enjoy contemplating the beauty of nature, you can't miss the visit to the Aragon Valley in the Aragonese Pyrenees. Its natural spaces and the various options offered by the valley in terms of sporting activities have made it an important tourist destination, which, despite being in the middle of nature, also has excellent communications.
From the summit to the city of Jaca, it has countless heritage attractions that ooze history, as Jaca was the first capital of the nascent kingdom of Aragon. The millenary and majestic walls that rise up in the middle of nature will accompany you in the tranquillity of your walks through the area, which invites you to leisure, relax and taste its exquisite gastronomy.
What to know before you go
If you have finally decided to embark on your adventure in the Aragon Valley, we believe that it may be useful for you to obtain some information on the background information to make your trip easier. It is advisable that, once you have started your trip, you are very clear about certain questions of interest and of utmost importance, such as, for example, the ideal time to travel there or where to stay, among others. We want everything to go smoothly and that's why this guide answers all the questions you may have.
When to go
In fact, any time of the year is perfect for this getaway.The innumerable options offered by these Aragonese lands make every moment a special moment.
In the colder months you can enjoy the power of the snow-covered Pyrenees and practice winter sports. On the other hand, in spring and summer you can camp in the heart of nature while enjoying the warmer temperatures and practising any outdoor sport. In addition, the Aragonese spring is full of different festivities that will make your enjoyment supreme.
The peace of the Aragon Valley and the lively, touristy streets of Jaca are ready to welcome you 365 days a year. Therefore, you will have to decide for yourself when to travel, Aragon adapts to your preferences.
How to get there
The Aragon Valley is located on the border between France and Spain. It is accessible by roadIt is therefore possible to arrive either by car or by bus. However, depending on where you are travelling from or simply on your priorities, you can also make the journey by car or bus. by train or plane.
Access by train will take you to one of the two railway stations, in Jaca and Canfranc. As for access by air, here is a short list of the nearest airports:
- Huesca-Pyrenees Airport.
- Zaragoza Airport.
- Pamplona Airport.
- Pau Airport (France).
- Toulouse Blagnac Airport (France).
- Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Airport (France).
- Vitoria Gasteiz Airport.
- Barcelona Airport.
- Valencia Airport.
- Santa Cilia aerodrome.
What to see
The Aragonese valley offers many options, with an infinite number of tourist attractions in every corner, making it a very complete visit if you set your mind to it. We hope you have time to get to know every detail, it is well worth it.
In the capital of the valley, Jaca, we highlight the Romanesque cathedral, the Diocesan Museum and the impressive Citadel, a military fortification dating back to the 16th century. In the centre you can have fun in the shops, bars and ice rink, all surrounded by modern buildings.
Upstream you will find the Garcipollera valleyIt is a quiet place to enjoy the Aragonese nature and watch the native deer. It is also the site of the Romanesque chapel of Santa María de Iguácel.
Also visit the Romanesque church of San Adrián de Sasabeat the junction of the Aragon Valley with the Western Valleys. Continue to Villanúa to get to know the Caves of Las Güixas. Very close to France is the Canfranc International Railway Stationa journey back in time to the last century.
Other tourist attractions that you should visit are the Old Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, the New Monastery, the Balcony of the Pyrenees or the Bridge of the Queen of Jaca.
You will also find very interesting villages such as Martes, Mianos and Artieda, Ruesta or Undués de Lerda, among others.
Where to sleep
The type of accommodation is your choice, the options are very varied and you can stay in a hotel or hostel, in a rural house, in a tourist flat, guesthouse, hostel... Once you have decided on the type of accommodation you want, you just have to decide on the area and start looking for accommodation, which will not be difficult due to the wide and varied offer in the Aragon Valley.
The A Boira and A Nieu hotels, the Aín-Jaca campsite, the Alba guesthouse, the Pilgrims' hostel and various tourist accommodation are just some of the places where you can spend the night and recharge your batteries for the following days.
Local essentials for the traveller
– CitadelAs we have already mentioned, this is a 16th century construction. It was Philip II who ordered its construction as a military fortification. It has been considered a historic-artistic monument since 1951. One of its barracks houses the Museum of Military Miniatures and its rooms contain thousands of figures recreating battles in different scenarios.
– Romanesque church of San Adrián de SasabeAlso mentioned a few lines back, this church is one of the most important Aragonese monuments and yet, unusually, it is also one of the least known. Situated at the junction of the Aragon Valley and the Western Valleys, it is well worth a visit.
