Aragon Pyrenees and Ordesa
Loarre Castle, the medieval town of Aínsa and one of Europe’s great canyons.
- Distance
- 241 km (150 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 20 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Spain
- Updated
- July 13, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 241 km (150 mi) with 6 stops, from Zaragoza to Ordesa valley. About 3 h 20 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Spain · More road trips from Zaragoza
Route description
Zaragoza, on the Ebro, has the great Basilica del Pilar and the Moorish Aljafería palace. From here the A-23 heads north to Huesca, a quieter town with a Gothic cathedral, at the foot of the first Pyrenean ridges.
North-west of Huesca, Loarre Castle is one of Europe’s best-preserved Romanesque castles, on a rocky spur above the Ebro plain. Then head east and north to Aínsa, a medieval town with an arcaded main square and views of the mountains.
The N-260 runs west from Aínsa through the mountains to Torla, a stone village at the entrance to the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The Ordesa valley is a glacial canyon of beech woods and waterfalls, and the walk to the Cola de Caballo falls takes a full day.
In summer and at Easter, private cars cannot drive into the Ordesa valley; take the shuttle bus from Torla. Start walks early and check the mountain weather, as storms can build quickly in the afternoon.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Zaragoza
Spain - 284 km
Huesca
Spain - 333 km
Loarre Castle
HistoryLoarre, SpainOne of Europe’s best-preserved Romanesque castles, on a rocky spur above the Ebro plain.
- 478 km
Aínsa
Spain - 539 km
Torla
Spain - 66 km
Ordesa valley
NatureTorla, SpainA glacial canyon with beech woods and waterfalls. The walk to the Cola de Caballo falls takes a full day.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Zaragoza → Huesca · 84 km · 1 h 10 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping San Jorge (< 1 km); Área de Huesca (1 km).
- Day 2: Huesca → Loarre Castle · 33 km · 0 h 28 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Castillo de Loarre (< 1 km); La Banera (7 km).
- Day 3: Loarre Castle → Aínsa · 78 km · 1 h 05 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Aínsa (< 1 km); Camping la Gorga (7 km).
- Day 4: Aínsa → Ordesa valley · 45 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Torla.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Ordesa (4 km); Camping Río Ara (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Aragon Pyrenees and Ordesa?
4-day road trip of about 241 km (150 mi) with 6 stops, from Zaragoza to Ordesa valley. About 3 h 20 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Aragon Pyrenees and Ordesa?
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 20 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Aragon Pyrenees and Ordesa start and end?
It starts in Zaragoza and ends in Ordesa valley.
Which countries does Aragon Pyrenees and Ordesa pass through?
Spain.
Where can you camp along Aragon Pyrenees and Ordesa?
OpenStreetMap lists 46 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping San Jorge, Camping Castillo de Loarre and Camping Aínsa.
When is the best time for Aragon Pyrenees and Ordesa?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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