Surely a potential UNESCO site… Albarracín in Aragon
Nestled snugly into the mountainous backdrop of the Sierra de Albarracín Comarca.. the fortified town Albarracín sits astride massive rocky outcrops that dominate the area… much like the types of rock you see at the Gorge du Verdon in France. It’s small with only 1075 inhabitants but the truly stunning vistas are obviously enjoyed by plenty of tourists each year..
Not only does it offer the chance to investigate the town with it’s amazing cathedral & ‘fortified hillside wall’ much like one we saw in Ston, Croatia earlier this year but it also offers brilliant hiking opportunities… Perhaps not to be recommended in Ugg Boots but you live and learn don’t you Lottie!! The hiking trails take you across some of the prettiest stone hillsides that we’ve walked in our year across Europe… the small trails are easily accessed and some even follow close to the roadside like the one above.. Each appear to have troglodyte cavesmuch like the ones we found in the Dordogne in France earlier this summer
If you’re kids love walking, scrambling and you are happy to let them explore like we are… they can roam freely in this area with reasonable security.. it’s easily accessible, perfect for all ages and there’s still some ‘bouldering challenges’ that you could enjoy… both girls love this since we tried it in Eidfjord, Norway with a great sustainable, eco friendly company called Flat Earth. We’d recommend the part between Teruel and Albarracín as the road sweeps along the bottom of the valley beside the River Turia
Albarracín has a history that is inextricably linked to the Muslim domination of the Iberian peninsula… and even gains it’s name from the Moorish family that lived here for many years…it was fought over many times before eventually becoming part of the Kingdom of Aragon in 1300. The whole area has been heavily fortified over generations and includes a magnificent cathedral (in brickwork/ceramic titles much like Teruel) and the Andator Tower too..
It is currently being discussed as a potential UNESCO site and it’s easy to see why… sweeping hillsides full of historic walls and buildings, scenic setting underneath the Sierra de Albaracín mountain range… Parking is very easily found in the many car parks below the centre of the old quarter and there are plenty of easily accessed steps to the various part of the old town. We’d recommend heading for the Plaza Mayor and the Town Hall… which boasts an unbelievable view of the Guadalaviar River… but go underneath the city via the old tunnel and take the first right turn… and you’ll get an even better view back over the old town!!
On the surface of it, the quality of the campsite facilities and shops aren’t huge factors in a choice of campsite. Most opt for fantastic views or amazing water parks… but having great facilities just seems to make any stay go that little easier… Especially when you consider the quality of their supermarket, on site bakery, newsagent, fishmonger…. plus those shower blocks are some of the best designed ones we’ve seen so far in Europe!
After some busy days either in the water parks, enjoying the beach or playing in the sports centre… each evening has been spent enjoying a quiet drink on the sun terrace overlooking the pools……as the girls check out the entertainment schedule for the following day.
Whether you’re camping, touring or staying in one of their luxury mobile homes… it’s the perfect place to enjoy one of Spain’s most beautiful campsites and we’d happily return in a heartbeat! It’s been a great start to our adventures northwards towards France.
Albarracín
so where did we park the bus for the night?
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