Zaragoza holidays

How to reach Zaragoza

• Flight time: While there are direct flights to Zaragoza Airport from London, which take around 2 hours 15 minutes, flights are more frequent to Madrid or Barcelona; both airports are only an hour’s journey by train from Zaragoza.

• Transfer time: One of the most popular ways to get to Zaragoza centre is to take the bus service, which takes around 30 minutes to reach the bus station. You can hail a taxi outside the terminal, which will reduce the journey time to about 20 minutes.

• Price: A one-way trip to the heart of Zaragoza on the bus will cost you €1.70, in contrast to the €25–€30 you'll spend on a taxi. Taking a taxi is the most hassle-free option when travelling with heavy luggage.

Best time to visit Zaragoza

Zaragoza’s Mediterranean climate is defined by blistering summers and chilly winters, which you might want to consider when planning your trip.

• March to May is a perfect time for seeing the sights of Zaragoza without the intense heat to drag you back. Temperatures hover between 15°C and 22°C, there are around 7 hours of sunshine a day and rainfall is moderate.

• June to August be prepared for the excessive heat; temperatures can reach 35°C in July and August. Most locals take a siesta to escape the sun meaning many establishments are closed during that time.

• September to November is a brilliant period to visit Zaragoza. Moderate temperatures, ranging from 20°C in September to 12°C in November, enable comfortable sightseeing. Rainfall increases but is still not a real issue. October is also when you can take part in Zaragoza’s famous Fiestas del Pilar.

• December to February temperatures can plummet to 3°C in December and rise to 10°C in February. Even so, it’s a welcome escape from the harsher winters in the UK. You can still get 4 to 6 hours of sunshine daily and rain is at its lowest.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is the language, though English is spoken in many tourist spots. A few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way, especially in more local areas.

• Local habits and customs: Zaragoza follows a relaxed pace of life. Dinner is typically eaten late, around 9 pm, and it’s common practice to take your time over meals. Businesses often close during the afternoon for siesta. A warm greeting when entering shops or restaurants is appreciated,

• Currency: Spain uses the Euro. ATMs are widely available throughout Zaragoza, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: Although Zaragoza is a very walkable city, the buses and trams are cheap, efficient and serve the city and outlying suburbs. A single journey costs around €1.50. The city has an extensive network of taxis, and these are a good choice for late-night journeys.

• Electricity and plug types: Zaragoza uses the standard European 220V with two-pin plugs. UK travellers will need a plug adaptor to charge their devices.

• Time zone: Zaragoza is on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, with daylight saving adjustments in summer.

Best things to do in Zaragoza

Culturally diverse Zaragoza is a city full of historical heritage and art treasures. As you walk its vibrant streets or explore the historic sites, you'll soon discover what a fascinating destination this is.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Torre Del Pilar Mirador (Column Tower Lookout): Take the elevator to the top of this glass-encased lookout, for breathtaking views over the Ebro River and city skyline. The tower is part of the Our Lady of the Pillar Basilica.

• Zuda Tower: At the top of this ancient tower – the sole surviving remains of an Arab palace – information panels detail the historic structures that can be seen on all four sides.

The best districts

• El Tubo: Foodies and those wanting to immerse themselves in local culture should make a beeline for Zaragoza's tapas district. The narrow streets are lined with bars and restaurants that serve mouthwatering local dishes. After dark, the area really comes to life.

• La Magdalena: This peaceful district features attractive streets where you can admire Mudéjar architecture and notable churches, such as La Magdalena Church.

• Casco Antiguo (Old Town): Colourful buildings and grand plazas fill the winding alleys of the Old Town. Iconic landmarks like Our Lady of the Pillar Basilica and La Seo Cathedral are found here.

Parks and gardens

• José Antonio Labordeta Big Park: This huge well-maintained city park is decorated with sculptures, ornamental fountains and beautiful gardens. Hire bikes to explore the vast avenues of green space.

Historical monuments

• Our Lady of the Pillar Basilica: One of Zaragoza's crown jewels, this baroque basilica is incredible, especially the elaborate interior and towering domes. The holy pillar inside is a significant pilgrimage site.

• La Seo Cathedral: A mix of Gothic, Romanesque and Mudéjar architectural styles, La Seo Cathedral is an important piece of Zaragoza's religious history. The tapestry museum inside displays one of the best collections in Europe.