– Canfranc International Railway StationInaugurated in 1928 and listed as a monument since 2002, this station located in the municipality of Canfranc, Huesca, very close to France, not only serves as a connection, but is another of the tourist attractions that will leave you speechless. Two wars have passed through it and it will take you on a walk through history that will leave you speechless.
– The Old Monastery of San Juan de la PeñaA jewel of the medieval period that blends in with the marvellous Aragonese landscape and lies under the shelter of an enormous rock. It is a picture worthy of a fairytale, an eternal memory for your eyes of the magic of Aragon.
– The Balcony of the PyreneesYou won't leave the Aragon Valley without enjoying the views of the Pyrenees? This viewpoint is undoubtedly one of the most impressive viewpoints in Spain. It is just a stone's throw from the monastery, from where you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Pyrenees.
Aragon Valley at a glance
Although it may seem complicated, we are going to make a very general and quick overview of the valley, locating the key points of the Aragonese area. We will try to make it easier for you to conceptualise and orientate yourself so that you can load your adventure with arguments and interesting information. These are, then, the most important towns in the valley.
Jaca
The capital of the region of La Jacetania has more than two thousand years of history and, as we have already mentioned, it was the first capital of the nascent kingdom of Aragon. Close to the French border and located on a wide plain that stretches along the banks of the Aragon river, it has become a tourist destination due to its many possibilities.
Its streets are full of life and history, a wonderful place to spend a unique holiday and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding nature. It celebrates its festivities in honour of Santa Orosia and San Pedro from 24 to 30 June. Another of its most popular festivities is on the first Friday in May.
Castiello de Jaca
It occupies the lower part of the Aruex valley. The old village spreads out into small and diverse neighbourhoods, adjacent to the Casadioses ravine. In this area there is a predominance of buildings of popular architecture, some of which have been restored and others abandoned. A unique little village which, in addition, has a beautiful route of the The Way of St. James.
Borau
Its narrow, sloping streets descend from the top of the village, where it is located. the parish church of Santa Eulalia, the principal artistic monumentThe river Lubierre runs alongside. You can also see the hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the Borda del Tortón. The church of San Adrián de Sasabe is very close to Borau.
Aísa
Located in the valley that opens onto the river Estarrún, to the south of the Pico de Aspe. If you visit the village of Aísa, you should visit the parish church of Asunción, which is the main historical monument of this Aragonese village.It was built in the 18th century. Its patron saint festivities are held on 15th and 16th August.
Villanúa
This municipality stretches along both banks of the river Aragón, in the old Bardaruex, and climbs up to the peak of the Peña Collarada. Although the town centre has been renovated, some interesting civil buildings have been preserved. The Way of St. James passes through this Aragonese village in front of the famous Cuevas de las Güixas. It is one of the municipalities with the greatest urban expansion and property developments.
Canfranc
This municipality has two population centres: the old village of Canfranc and Los Arañones, and occupies a large part of the headwaters of the Aragón river and a border section of the French Ossau valley.
Once you are in Canfranc, you won't have to worry about what to see, as there are numerous tourist attractions in this municipality, including 16th-century constructions such as the church of La Trinidad and the Puente de Abajo bridge. Not forgetting the famous Canfranc International Railway Station. Another charming village with a medieval air of the Aragon valley that you must visit.
Astún
Belonging to the municipal district of Jaca, it is the star of winter sports in the Aragon valley. The popular ski resort of Astún has 50 kilometres of skiable slopes and its highest peak is La Raca, at an altitude of 2,300 metres.
Candanchú
Another ski resort located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, one kilometre from the Somport Pass, French border and entrance to Spain on the Way of St. James, neighbouring Jaca and Astún. Ideal for skiing with the family and contemplating the local fauna and flora.
Routes and walks
As you will have been able to see, a complete visit to the Aragon Valley will include an infinite number of walks and routes that will allow you to discover this beautiful land in depth.. You should be aware that there will be more than one walk, so prepare your best footwear and all your desire, and let yourself be carried away by the trails.
Every step you take will be worth it, as the views are unparalleled, the scenery spectacular, the options endless and the atmosphere magical. Your steps will take you from one wonder to the next, but you will need a little help and information to successfully implement these routes. Read carefully and start warming up your engines. Aragon is waiting for you!
San Juan de la Peña
A route lasting around an hour that consists of visiting the Old Monastery and returning to the New Monastery, 2.2 kilometres long and 165 metres uphill. Another option is a simple circular route that connects the two monasteries and passes through the Balcony of the Pyrenees, a family-friendly and accessible area where many go to spend the day in the middle of nature.
