What to do in Aragon

The Monasterio de Piedra (Monastery of Stone) is a natural reserve nestled into the steep sierras in Nuévalos. Sheltered by the Iberian System and the Piedra River Canyon, this awe-inspiring place provided a home for the Cistercian monks from 1194. Visit the centuries-old monastery and its tranquil ruins. Make your way past the gardens and orchards into the impressive surrounding forests. You’ll find shady groves, cascading waterfalls, fascinating caves and a lagoon as smooth as glass. Declared a national monument in 1983, the Monasterio de Piedra encapsulates some of the rich traditions of the Cistercian Order. Today, it contains a luxury hotel and spa where you can re-energize after a day of exploring.

Plaza del Pilar, one of the largest pedestrian plazas in Spain, is surrounded by pretty cafés and historic buildings. Make this an excellent starting point for exploring Zaragoza’s attractions. The square frequently buzzes with performances, festivals and other lively events.

The Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar) is an awe-inspiring basilica that has roots that go back to the dawn of Christianity in Spain. Revel in the grandeur of this ornate basilica, which stands on one of the country’s most significant spiritual sites. Admire the basilica’s breathtaking architecture and explore the collections of artworks displayed within.

The Formigal Ski Resort encompasses a wide stretch of stunning slopes in Aramon, the western part of the Pyrenees on the French border. Ski or snowboard on varied slopes, from gentle beginner runs to expert-graded and freeride deep snow areas. Explore the four valleys, Tres Hombres-Sextas, Izas-Sarrios, Anayet and Portalet. Warm up between skiing sessions with a delicious cup of Spanish hot chocolate.

Wander through the rooms and chambers of the Aljafería Palace, an 11th-century fortified palace that was built for Muslim rulers. During its long history, the monumental structure has also been the home of the Christian kings of Aragon and the Catholic monarchs of Spain. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the regional parliament.

Get outdoors and relax in the wide, open spaces of José Antonio Labordeta Park. Also known as Grand Park, this is Zaragoza’s biggest park, a green expanse covering more than 100 acres (40 hectares). It contains leafy green trees, a botanical garden, fountains, large avenues and monuments.

Come to the center of the city to see the Plaza de España, an attractive public square close to many restaurants, bars, monuments and museums, and framed by old and modern buildings. It has been a part of Zaragoza life for about 2,000 years, although its name, form and function have changed several times. Over the years it has been called Real Plaza de San Fernando and Plaza de la Constitución in line with current events in the city.