Teruel

Introduction

Nestled in eastern Spain within the region of Aragon, Teruel serves as the capital of its namesake province. You can experience a landscape defined by dramatic rock outcrops that house some of the oldest dinosaur remains on the Iberian Peninsula and explore various archaeological sites scattered throughout the area.

The local culture is reflected in traditional craftsmanship like pottery and the region's renowned jamón serrano. You can witness vibrant local traditions during specific events, such as La Vaquilla del Ángel or the Bodas de Isabel de Segura. The city is known for its harsh climate characterized by wide daily temperature variations.

Before you go

Prepare for a journey to a remote and mountainous region where the high altitude creates a sense of isolation within Spain. While transport connections are improving with new motorway construction, you should note that there is no direct railway link from the capital to this provincial seat.

Pack layers to manage the varying conditions of the local climate:

• Expect warm to hot temperatures during the summer months.
• Prepare for cool winters where temperatures can drop significantly.
• Plan for more frequent rainfall during the late spring and autumn periods.

Getting there

You can reach Teruel by train from both Zaragoza and Valencia, though the airport in Valencia offers more connections than the one in Zaragoza. The railway station is situated well below the town; if you have mobility difficulties, you may prefer taking a taxi to navigate the many flights of steps required for those arriving on foot.

Alternatively, you can travel by bus from Valencia, Zaragoza, or Madrid. The bus station provides easier access to the town than the train station. You can find a list of transport companies and contact information through the local tourist office.

Getting around

You can easily explore the city centre on foot as it is very compact and requires no car for navigation. If you need to travel further afield to locations such as Dinópolis, you may choose to use the town's only taxi service.

Where to stay

You can choose between accommodations that offer distinct experiences depending on your travel needs. If you are traveling by car, the Parador de Teruel provides a convenient location near the city center with amenities such as an onsite bar, a highly-regarded restaurant, a pool, and tennis courts.

Other options include:

• Parador de Teruel: Features non-smoking rooms and free Wi-Fi.
• Hotel Torre del Marqués: Located in the Paraje Torre del Marques area.

Food & drink

You can enjoy a meal at Restaurante La Atalaya del Tastavins, located within the Torre del Marqués Hotel.

While there is no specific traditional drink associated with the area, you can find microbrews in local bakeries. You should avoid the pubs in the party zone, known as "la zona," as they are described as troll nests.

What to see and do

Explore some of the most impressive Mudéjar architecture in Spain, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can admire the Catedral de Santa María de Teruel, featuring an ornate wooden ceiling and a well-preserved bell tower. Nearby, the Torre de la Iglesia de San Salvador showcases intricate tile work on its finely decorated structure, while the adjacent Church of San Salvador de los Reyes serves as a prime example of Baroque architecture. Visit the 14th-century Romanesque-Mudéjar Iglesia de San Pedro to see an interior covered in designed bricks and tiles, or view the glazed tilework of the Torre de San Martín from the exterior.

Beyond the historic towers, you can experience a variety of architectural styles and cultural landmarks:

• The Acueducto Los Arcos, a significant example of Spanish Renaissance engineering.
• The Escalinata Neo-Mudéjar, which blends Moorish and Modernist elements to connect the train station with the city center.
• The Museo de Teruel and the Museo de Arte Sacro, both housed in 16th-century palaces.
• Dinópolis on the outskirts of town, a paleontological museum and dinosaur theme park located where the first dinosaur in Spain was discovered.

Three days in Teruel

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Teruel by exploring the historic architecture and the local culture. You can admire the Mudéjar style and visit the Cathedral to experience the heritage of this region of Aragon.

Day two, you can travel toward the nearby areas to see more of the landscape. You can find your way to Dinópolis or explore the surroundings of Paraje Torre while taking in the sights of the Iberian Peninsula.

Day three, you can spend your final day exploring other sites or enjoying a meal at Restaurante La Atalaya. If you prefer to stay local, you can take in more of the scenery before concluding your time in this part of Spain.