Mount Cuculo
The ascent to this mountain is one of the most popular routes in the Aragonese Pyrenees, starting from the high monastery of San Juan de la Peña and the meadow of San Indalecio heading north until you reach the telephone repeater, once there, heading west, you will find a fork in the road. Take the one on the right to the Collado de las Eretas and to the north you will find Monte Cuculo.
The duration of the route is about two and a half hours and the difference in altitude is 480 metres. Are you ready?
Roman road Caesaraugusta-Beneharmo
The route along one of the first paths used by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, lasting about three hours, allows us to enjoy the Aragón-Subordán river and the rich flora of the area or the flight of birds, such as the bearded vulture, griffon vulture or golden eagle and others such as the wallcreeper and the chough. It also offers three different variants so that you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.
Lakes of D'Ayous in the Astún Valley
This other route is a classic alternative route starting at the Astún ski resort and is, in this case, an alternative route to the classic circular route of the Ayous lakes. It will take you through the pass on the border with France to the area of the lakes and the Ayous refuge. It takes about four and a half hours and is a 13-kilometre round trip.
Ip reservoir
There is no doubt that we are in hiking territory, this route starts in the village of Canfranc and its objective is the ascent to Ibón de Ip. The duration of the route can be three and a half hours, although it will depend on the exact place in the municipality where the route starts.
From Canfranc-Estación to Vuelta de Iserías and Ibón de Iserías
More than six hours of route that will take you to the top of La Moleta. From the station to the end of the village, where you will go to the Col de Ladrones fortress, passing through the Izás ravine, the divine waterfall, the Ibón de Iserías and the Samán cirque, then skirting the crest of the Moleta. Do you dare with this route?
Through Canal Roya to Ibones de Anayet
This is one of the easiest routes and its end is the ascent to the Anayet Peak, at an altitude of 2,545 metres. From the Canal Roya to the rapidly descending Ibones de Anayet, this route lasts about two and a half hours and is another must if you visit the Aragon Valley.
From Candanchú to Ibón de Estanes
This ascent to 1,754 metres starts in the Canfranc valley, specifically in Candanchú. 14 kilometres and four and a half hours of walking with a difference in altitude of 440 metres will take you to Ibón de Estanes, on the edge of the French border.
Ibón de Tortiellas
Another route starts in Candanchú and in this case it takes us to another of the best known Ibones in the Aragon Valley, the Ibón de Tortiellas. The route is not too long, just 9 kilometres round trip. However, the altitude of 1,730 metres makes the ascent somewhat more difficult. Nevertheless, it is well worth the effort to reach the summit and enjoy the marvellous views of Aragon.
Ascents and routes
Have you been left wanting more? Don't worry, if you visit the Aragon Valley, you won't be short of options to find the route that's just right for you. The location of the Aragon Valley means that the possibilities are endless, as is the beauty of its landscapes.
If you are a person with an adventurous spirit and a passion for nature, you have chosen the perfect destination!
Take a look at these climbs and alternative routes and find the one that motivates you the most.
Peak of Garganta de Aísa or Aspe (2,645 m.)
This is a tough climb, suitable only for the most intrepid. The objective is the Pico de Aspe, one of the peaks in the Pyrenees bordering France between the Somport area and the upper part of the Aísa valley. The start is from the ski slopes of Candanchú and the result is an impressive viewpoint of the Western Pyrenees. Depending on the pace of the walk, the duration of the route can be between six and seven hours.
Anayet Peak (from Canal Roya)
In this case, the ascent will be to the Ibones de Anayet from the Canal Roya. The summit of the peak of Anayet is at an altitude of 2,545 metres. It is not too hard a descent and the views over the valley are beautiful. An unmissable climb if you visit the Aragonese Pyrenees.
Punta Escarra (2,760 m.)
At 2,751 metres high, Punta Escarra is one of the most important peaks in the Cirque de l'Ip. Its conical appearance is a great attraction for mountaineers and it is linked to Peña Nebera and Peña Collarada. The ascent is long, which is why some hikers choose to spend the night in a refuge on the route, at an altitude of 1,840 metres. A real challenge for the bravest hikers. Shall we climb Punta Escarra?
Collarada Peak (2,886 m.)
This is the highest and most emblematic peak in the area, visible throughout the Aragon valley. It is usually accessed via the Ip cirque and, despite being one of the hardest ascents, it is also one of the most worthwhile. Try the climb and see the Ibón de Ip at your feet and all the peaks of the Aragonese and western French Pyrenees. It's amazing!
