- Teruel's Mudéjar towers are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Albarracín is one of Spain's most beautiful medieval towns
- The Matarraña and Maestrazgo are superb for slow road trips
- Valencia airport is roughly two hours' drive away
- Airports
- Valencia (VLC) or Zaragoza (ZAZ)
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October
- Type
- Province
Teruel is the smallest of Spain's provincial capitals and sits in one of the least populated corners of the country, in southern Aragon. That emptiness is part of its charm. The city is known for its Mudéjar architecture, brick towers decorated with glazed green and white tiles that blend Islamic and Christian styles, and for the medieval legend of the Lovers of Teruel.
Beyond the city, the province is wild and high, with pink-walled Albarracín, the rolling olive country of the Matarraña and the stern stone villages of the Maestrazgo. It is ideal for travellers who like a road trip and quiet places. Teruel is part of the Aragon region and makes a good add-on to a trip to Valencia or Zaragoza. See our Spain guide for more.
Things to do
- The Mudéjar towers – the towers of the cathedral, San Salvador, San Martín and San Pedro are part of the UNESCO listing for the Mudéjar architecture of Aragon. You can climb inside the Torre de El Salvador.
- Teruel Cathedral – best known for its painted Mudéjar wooden ceiling, one of the finest of its kind.
- Mausoleum of the Lovers – next to San Pedro church, the alabaster tombs of Isabel and Diego, the star-crossed couple of local legend, are the city's most visited sight.
- Plaza del Torico and the Escalinata – the main square is named after the tiny bull statue on its column, and the neo-Mudéjar staircase links the old town with the railway station.
- Dinópolis – a dinosaur theme park and palaeontology museum on the edge of the city, a hit with children. Satellite centres are spread around the province.
- Albarracín – a medieval town of rust-pink houses and city walls draped over a rocky hill above the River Guadalaviar, around 40 minutes from Teruel. Stay the night to see it without the day-trippers.
- The Matarraña – in the far north-east of the province, with Valderrobres and its castle-topped bridge, Beceite and the natural pools of the Parrizal gorge.
- The Maestrazgo – remote upland villages such as Cantavieja and Mirambel, with arcaded squares and old stone mansions.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Teruel city | Compact and walkable, with the towers, tapas bars and Dinópolis close by |
| Albarracín | Atmospheric overnight stop with small hotels in old houses |
| Valderrobres and the Matarraña | Rural guesthouses and good food, popular for walking and cycling |
| Maestrazgo villages | For complete peace and dark skies |
Getting there
Teruel has no airport with passenger flights. The most practical route from the UK is to fly to Valencia, which has plenty of UK flights, then drive roughly two hours up the A-23 motorway. Zaragoza is a similar distance to the north. Buses link Teruel with Valencia, Zaragoza and Madrid, and there is a slow regional train from Valencia and Zaragoza, but a car is essential for Albarracín, the Matarraña and the Maestrazgo.
Best time to visit
Late spring and early autumn are ideal, with mild days for walking and sightseeing. Summer is warm but cooler than the coast thanks to the altitude, while winters are properly cold and snow is possible. In February the city celebrates the Bodas de Isabel de Segura, a medieval festival re-enacting the Lovers' story, when many locals dress in period costume.
Try jamón de Teruel, which has its own protected designation and is cured in the cold, dry mountain air.
Top attractions in Teruel
LandmarkAlhambra
A hilltop palace-fortress of carved stucco, tiled courtyards and water gardens, the Alhambra is the high point of…
LandmarkPark Güell
Gaudí's hillside park of mosaic benches, gingerbread-style lodges and a famous dragon, with sweeping views over…
MuseumPrado Museum
One of the world's great art museums, the Prado holds Spain's royal collection, from Velázquez's Las Meninas to Goya's…
LandmarkReal Alcázar
A dazzling Mudéjar palace and gardens in the heart of Seville, still used by the Spanish royal family and famous as the…
LandmarkSagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, with its forest-like nave and glowing stained glass, is Barcelona's must-book sight.
NatureSerra de Tramuntana
A UNESCO-listed mountain range of stone villages, olive terraces and hairpin roads along Mallorca's north-west coast.
Teruel on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Teruel worth a visit?
Yes, especially if you like architecture and quiet places. The Mudéjar towers are unique, and Albarracín alone justifies the journey.
How long should I spend in Teruel province?
A day for the city and a night in Albarracín is a good minimum. Three or four days lets you add the Matarraña or Maestrazgo.
Can I visit Teruel from Valencia?
Yes. It is roughly two hours by car, so a long day trip is possible, though staying a night is more relaxing.
What is the legend of the Lovers of Teruel?
It tells of Diego and Isabel, who were kept apart by her family. Diego left to make his fortune but returned just too late, and both died of grief. Their tombs can be seen in the city today.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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