Explore Huesca
Your perfect trip to Spain
Huesca is the gateway to the Pyrenees. It sits on the edge of the mountains, a quiet, ancient city that feels forgotten by mass tourism. The air is thinner and cooler here. It smells of pine forests and almond pastries. It is the capital of Upper Aragon, a place of red sandstone cliffs and Romanesque churches.
The pace is slow. It’s a city of legends, most famously the “Bell of Huesca” (where a King beheaded rebellious nobles). The center is pedestrianized and pleasant, dominated by the Gothic Cathedral. But the real magic is just outside—the Castle of Loarre, arguably the best preserved Romanesque castle in Europe, clinging to a cliff 30 mins away.
People here are reserved (“somardas” – dry humor) but kind. The food is mountain hearty: roast lamb, truffles from Graus, and the famous Trenza de Almudévar (braided pastry).
The perfect plan for Huesca:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Beheaded Nobles
- Morning: Huesca Cathedral. The altarpiece is stunning alabaster. Visit the Diocesan Museum.
- Afternoon: San Pedro el Viejo. Romanesque cloister. This is where the “Bell of Huesca” legend happened (kings are buried here). Lunch: Tatau. (A Michelin star tapas bar with a rock/roll vibe).
- Evening: Casino de Huesca. Art Nouveau building. Have a coffee. Buy a Trenza at Pastelería Tolosana.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: The Castle in the Sky
- Morning: Drive to Castle of Loarre. It was the set for “Kingdom of Heaven.” It is spectacular. The view over the plains is infinite.
- Afternoon: Los Mallos de Riglos. Giant red rock formations. Watch the climbers.
- Evening: Return to Huesca. Tapas in the El Tubo (smaller than Zaragoza’s but fun).
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Art & Nature
- Morning: CDAN. Art and Nature center. Modern architecture.
- Afternoon: Walk the Parque Miguel Servet.
- Evening: Dinner.
Weather
Spring/Summer: Perfect. Green, warm. Access to mountains.
Winter: Foggy (“Boira”) and cold.
Local Customs
1. Pastries: You must try the Trenza. It’s a sticky, nutty delight.
2. Siesta: Strict. The city sleeps.
3. Nature: Everyone goes to the mountains on weekends.
History & Culture
Osca to the Romans. Quintus Sertorius made it his capital. It was a Moorish outpost for centuries. Conquered by Peter I of Aragon in 1096. It has always been a military and strategic frontier city.
Getting Around & Safety
Walking: Tiny.
Car: Essential for Loarre/Pyrenees.
Info for Nomads
Very quiet. Cheap. Good for nature lovers/hikers.
Workation Vibe
Okay wifi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loarre worth the drive? +
100%. It is the highlight of the region. It feels ancient and untamed.
Is it a ski town? +
Not exactly, but it’s the base for ski resorts like Formigal (1 hour away).
Is it safe? +
Very.