Medieval Aragonese city at the gateway to the Pyrenees — sustainable stays from €45/night
Huesca is one of those rare Spanish cities that has remained largely under the international radar, which is precisely what makes it so compelling. Sitting at the foot of the Pyrenees in the heart of Aragon, this compact city of roughly 53,000 inhabitants blends medieval heritage with genuine Aragonese character in a way that larger tourist destinations simply cannot replicate.
The city's centrepiece is Huesca Cathedral, a stunning Gothic edifice begun in the 13th century and completed in the 16th. Its ornate alabaster altarpiece by Damián Forment is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance sculpture in Spain. Nearby, the Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo — a Romanesque gem dating to the 12th century — houses the tombs of Aragonese kings Alfonso I "the Battler" and Ramiro II "the Monk," and holds UNESCO World Heritage recognition as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.
Beyond the old stones, Huesca is a living university city. Its university was founded in 1354 by Pedro IV of Aragon, making it one of the oldest in Spain. That academic heritage gives the city a youthful energy, particularly during term time, with lively tapas bars lining the Coso Alto promenade. In August, the Fiestas de San Lorenzo transform the city into a week-long celebration of processions, music, bullfights, and the iconic green-and-white colours that drape every balcony.
But perhaps Huesca's greatest asset is its position as the premier gateway to the Aragonese Pyrenees. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park — one of Europe's most dramatic mountain landscapes — lies just 100 kilometres to the north. The Sierra de Guara, internationally famous for canyoning, is barely 40 km away. Loarre Castle, often called the best-preserved Romanesque castle in all of Europe, crowns a limestone ridge just 30 km from the city centre. The Romanesque churches scattered throughout the province form a cultural trail that art historians travel from around the world to follow.
Getting there: Huesca train station is served by RENFE regional trains from Zaragoza Delicias (approximately 1 hour). The nearest commercial airport is Zaragoza (ZAZ), roughly 80 km south. Huesca–Pirineos airport handles seasonal and charter flights. By car, the A-23 motorway connects Huesca to Zaragoza in under an hour and continues north toward the Pyrenees.
Huesca's compact old town is wonderfully walkable. You can cover the main historic sights — the Cathedral, San Pedro el Viejo, the Museo de Huesca, and the old university building — in a single morning stroll. The Coso Alto promenade, the city's social spine, runs along what was once the line of the medieval walls, and its cafés and tapas bars are the perfect place to pause for a cortado and a pincho of local jamón.
To truly experience what makes the Huesca province extraordinary, however, you need to venture beyond the city itself. Dedicate at least one full day to Alquézar, a medieval village perched above the Río Vero canyon about 50 km northeast. The setting is staggering — terracotta rooftops tumbling down a cliff face with the collegiate church watching from above. From Alquézar you can also access some of the easier canyoning routes in the Sierra de Guara, a limestone massif that has become the canyoning capital of Europe.
Another essential day trip is Loarre Castle, roughly 30 km northwest of Huesca. Built in the 11th century, this Romanesque fortress-monastery sits on a rocky escarpment at 1,070 metres and has been used as a film location (most notably in Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven"). Its state of preservation is remarkable — complete towers, a crypt, a chapel with carved capitals, and unbroken curtain walls.
For nature lovers, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is the crown jewel. The Cola de Caballo trail, following the Río Arazas through a glacial valley to a waterfall, is one of the most celebrated hikes in the Pyrenees. In winter, the nearby resorts of Formigal and Candanchú offer reliable skiing from December through April, making Huesca a surprisingly effective year-round base for outdoor activities.
The old town is where history comes alive. Stay within walking distance of the Cathedral, San Pedro el Viejo, and the best tapas bars. Narrow lanes, stone facades, and medieval atmosphere. Ideal for culture-focused visitors.
The modern city centre around Coso Alto and Plaza Navarra offers the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Good transport links and a comfortable base for exploring both the old town and surrounding countryside.
Named after Huesca's patron saint, this residential quarter north of the centre is quieter and more local. Close to Parque Miguel Servet, it suits families and those who prefer a neighbourhood feel over tourist bustle.
Hotels and rural guesthouses on the northern outskirts provide easy access to the Pyrenees foothills, the A-23 motorway, and outdoor activities. Best for drivers planning regular excursions to Ordesa, Sierra de Guara, or the ski resorts.
Book any of these properties through IMPT and 1 tonne of CO₂ is removed from the atmosphere — at the same price you'd pay on Booking.com. Plus you get EUR5 free credit and 5% cashback in IMPT tokens.
A well-established 4-star hotel right in the heart of Huesca, the Sancho Abarca puts you within easy walking distance of the Cathedral, tapas bars, and the Coso Alto promenade. Modern rooms, on-site restaurant serving Aragonese cuisine, and a welcoming lobby bar. A reliable choice for business and leisure travellers alike.
From €55/night · Central location
Overlooking the tree-lined Avenida del Parque, this 4-star hotel combines comfort with a touch of Aragonese grandeur. Named after the medieval king, it features spacious rooms, a restaurant known for its regional cooking, and easy access to both the old town and the ring road for day trips.
From €60/night · Av. del Parque
Budget-friendly and perfectly positioned in the old town, Hostal Lizana is a no-frills gem for backpackers and culture seekers. Clean rooms, a warm family-run welcome, and you're steps from some of the best pintxos bars in Aragon. Proof that sustainable travel doesn't have to break the bank.
From €45/night · Old town
Part of the respected Abba Hotels chain, this modern 4-star property in the business district offers contemporary design, excellent meeting facilities, and a fitness area. Located near the Palacio de Congresos, it's particularly suited for business travellers and those with a car, as parking is easy.
From €65/night · Business district
A charming 3-star property near the Cathedral, Hotel San Marcos occupies a renovated building that blends traditional Aragonese architecture with modern amenities. Its rooftop terrace offers views across the old town rooftops to the distant Pyrenees — an unforgettable spot for an evening drink.
From €50/night · Near cathedral
Set on the outskirts toward the Pyrenees foothills, this aparthotel offers spacious self-catering apartments alongside a spa with indoor pool and treatment rooms. Perfect for families or extended stays. The surrounding countryside provides immediate access to walking trails and the northern approaches to Sierra de Guara.
From €70/night · Near Pyrenees foothills
Follow the line of Huesca's old medieval walls through the historic centre. This gentle stroll takes you past the Cathedral, the old university, remnants of stone fortifications, and several viewpoints looking out over the Hoya de Huesca plain toward the Pyrenees. Flat terrain and paved paths make it accessible for all fitness levels.
Starting from the southern outskirts of Huesca, this circular route crosses the dry steppe-like landscape of the Hoya de Huesca, passing through traditional farmland and offering wide-open views of the pre-Pyrenees mountains to the north. Best in spring when wildflowers carpet the fields. Moderate elevation changes and some unpaved sections.
This spectacular trail leads to the Salto de Roldán — two enormous rock pillars rising over 600 metres above the Flumen river gorge. Legend says the knight Roland leaped between them on horseback. The route from the village of Sabayés includes steep rocky sections, scrambling, and exposed ridgeline walking. Rewards include some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Huesca pre-Pyrenees. Not suitable for vertigo sufferers. Bring proper hiking boots, water, and check weather conditions before setting out.