Spain :

Walking and Cycling in Aragon

Trip code: M07AG 4.5 (2 reviews)

Multi-activity holiday

7 nights,
single centre

Level: 2
Moderate

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Discover Aragon a little-known region of Spain, with dramatic mountain scenery and picturesque medieval villages.
  • Walk through the vast ravine of the impressive El Parizal canyon and amongst the towering red rock of Penas del Masmut, where vultures' nest.
  • Enjoy the tranquillity as you cycle through lush pastures and explore the ancient hidden beauty of Valderrobres.
  • Charming 4-star country hotel set in harmony with its rural surroundings, offering gourmet cuisine within an elegant yet relaxed setting.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 3 evening meals included on nights 1,4 & 7
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Sitting between Catalonia to the east, Valencia to the south and the Pyrenees to the North, Aragon is known for its long and rich history, evidenced through its architectural splendour and historic medieval towns and villages. The stunning diversity of its landscape is what makes the region so alluring, with virtually untouched landscapes. From valleys blanketed in olive and almond groves to lush forests and vast lakes surrounded by rugged mountains, it really is a treat for those who want to get off the beaten track and discover an oasis of tranquillity in a unique region of Spain.

On this 7-night holiday you explore the Matarrana region of Aragon, bordered by the National Reserve Los Puertos de Beceite. This single centre holiday uncovers the very best the region has to offer on foot and by bike. We have provided a suggested itinerary for you, but you are free to pick and choose where you walk and cycle each day. Walk deep into the El Parrizal canyon, where towering cliffs rise high as the Matarrana river winds its way to its source in the Puertos de Beceite mountains. High above, vultures nest deep in rocky crags. Explore the enchanted ruins of the monastery of the Virgen of Gracia, as you wander through swathes of lush countryside. Discover the hidden Embalse de Pena reservoir at the foot of the La Caxia mountain, where Ibex goat leap between the lower slopes. Cycle through pastures of olive and almond groves passing abandoned farmhouse (masias), where life seems to stand still. Crossing the medieval bridge of San Roque, the narrow winding streets of Valderrobres are a real delight and visiting the majestic palace-castle is a must!

The charming 4-star Mas de la Costa is an exquisite country hotel, lovingly resorted from a 19th century masia. Set in harmony with its surroundings, it is a place where you can simply relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Your hosts, Francoise and Christian ensure you receive a warm welcome and share with you their excellent local knowledge of the area. The cuisine is mostly Mediterranean, with influences and specialities brought back from your hosts various trips abroad. Dinner is included on 3 nights, in the onsite restaurant. The outdoor pool offers splendid views across the surrounding countryside and a small indoor spa with sauna and steam room is also available for use.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive Mas de la Costa

Arrival in Mas de la Costa, near Valderrobles. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a welcome glass of cava. Below is a suggested itinerary for the week but you are free to pick and choose when and where you walk or cycle each day.

You stay at Mas de la Costa.

hotel details



Mas de la Costa, Valderrobres

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
Safe
Tea/coffee


Set in the heart of rural Valderrobres, amongst 23 hectares of olive and almond groves the 4-star Mas de la Costa is a charming hotel in a truly stunning location. This small hotel has been beautifully resorted and impeccably furnished by proud owners Françoise and Christian. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding Puertos de Beceite mountains and admire the stars as you dine al-fresco on the large terrace. Tranquil gardens surround the outdoor pool, and a small indoor spa features a sauna and steam room.

All 15 rooms have been designed with relaxation in mind, so while you won’t find any televisions in the rooms, you will find calm, comfort and peace.

The superior double or twin rooms are spacious and offer a simple yet elegant warm colonial style. Most rooms have wonderful views and feature free Wi-Fi, safe and private bathroom lined with Granada tiles, bathrobe, slipper, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. While the rooms don’t have air conditioning, in summer cold water circulates through the underfloor heating.

Room upgrades: Junior-suite and Suite
Junior-suite: Offering maximum comfort, rooms are larger and have an additional seating area equipped with desk, living room with sofa and armchairs. Bathrooms have a double sink. Suite: The very spacious suites feature separate living room with limestone fireplaces and magnificent views. Bathrooms are lined with Botticino and Travertine marble.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: La Fresneda - Virgen de Gracia Walk 13km/8mi

This circular walk takes you through olive groves to the beautiful village of La Fresneda, exploring the enchanting ruins of the monastery of the Virgen de Gracia. Drive to start of walk approx. 15mins/15km.

Day 3: Around Valderrobres Cycle 34km/21.5mi

An easy ride along country roads (with one steep hill), and olive and almond groves with outstanding views of the surrounding mountains. Discover the exceptional medieval town of Valderrobres, with narrow winding streets topped by its 16th century castle and church.

Day 4: Beiceite - El Parrizal Walk 10km/6.5mi

A half-day, out and back walk to explore the El Parrizal canyon. From Beceite, follow the course of the Matarrana river as it winds its way to its source in the Puertos de Beceite mountains. (Entrance fee charged approx. 5€). Drive to start of walk approx. 20/25mins/14km.

Day 5: Embalse de Pena Cycle 39km/24.5mi

Tucked away in a valley between the La Picos and La Caixa mountains is the beautiful Embalse de Pena reservoir. As you cycle through pastures of olive and almond trees and abandoned masias, the tranquillity is truly captivating. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Ibex goat!

Day 6: Mases dels Vels Cycle 36km/22.5mi

Follow a spectacular circular cycle route through lush crops and rushing streams surrounded by a pristine mountainous landscape. Visit the magnificent 20m El Salt waterfall, with an optional climb to the medieval watchtower of Ermita de San Miguel overlooking the town of Fuentespalada.

Day 7: Penarroya - Pico de la Tossa (El Masmut) Walk 13km/8mi

A fantastic circular walk that takes you to the peak of the La Tossa mountain (1200m), rewarding you with panoramic views of the surrounding outcrops. Continue around the vertical rocky massif of the Penas del Masmut, where vultures' nest and look out for the Ibex goats which can be found in this area. Drive to start of walk approx. 15/20mins/18km.

Day 8: Depart Mas de la Costa

Depart after breakfast

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Gallery Hotel, Barcelona.

hotel details



Gallery Hotel , Barcelona

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Located in the centre of Barcelona, the Gallery Hotel has 25 years of experience to take care of you during your stay. The rooms are bright and have lots of home comforts included. The hotel also boasts a roof top pool and garden terrace.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.

Please contact our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

REVIEWS

We felt the walk and ride guidance via the app was good. We could have done with alternative walks and rides that were easier. There was no information on how to access one of the walks and it was vital.

I am in the process of drafting an email detailing where we could have benefited from more guidance.

Ann Wright, 5 Oct 2023

 

Always friendly and helpful on the phone and everything went smoothly.

Carol Ashby, 2 Oct 2023

 


Multi-activity holiday

7 nights,
single centre

Level: 2
Moderate

Headwater
Navigation App

 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE