Teruel
9 places in and around Teruel, 3 of them among my favourite picks.
Chapter One
The story of Teruel
“Teruel” was built as a Castilian-Aragonese fortress in 1171 CE on land that had belonged to al-Andalus. Many Mudéjars remained there, and they raised towers decorated with brick and glazed ceramic, among the finest examples of Mudéjar architecture on the World Heritage list.
Figures of Teruel
- 1157–1196
Alfonso II de Aragón
The king who founded Teruel in 1171 CE.
- 13th century CE
Diego de Marcilla e Isabel de Segura
The two protagonists of the famous love story in Spanish literature. The “Tomb of the Lovers”, with their statues, is displayed in the city, and their historicity is a matter of debate.
- 1640–1710
Gaspar Sanz
A guitar composer born in Calanda, in the province of Teruel.
- 1900–1983
Luis Buñuel
One of the greatest film directors, born in Calanda, in the province of Teruel, where the “Centro Buñuel” is located.
Chapter Two
Places in Teruel
9 places I chose, arranged in chapters. A gold star marks one of my favourite picks.
Torre de El Salvador (Teruel)
- Morisco heritage
A Mudéjar tower from the early 14th century, a tower within a tower in the manner of Almohad minarets, decorated with brick and green and white ceramic. It belongs to the architecture of the “Mudéjars” – Muslims who lived under Christian rule before their forced conversion in Aragon (1526) – which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
My tip
The climb is fairly easy and has explanatory panels in English; be aware of the bells ringing on the hour if you are at the top.
Catedral de Santa María de Mediavilla (Teruel)
- Morisco heritage
Its most famous feature is the coloured Mudéjar wooden ceiling from the 13th century, with scenes of everyday life by Muslim craftsmen, and its tower clad in brick and ceramic. It is part of the UNESCO-listed site “Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon”.
My tip
Ask for the guided tour to go up to the upper gallery and see the ceiling up close; it is only available that way.
Javalambre (Aramón)
· Camarena de la Sierra
The closest ski resort to Valencia (about an hour and a half), in the mountains of Teruel; small and quiet, ideal for teaching children and beginners, with active ski schools. The season is usually December to March.
- Moderate effort · needs a car
- An hour and a half from Valencia by a mountain road from Sarrión; parking at the base. Chains sometimes. Services only at the resort; Camarena is a small village.
My tip
If you rent equipment, arrive when the shop opens (9:00) to avoid a long queue. The city of Teruel, with its Mudéjar architecture, is worth a visit on the way.
Castillo de Valderrobres
· Valderrobres
A real postcard: a Gothic stone bridge over the Matarraña river leads to one of Spain's most beautiful villages, topped by a 14th-century Gothic castle-palace built for the archbishops of Zaragoza, in a region known as the “Tuscany of Aragon”.
What to see
The Gothic bridge and the view of the town from the river · The Gothic castle-palace and its halls · The square and the town hall · The Matarraña river · The Parrizal de Beceite trail with its wooden walkways
- Moderate effort · needs a car
- By car; parking near the bridge, then a 10-minute climb up paved lanes and steps to the castle. Not suitable for pushchairs. Restaurants in the town. Public transport is almost non-existent in the Matarraña.
My tip
Entry is by ticket with an audio guide. The best photo is from the iron bridge opposite. Combine it with the Matarraña villages (Calaceite, Beceite) and the river's natural pools in summer.
Dinópolis Teruel
A dinosaur park and museum in Teruel with real fossils, a giant animatronic dinosaur, rides, a river trip and shows. A full-day destination for dinosaur fans.
- Ages
- 3–14
- Setting
- Indoors and outdoors
My tip
Seasonal, so check the calendar; a full day. The food inside is poor, so bring your own meal. Two hours from Valencia.
Dinópolis
An entertainment and science complex about dinosaurs in Teruel, combining a museum of real fossils, games and interactive shows. It has small branches in the villages of the province where the fossils were found.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- 10 minutes from central Teruel; a large car park, and the site is set up for pushchairs.
My tip
Usually open only at weekends and in summer; check the calendar. Prices are fairly high and the food inside is average, so bring light snacks. A full day for children aged 4–12.
Paisaje Protegido de los Pinares de Rodeno
· Albarracín
A pine forest among red sandstone rocks near Albarracín, with rock shelters bearing Neolithic paintings open to visitors. It is also popular for climbing small boulders.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- 15 minutes from Albarracín and 40 minutes from Teruel; parking at the start of the trails.
My tip
Entry is free; the rock-art route is mostly paved and suitable for pushchairs and children. Combine it with the town of Albarracín (15 minutes).
Spa Hotel Ciudad de Teruel
A family hotel near the city of Teruel and “Dinópolis”, the famous dinosaur park, with a games room, a small cinema and a spa. The rooms are spacious with extra beds, and it offers stay packages with park tickets.
My tip
Ask about the “hotel + Dinópolis” package; the park opens from spring to autumn, so check the calendar. It suits children from 4 years old.
Castillo de Mora de Rubielos
· Mora de Rubielos
A large 14th-century Gothic castle in the heart of the town, with a courtyard of arcades, floors and vaults, displaying a large collection of medieval siege engines. The neighbouring village of Rubielos de Mora is one of Spain's most beautiful villages.
- Moderate effort · needs a car
- 45 minutes from Teruel by car. Stairs and vaults; difficult for pushchairs.
My tip
The audio guide is free on your phone; allow two hours. Combine it with Rubielos de Mora (15 minutes) and Puertomingalvo.
Chapter Three
When to go to Teruel
Pick a month to see its weather and events.
Among my best months An event or holiday
January
No events listed in January. A quiet month, and prices are often lower.
Chapter Four
What to bring home
What deserves to come home with you from Teruel: the genuine article, and what carries a protected origin.
- DOP
Calanda peach
Melocotón de Calanda DOPLate yellow peach, bagged on the tree in paper; sweet and fragrant, in season September–October, and canned in syrup.
- DOP
Bajo Aragón olive oil
Aceite del Bajo Aragón DOPOil mainly from the “Empeltre” variety, smooth and sweet, with an almond flavour and almost no bitterness.
Black truffle
Trufa negra de TeruelTeruel is the world's largest producer of the black truffle “Tuber melanosporum”, around the town of Sarrión; its season is December–March.
Tronchón cheese
Queso de TronchónA historic sheep's cheese mentioned by Cervantes in “Don Quixote”, with a distinctive concave shape.
Sighs of the lovers
Suspiros de amanteA sweet from Teruel inspired by the legend of the “Lovers of Teruel”, made with cheese, egg and sugar.
Chapter Five
Getting around Teruel
Apps that work here
Uber
Last reviewed1 October 2026