Alquézar, Spain: things to do in one of Spain’s most beautiful villages
Are you planning a trip to visit Spain’s most beautiful villages? Then you must visit Alquézar!
Alquézar is a quaint village in Spain with only 300 residents that makes the perfect two to three day retreat. The medieval village almost blends into the surrounding rocky landscape because it is made up of mostly stone buildings.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, history enthusiast, or just looking to unwind in a tranquil setting, Alquézar promises a memorable escape in the heart of rural Spain.
Top Things to do in Alquézar, Spain
Be sure to hit up the below highlights while you wander around this charming Spanish town.
Hike Pasarelas del Vero
A hiking path with suspended walkways in the canyon along Rio Vero. The path loops around to start and end in town (though in slightly different spots). It is 3km and takes between 1.5-2 hours to complete. We stopped for photos and to enjoy the stunning views of the turquoise water so it took us 2 hours.
You do need to buy tickets (5 euros per person) in town to access the pathway. The trail opens at 9am and the last entry is 5pm so plan accordingly.
Eat breakfast with a view
Grab a coffee and croissant at L’Artica before you start your day. There is an outdoor terrace with a great view of the canyon and the castle. Note: if the outdoor tables are full there is a staircase inside to a second level with additional outdoor seating.
Tour the castle (Castillo-Colegiata Santa María)
The most prominent feature is the medieval castle and church sitting above the village.
For 3 euro you can go inside the castle. They offer tours in Spanish about every 30 minutes or you can wander by yourself with an informational sheet in English to help explain what things are in the church, cloister, and castle.
It does close down midday, but you can still walk up to the castle grounds and enjoy the view of the village from above without entering.
Mirador Sonrisa del Viento
Head to the lookout point at sunrise or sunset. In the morning the sun will rise behind the castle. In the evening the sun will set behind you. We grabbed some snacks and water in town and sat on the half wall to watch the sunset. The light of the sun shines on the village and castle as it descends behind the hills.
Stop in the Chapel
This tiny chapel in the middle of town is worth popping in for a moment of peace.
Visit the Roman Gate
The only remaining intact roman gate in town is worth noting. The arched gateway leads you into the oldest part of town. There used to be four gated entrance points.
Enjoy dinner in town
It’s important to note the hours on Google for many of the restaurants in town weren’t entirely accurate. We were there on a Tuesday and Wednesday when some restaurants were closed, but Google often had incorrect information about which restaurants were open when. Thursday through Sunday you’re more likely to find everything open.
🍴O’Cado: Delicious food with large outdoor patio with a nice view of the Castle
🍴Le Petite Bistro: Great spot to grab a sandwich and salad.
🍴L’Artica: Enjoy breakfast and/or coffee with view here.
How to get to Alquézar, Spain
🚆 Nearest Train Station: Huesca. It’s well-connected with major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. From Huesca, you can take a bus or taxi to Alquézar.
🚗 From Zaragoza (1.5 hours): Take the A-23 and A-22 highways. This route is straightforward and offers beautiful views of the Aragon landscape.
🚗 From Barcelona (3 hours): Drive on the AP-2 and A-22 highways, enjoying the diverse scenery of Catalonia and Aragon.
🚗 From Madrid (4 hours): The quickest route is via the A-2 highway, transitioning to the A-22 closer to Huesca.
Where to park in Alquézar, Spain
If you drove, there is a large and, best of all, FREE car park upon your approach to the city. You can park there and easily walk the whole the village from there. Alquézar is best explored on foot.
Where to stay in Alquézar, Spain
📍Hotel Castillo: We stayed here for three nights and had a wonderful experience. Located in the heart of Alquézar with views of the castle from the balcony in our room.
📍Hotel Villa de Alquezar: Another nice option with balconies offering views of the town. This hotel also has a pool so a good option for the warmer summer months.
TL;DR: Alquézar, Spain: things to do in one of Spain’s most beautiful villages
Known for its stunning canyons, historic monuments, and serene ambiance, Alquézar is a must-visit for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Be sure to go on a hike, stroll the cobblestone streets, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Rural Spain offers gorgeous scenery and peace from the typical over crowded tourists spots. If you are seeking hidden gems, I highly suggest a road trip through Northern Spain, where there’s a plethora of beautiful towns and villages to explore.