The region of Somontano, at the foot of the Sierra de Guara, it is one of those corners of Aragon that invite you to travel without hurry. Known for its vineyards, its stone streets and its surprising natural heritage, it is also a paradise for hikers looking for landscapes that seem hand painted. Roads between ravines, signposted routes, charming warehouses and a gastronomy that mixes tradition and innovation make this area one of the best kept secrets of Alto Aragón.
Four villages of Huesca, among the most beautiful in Spain
And in the heart of this region Alquézar rises, a medieval villa that does not need filters to fall in love. Hang on the last canyon of the Vero River, guarded by its fortified collegiate Spain. His cobbled old town, his viewpoints and his millenary history make this corner one of the most spectacular destinations to see in Aragon.
Neither Aínsa nor Alquézar: the most impressive medieval people in Aragon are carved in red rock
Alquézar, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain with vertigo catwalks
What to see and do in alquézar
Collegiate of Santa María la Mayor
Casa Fabián Ethnological Museum
Natural Park of the Sierra y Canons de Guara
Alquézar, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain with vertigo catwalks
Alquézar’s charm begins long before setting foot in its streets. From a distance, its silhouette already impacts: stone houses hung on the Vero River canyon, a collegiate collegiate that seems to float on the rock and a natural environment that makes it one of the most spectacular villages in Aragon. It is no accident that it is part of the most beautiful peoples network in Spain since 2015 and that its urban center has been declared historical-artistic complex since 1982.
Alquézar is located in the region of the Somontano de Barbastro
But if there is an experience that has put Alquézar on the map of active tourism, that is the route of the catwalks of the Vero. It is a circular route that allows you to discover the last section of the cannon from within, walking literally hung between the rock walls. There are two versions of the route: a short, 2.2 km and 160 meters of slope, and another long of 3.1 km with a similar unevenness. The estimated duration ranges between 1 hour and a half and 2 hours, depending on the rhythm and stops.
Enjoy wine tourism with dogs in a campaign on the Somontano Wine Route
The itinerary begins in the Plaza Mayor de Alquézar and runs through seven sections of wood and metal catwalks that go down from the Peña Castibian and the walls of the collegiate to the bed of the Vero. During the descent you can visit enclaves such as the Picamartillo cave, the old dam or the old hydroelectric power plant. The route is designed for all audiences, although adequate footwear is recommended and is not accessible to carts or people with reduced mobility. The entrance costs 5 euros (2 euros if you are federated in the mountain) and is free for children under 11 years.
His cobbled old town, his viewpoints and his millenary history make this corner one of the most spectacular destinations. Photo: Aragon Tourism
One of the great advantages of this route is its landscape and didactic value. Along the way you can see geological formations, vegetation adapted to the microclimate of the ravine and a fauna that includes raptors in full flight. The route ends with a rise to a panoramic viewpoint, from where one of the most complete views of the town is obtained. It is not strange that those who travel it for the first time repeat, since Alquézar catwalks offer a unique combination of nature, history and emotion. Ideal for a different getaway in Aragon.
100 meters high and unbeatable views: the routes with more spectacular catwalks in Aragon
What to see and do in alquézar
URBAN CASE
The walk through the urban area of Alquézar is an experience in itself. The cobbled streets and their stone houses with reddish roofs invite you to walk aimlessly. The Plaza Mayor, the old oven and the covers of the houses retain the essence of the rural Aragon.
During the visit it is advisable to sign up for one of the guided routes organized by the City Council, where historical details, local legends and anecdotes that provide a new dimension to architecture and the spaces of the town are explained.
Collegiate of Santa María la Mayor
The Collegiate is one of the best preserved treasures of Aragonese sacred art. Photo: Aragon Tourism
This construction was originally an Arab castle of the ninth century and later, after the reconquest, became a Christian collegiate. Its Gothic cloister, with sculpted capitals and wall paintings of the 16th century, is one of the best preserved treasures of Aragonese sacred art.
From their balconies some of the most impressive views of the Vero Valley are obtained. The mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles offers an artistic journey without leaving its walls.
These are the activities offered by the Vero River Cultural Park during Holy Week
Casa Fabián Ethnological Museum
Located in an old seventeenth house, this museum offers a unique look at traditional life in the Somontano. Agricultural utensils, typical costumes, tools and furniture are part of a collection that helps to understand what life was like in this rural environment.
The visit also allows to know the domestic architecture of the past, with details such as cooked mud soils, wooden beams and bread ovens that are still preserved intact.
Mirador Smile of the wind
This viewpoint, accessible from the long route of the catwalks, is one of the best points to contemplate alquézar from the heights. The image of the town embedded in the rock, with the river in the background and the vigilant collegiate, is pure postcard.
It is also a perfect place to see sunset. When the sun falls, the reddish tones of the environment further enhance the beauty of this corner of the Somontano.
Somontano Wine Route
Alquézar is part of the famous Somontano Wine Route, a wine tourism itinerary that connects wineries, accommodations and restaurants in the region. Among the outstanding names are Enate, Viñas del Vero or Bodegas Laus, which offer personalized visits, tastings and experiences.
The Somontano Wine Bus returns with ten itineraries
In addition to wines, this route is also a way to discover the agricultural landscape of the area, with vine fields that extend between ravines and mountains, and a local cuisine based on proximity products.
Natural Park of the Sierra y Canons de Guara
This protected space, one of the most important in Aragon, is the habitat of birds such as the breakthrough, the grown vulture or the alimoche. The park covers an abrupt land of cannons, ravines and geological formations that attract thousands of hikers every year.
Within the park is also the Cultural Park of the Vero River, which houses more than 60 coats with prehistoric rock art. Some of these enclaves can be visited from Alquézar, which makes the villa into an excellent starting point.
How to get to alquézar
From Saragossa
To get from Zaragoza, the most direct route is for the A-23 in the direction of Huesca, and from there take the N-240 to Barbastro. The last section, by the A-1232, allows to enjoy the change of landscape when entering the Somontano.
The journey lasts about two hours by car and is perfect for a weekend getaway. In addition, stops can be made in other interesting locations such as Abiego or Radiquero.
From Huesca
From the capital of Oscense, access is comfortable and fast. You can go through the A-1229 in the direction of Abiego and then continue to alquézar on regional roads in good condition. The tour offers very pleasant views of the pre-Pirineo.
In a little more than an hour you can be walking through the old town, making the path of the catwalks or enjoying a meal with views.
From Teruel
Although more distant, the trip from Teruel is also worth it. The usual itinerary passes through Zaragoza and then follows the same route to Barbastro and Alquézar. They are about three and a half hours of journey, but with plenty of attractions to justify the visit.
For those who come from southern Aragon, Alquézar can be the beginning of a broader tour of the Pyrenees or other regions of Alto Aragón such as Sobrarbe or Ribagorza.
Plans in the Aragonese Pyrenees with children who are a pass
In short, Alquézar has everything to conquer lovers of history, nature and good life. From its imposing collegiate to its famous catwalks, through a gastronomic offer linked to the wine of the Somontano, this Oscense town is an essential on any route through Aragon. If you are wondering what to see in Alquézar or where to eat in Alquézar, it is enough to prepare the hiking boots and let yourself be surprised: the charm is guaranteed.