Peña Oroel
A mountain at an altitude of 1,769 metres that separates the middle basin of the Aragón river. Although the ascent is not very complicated, it is a path with a lot of personality. The route takes less than two hours and starts in the municipality of Jaca and will take you to this popular mountain of legends.
GR 11 Trans-Pyrenees Crossing
A route of almost 800 kilometres along the southern slopes of the Pyrenees. More than 1,800 metres above sea level, running through Catalonia and Andorra, from the Cap de Creus. An experience of the stature of these peaks, unique in the world for their location and qualities.
Other activities
But don't think that it's all about routes or ascents when you travel to the Aragon Valley. If you want to vary the activity, you can choose from a variety of outdoor options, taking advantage of the fact that you are in an ideal place for sports in the heart of nature.
Whatever your tastes, preferences, possibilities or qualities, you are sure to find the physical activity that best suits your needs. The diversity of the valley leaves no room for error or exclusion, the lands of Aragon have room for everyone.
We are going to give you a short list of some of the options you can choose from:
Hiking
It is very clear that in the Aragon Valley one of the most popular outdoor activities is hiking. The extension of its valleys and its rugged landscapes offer an infinite number of options for those who like to practice this sport. The routes available are innumerable, its paths with a medieval air and the majesty of its nature make the Aragon Valley an obligatory destination for mountain lovers.
Flora, fauna, peaks, rivers... all framed by the might of the Pyrenees in the background, which, together with the French border just a stone's throw away, makes this land a hiking paradise.
Canyoning
As well as routes through the valleys and ascents to the many peaks, there are also numerous ravines where you can practice this sport of descent. The descent par excellence is the Boca del Infierno (Hell's Mouth). But we can find several names, such as the Barranco Aguaré, the Chiniprés or Fago.
We therefore catalogue, canyoning as another of the typical activities of the Jacetania region..
MTB
If you like to be on wheels, you should know that the Aragon Valley also has numerous cycling routes. As with hiking and canyoning, Jacetania offers countless routes for nature and cycling lovers.
Enjoy the beauty of these landscapes while practising your favourite hobby.
Alpine skiing
Let us not forget that we are talking about the cradle of skiing, the Pyrenees. There are several ski slopes located throughout the Jacetania region.
- Cerler: Located in the Benasque Valley, it has more than sixty peaks over 3,000 metres high.
- Formigal: Located in the Tena valley, near the Portalet border crossing and surrounded by some peaks such as Tres Hombres, Anayet and Collarada.
- Panticosa los Lagos: It is on the outskirts of the Tena valley, on the northern slope of the Tendeñera mountain range, in the village of Panticosa itself.
- Astún: In the Aragón Valley, just one kilometre from the border. It is one of the best known, together with Candanchú, located in the same valley.
Cross-country skiing
If you prefer cross-country skiing, in the Aragón Valley you can find several circuits available. Linza, Lizara, Llanos del Hospital, Pineta or Panticosa Resort are just some of them.
Ski mountaineering
If you want to ski, no matter how you want to do it, in the Aragon Valley there are no limits and there are many different activities ski mountaineering tournaments. It could not be otherwise in the Pyrenees.
Canoe
If you prefer contact with the water, dare to make a canoeing or a nice walk on a reservoir. The Benasque Valley, the Tena Valley and the Aragon Valley are ideal places for this sport. Or maybe you dare to go down the waters of the mighty river Gállego.
Paragliding
Land, sea... and air! If the weather conditions are good, get ready to receive the right training and take off on a paragliding flight. Fly over the valley area and feel like a free bird.suspended in the air. It is a unique experience that, if you have the opportunity, we encourage you to live, you won't regret it!
Caving
And, finally, if walking on the ground is not enough for you and you want to go deep into the earth, caving may be a great choice. If one thing has become clear, it is that the Aragon Valley has a powerful and exclusive nature and, of course, it could not be otherwise, the caves of the Pyrenees are an attraction for the lovers of this practice..
One example is the Cueva de Las Güixas, located at the foot of the Collarada mountain. A magical place used by witches to celebrate their covens. A really interesting place to go on an expedition in Aragon.
Useful information
Don't worry about the energy drain because, as if that weren't enough, in the Aragon Valley and Jaca you'll have the privilege of being able to taste a exquisite cuisine. Its varied restaurants and bars are at your disposal to offer you the best local products and the most succulent and typical dishes of the area.
Enjoy its wines, its cavas, its meats and let yourself be seduced by its tapas and typical sweets, you'll lick your fingers!
And remember, before you pack your suitcase, if you have any questions, you'll find the tourist office at number 1, Plaza España. Have a good trip and happy adventures!
