Holidays in Aragon (Zaragoza, Teruel, Huesca)
Aragon is traversed by the river Ebro, which offers fish of such numbers and proportions that the Ebro is considered one of the best locations in Europe for Cat and Carp fishing. With a population of just over 1.3 million people living in Aragon, and half of them living in the capital city of Zaragoza, the region is mostly deserted with beautiful, mountainous scenery to the north, and mainly barren land in the south.
The greatest peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains can be found in Aragon with Aneto, the highest of them all, being found in the province of Huesca. In amongst the mountains can be found some beautiful secluded valleys, which remain largely un-spoilt due to their inaccessibility. Spread thinly through the valleys and plains can be found small towns and churches with great views of the rugged landscape.
The region of Aragon has three provinces whose capital cities Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel take the same names as their province. There are many, small towns all across the region, and especially in the province of Teruel where out of the 236 municipalities, more than half the villages have a population of fewer than 200 people. In-between the villages the land is mostly deserted and quite barren.
Zaragoza, capital of Aragon
The huge Plaza del Pilar is the social centre of Zaragoza, looked over by some wonderful old monuments and fine fountains. Here can be found the Basílica del Pilar; whose domes and towers dominate the city and this is where legend has it the Virgin Mary appeared. To the west of the city centre can be found the La Aljaferia palace. An Islamic-fortress, it was once the residence of Arab kings and later by Christian kings, Aragonese kings and then by Spanish monarchs. Nowadays, the building houses Aragon's regional parliament.
Aragon Monasterio de San Juan de la Peña
Located 30km southwest of Jaca, this monastery church that is dedicated to saint John, is situated beneath a huge overhanging rock. The monastery has had special significance since Muslim times where pilgrims would stop here in the hope of viewing the Holy Grail, a Roman chalice which was hidden somewhere in the monastery. The Roman chalice is now on view in Valencia Cathedral. The lower church represents the heart of the monastery that was founded in 920. On the second floor is the Pantheon where can be seen the tombs of noblemen from both Aragon and Navarre. Inside the apse of the High Church of San Juan can be seen a replica of the Holy Grail which was kept inside the walls to protect it against Muslim invasion.
Ordesa National Park
Declared a national park in 1918, an area of more than 15,600 hectares is now protected in the Biosphere Reserve or Ordesa as declared by UNESCO is 1997. Most of the park is limestone and a retreating glacier still exists on the north face of Monte Pedido, the third largest mountain in the Pyrenees. The park's dramatic mountain scenery comprises of limestone cliffs, canyons, caves, chasms and crystal-clear streams with forests of pine, birch, ash, willow and oak. Great birds fly the skies including the royal eagle, hawks, royal owls, ospreys and the snow partridge, while on the ground can be seen the marmot, wild boar, chamois and the red deer. The park is open all year round but the months between April and October offer the best conditions for walking and hiking.
Aragon is a wonderful region of Spain to visit. The Pyrenees Mountains offer wonderful dramatic scenery to the north and the ancient cities of Zaragoza, Teruel and Huesca have many important historical buildings. If you are looking for a different holiday experience in Spain, Aragon may just be the location of choice.
Related Tags: holiday, holidays, spain, fishing, attractions, or, aragon, zaragosa, huesca, teruel, ebro, pyrenees
Steve Greenwood has lived on the Costa del Sol in Spain for 3 years. You are invited to visit Holiday apartments for rent in Spain for property rentals, tourist attractions and holiday activities on the Costa del Sol. Ideal Rentals For You (www.idealrentals4u.com) offers holiday information on all the regions of Spain including the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Staying In A Condo At Myrtle Beach Is A Good Idea
The right accommodation is very important when it comes to planning the vacation to an exotic destin - Rent A Condo At Myrtle Beach, Roam Around, Play Golf - The Best Way To Go On A Vacation
Myrtle Beach is popular as a destination for vacation for the entire family. The area is famous for - Explore The National Parks Of Rajasthan And Taj Mahal Of Agra
There are numerous national parks in Rajasthan. It is very rich in flora and fauna. Rajasthan is fre - Royal Historical Tours In Rajasthan -select The Appropriate Tour Package
Rajasthan is the royal crown of India. Its culture and tradition still echoes the historical grandeu - Rhodes Holidays: Visiting The Fishing Harbor, Kamiros Scala
The Greek Island of Rhodes offers a number of medieval sites such as Kamiros to make your Rhodes hol - Why It Is Best To Choose Vacation Rentals For Your Holidays?
Children will be in dream when they get vacation holidays and they think where to go and enjoy the v - Get The Perfect Golfing Vacation!
TUNISIA: Cheap and goodThanks to a golf mad king, Tunisia has become a golfing tourist country.It is - Morgan Hill Accommodations
Morgan Hill is a city in the state of California, United States located in the southern part of Sant - Low Cost Hotels
We have always associated traveling to be an expensive activity that only the rich and famous can af - Honeymoon Destinations In India
Travel and Tourism services in India offers several services with well-planned tour packages. North
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Sanibel Island Rental
As a vacation destination that needs no distractions from glitzy amusement parks and bustling city c - Traveling By Car In California-Parking In California
Valet parking is obligatory if you dine in some restaurants. You just hand the keys to the attendant - Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals
Fort Lauderdale is a jewel along the Atlantic coast with its miles of pristine, gorgeous beaches and - Holidays in Madrid-Holiday Attractions and Places to Visit
Madrid is the capital of Spain, and is located almost exactly in the centre of the country. The prov - Cyprus Weather: Are You Tempted To Holiday In Cyprus?
Cyprus, located in the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, is the hottest Mediterranean island boa - Daytona Beach Vacation Rentals Have What It Takes
Central Florida seems to be quite the activity hotspot. From Disney to Cape Canaveral and all the pl - Find Vacation Peace in Avon, Outer Banks
Travelers attracted to the Outer Banks of North Carolina know what they want from a vacation: a laid - Las Vegas Honeymoon Vacations
Las Vegas is a very popular honeymoon vacation destination. It offers everything that is required fo - Las Vegas Casino Hotels
Gambling has become synonymous to Las Vegas and at the Las Vegas Strip, you will find more casino ho - Orlando Student Vacations
When deciding on an Orlando vacation, quite similar to other destinations, students can take advanta