• Aljafería Palace: A former royal palace, the Aljafería is an amazing example of Moorish architecture. You can imagine life in medieval Zaragoza as you walk through its ornate halls and lush gardens.

Day trips in the area

• Monasterio de Piedra (Stone Monastery): Surrounded by waterfalls and caves, this monastery is well worth the 90-minute drive from Zaragoza to appreciate how magnificent the building and its surroundings are.

• Tarazona: This delightful medieval town boasts noteworthy Mudéjar architecture and a bullring that is built into the structure of the town itself – an architectural marvel.

Activities for families in Zaragoza

Zaragoza holidays can be fulfilling for families, with plenty of attractions to keep children amused while parents get to sample the city's culture and history.

• Recreational areas: Zaragoza's River Beach is an urban area where kids can splash in shallow waters while parents relax on the sandy shores. At José Antonio Labordeta Big Park there are playgrounds and vast open spaces where children can play till they drop.

• Interactive museums: Interactive archaeology exhibits at the Zaragoza Museum are engaging for older kids, while younger children will enjoy family-friendly exhibitions and workshops hosted at the CaixaForum Zaragoza.

• Aquariums and zoos: One of Europe’s largest river aquariums, Zaragoza Aquarium is an enthralling day out for all ages. Youngsters can learn about the different river ecosystems and get up close to species from the Nile, Mekong and Amazon rivers.

• Other activities: Zaragoza is a bike-friendly city with designated cycling paths, especially along the Ebro River; rent bikes and explore. Water sports enthusiasts should head to the calm waters of the River Ebro to partake in paddleboarding or kayaking.

Free things to do in Zaragoza

Zaragoza is brimming with things to do that won’t require you to spend any money, especially if you do your research beforehand. Here are a few free activities to do in the city:

• Free museums: On certain days, some of Zaragoza’s museums are free. Free admission is offered Sunday afternoons at the Museo Pablo Gargallo, which is dedicated to the works of the sculptor. The Goya Museum, showcasing works by Spain’s great artists, is free on the first Wednesday each month.

• Annual festivals: Zaragoza hosts festivals throughout the year, many of which are free to attend. The Fiestas del Pilar in October is one of the best celebrations, with parades, fireworks, and traditional dance and music performances.

• Free guided tours: Led by knowledgeable guides working on a tip-only basis, local companies offer informative and engaging walking tours of Zaragoza’s historic districts.

Wellness in Zaragoza

• Spas and thermal baths: The province of Zaragoza has several thermal spas. Head to Termas Pallarés, about an hour from Zaragoza, which offers thermal pools, massage treatments and relaxation circuits.

Local dishes in Zaragoza

One of the great pleasures of holidays to Zaragoza is sampling the local flavours and dishes that define the region's food scene – traditional Aragonese dishes and modern cooking.

Some typical dishes

• Migas: Hearty and filling, this local dish is made from fried breadcrumbs and is normally served with chorizo, bacon and grapes.

• Chilindrón: Made with either chicken or lamb and slow-cooked with red peppers, tomatoes and onions, chilindrón is a true reflection of Aragonese flavours.

Tapas dishes

• Bacalao Ajoarriero: Salted cod is mixed with a rich garlic and tomato sauce to create this popular tapas dish, which goes down well with a glass of local wine.

• Longaniza de Aragón: This tasty sausage showcases the region's love for cured meats, normally served sliced or added to other dishes.

Meat dishes

• Ternasco de Aragón: One of Zaragoza’s most celebrated dishes, the tender lamb is roasted to perfection and served with roasted potatoes or vegetables.

• Conejo al Salmorejo: A must-try for meat lovers, rabbit stew is prepared with a tangy marinade of vinegar, garlic and spices.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bacalao al Ajoarriero: This flavourful dish of salt cod cooked with garlic, pepper and tomatoes is common in Aragonese cuisine.

• Trout from the Pyrenees: Freshly caught river trout, often grilled, is kept simple and served with delicious accompaniments that enhance the natural flavour.

Sweets and desserts

• Frutas de Aragón: A sweet local speciality made from candied fruits coated in chocolate that is perfect as a souvenir to take home.

• Guirlache: Almond brittle coated in caramel has been a regional favourite for generations.

Local drinks

• Cariñena wine: The Aragon region is home to the Cariñena wine-growing area, known for its robust red wines.

• Vermouth: As an aperitif, you’ll find locals enjoying vermouth on ice with a slice of orange in bars across Zaragoza.