Many British travellers enjoy camping in Spain, but if you’re looking for a fascinating corner of Europe not yet discovered by the mass tourism industry, read the following text carefully. In this vast inland region of north-eastern Spain, there are very few visitors from the UK or elsewhere. In fact, you won’t even see anyone at all – it is the least populated region of Spain.
It’s a region larger than Switzerland and worth travelling to. It takes a lot of free time to get around the region – as there is a wide range of attractions and entertainment, from skiing in the Pyrenees to bird watching and hiking. History and architecture buffs come to visit Romanesque churches and Mudejar monuments, and simply wander around some of Spain’s most beautiful villages. With a unique gastronomy and some excellent and tasty wines, there is much to offer visitors.
The city
Half of Spain’s population lives in the capital, Zaragoza, which is the country’s fifth largest city. In the middle of the region is the famous river Ebro, a strategic Roman city with many archaeological remains that are now museums, including forums, baths and theatres. Among them is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the largest baroque building in Spain, with ceiling frescoes by Goya, who was born in nearby Fuendetodos. See his paintings in the Goya Museum and other museums in the city. The Alfajería Palace is one of the city’s great treasures, with some of the buildings dating back to the 11th century and featuring extraordinary Islamic, Mudejar and Gothic Renaissance styles. If you’re a history buff too, it’s really worth a visit!
Teruel, in the south, has some of the most stunning mudéjar architecture in Spain. The intricate brick towers make us feel like we’re in Andalusia or North Africa. Huesca, at the foot of the Pyrenees, is the smallest of the provincial capitals but still has plenty to see, including the Romanesque church in the old town of San Pedro and the old town is full of small bars. If you’re a beer or wine lover, don’t miss this place!
Natural scenery
Many hikers love the natural scenery and the Aragonese Pyrenees, which span the northern part of the region, are spectacular, whether you want to ski, hike, climb or just enjoy the mountain views. In the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Parks, visitors walk through alpine meadows, valleys and gorges washed by waterfalls. In contrast to the mountains, Los Monegros, in the south of Huesca, is a desert landscape with strange sandstone formations. Sariñena Lake is a bird sanctuary and home to a large colony of brine. For hikers, it’s more attractive than the city!
