
Between two rivers: the aquatic people of Zaragoza where you can relive the battle of the Ebro this summer
River tourism in Aragon offers such refreshing and surprising plans. Among the landscapes of the Ribarroja reservoir, it is possible to enjoy aquatic activities such as the paddle surfing, kayaking or walks in Llaüt, a traditional Ebro vessel. An ideal proposal for families, athletes and travelers looking for nature, history and adventure in the same destination.
Battle of the Ebro
What to do and what to do
We talk about Fayón, a small town of Bajo Aragón that revives every year the battle of the Ebro, one of the toughest confrontations of the Spanish Civil War. The recreation, declared a party of tourist interest of Aragon, is celebrated in July and is one of the most impressive in the community and converts Fayón into an epicenter of memory for three days.
Fayón is the ideal destination for those looking for original plans
In addition, this enclave offers visitor much more: Walks in Llaüt through the waters of the Ebro, hiking routes next to the Ribarroja reservoir, sports such as kayak or paddle surfing, a river access castle and a museum dedicated to the contest. An ideal destination for those looking for original plans this summer in Aragon.
Battle of the Ebro
Each July, Fayón revives the Battle of the Ebro, one of the most intense episodes of the Spanish Civil War, in its XVII Historical Recreation this year from July 25 to 27, 2025.
More than 300 recreationists from Spain, Portugal and France staging with fidelity squadrons, trenches, aerial bombings and daily scenes of the front. This year highlights the focus on the participation of women, in health, union and administrative roles, as well as in the clothing contest that opens the event.
Recreation is developed “by land, sea and air”: includes parades of historical vehicles, cavalry and an acrobatic hunting that simulates bombing. In addition, there is a military market, catering area and guided tours of living trenches and dioramas, with tickets from 4euros for a full day and 7euros for guided tours. The event is declared a Tourist Interest Festival of Aragon and gathered more than 2,500 people in 2024, consolidating itself as one of the most emblematic recreations in Spain
What to do and what to do
In addition, summer is the ideal time to get the most out of your visit to Fayón, from being able to witness the recreation of the Battle of the Ebro to the various aquatic activities.
Fayón Castle
Fayón’s castle, also known as Badón Castle, was built between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries on a rock that dominates the river passage between Aragon and Catalonia, controlling the Ebro River. Built in irregular masonry with ashlars in the tower, the enclosure is articulated on inclined slopes and walls with aspilleras and troneras, many reinforced during the Carlist wars. Despite its fragmentary state, it retains the main tower and the best preserved canvases, with archaeological remains that attest its historical defensive function.
Access is only possible river from the Ribarroja reservoir, since the land roads were absorbed by the swamp. It is accessed from the reixa jetty in Kayak, Canoa or Llaüt, crossing the old railway tunnel and the mouth of the Matarraña River. Once there, a catwalk allows you to climb to the castle, from where spectacular views of the reservoir, remains of the sunk people and the confluence of the rivers are contemplated. Visitable all year, the archaeological site provides a unique experience that combines medieval heritage and nature.
The town offers the possibility of hiking trails
Hermitage of Our Lady of Pilar
The hermitage of Our Lady of Pilar in Fayón is an outstanding example of regionalist architecture of the mid -twentieth century. Designed in 1954 by the architect José Rodríguez Mijares, combines masonry and brown brick in his square bell tower of two bodies. Its strategic location on a hill at 210m altitude and adjacent to the viewpoint allows you to enjoy an impressive panoramic view: the mouth of the Matarraña River in the Ebro, the remains of the old submerged fayon and the mountainous environment of three provinces.
In addition, its facade shows popular and traditional elements, such as the pointed arches of the porch and brick ornamentation that reflect the neoclassical style with Mudejar influences. Inside, fresh from Mªpilar Burges and Josep Gumí stand out – which represent Marian scenes – made since 1954 and completed in 2004. The hermitage, in addition to its architectural value, functions as a natural viewpoint and essential point of interest for those who wonder what to see in Fayón.
Ebro Battle Museum
The Battle of the Ebro was one of the most important and bloody clashes of the end of the Spanish Civil War, developed between July and November 1938. This episode marked a turning point in the contest and left a deep mark on the Low Ebro area, especially around Fayón, where numerous vestiges of the conflict are preserved.
The Ebro Battle Museum in Fayón brings together real armament pieces recovered in the area, and in each guided tour, the center team explains the historical context and the most relevant details of the battle. Tickets have an approximate price of 6 euros per person (general rate) and 3 euros in the case of reduced rate (for retirees, minors, etc.). It is necessary to reserve previously, contacting the tourism office of the municipality.
Guided visits in Llaüt
One of Fayón’s main tourist attractions are Llaüt walks through the Ribarroja reservoir, an experience that combines nature, heritage and traditional navigation. Llaüt is a typical artisanal vessel, originally used for fishing, which has been adapted today for tourist purposes to show the river environment from a unique perspective.
The routes start from the jetty of La Reixaga, tracing the Ebro river to enclaves such as the tunnel of the old railroad, the mysterious old submerged fayon or the tower of San Juan, which still rises on the waters. The route has an average duration of one hour and the price is around 9 euros in high season. It is recommended to reserve in advance through the City Council website or in the Tourism Office under the name of Tourism Fayón.
In the town you can carry out different aquatic activities
Kayak and Padel Surf practices
During the summer, the Ebro River becomes an authentic aquatic adventure park. Its calm waters and their natural environment make Paddle Surf or Kayak practice a refreshing, fun and suitable experience for all ages. It is a different way to discover the beauty of this river enclave, paddling between cannons, meanders and spaces where silence reigns.
Whether you go with family and if you are looking for a getaway with friends, you can rent the material or reserve guided routes in Port Massaluca or through Caspe Aventura River, two of the centers that best know the land and offer quality equipment, specialized monitors and routes adapted to the level of the group. A perfect activity to combine sport, nature and disconnection in one of the most amazing landscapes of bass Aragon.
How to get to Fayón
From Zaragoza
The route lasts 1 hour and approximately 45 minutes, covering a distance of about 150 kilometers. In public transport there is a direct connection through the train on the Zaragoza -Barcelona line to the Faio Station – La Pobla de Massaluca.
From Huesca
The distance is 190 kilometers and the car trip lasts about 2 hours. In public transport, the most viable option is to reach Zaragoza and link from there with the Zarago-Barcelona train line.
From Teruel
The total route is 220 kilometers, with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes by car. There is no direct public transport.