Each year, tourists flock to the Barcelona, one of the most visited cities in the world, in their millions. In 2024, the Catalonian capital welcomed some 15 million tourists – roughly 83% of which were international, with the US, UK, France and Italy being the top source markets.
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that Barcelona is suffering under the weight of mass tourism, with its iconic sights like La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, now crowded and implementing strict visitor caps. However, just two hours’ drive away is a Spanish town often called its “best-kept secret”. Located in the high mountains of southern Aragon, it is a city renowned for its stunning Moorish-influenced architecture, romantic legends and even dinosaurs.
Teruel is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Mudéjar architecture – a unique style where Christian and Muslim influences blend into intricate brickwork and colourful ceramics. The towers of San Martín and El Salvador are the city’s icons and a must-see attraction. Those who climb El Salvador are rewarded with a panoramic view of the town’s orange-tiled rooftops.
Be sure not to miss the Cathedral of Santa María’s so-called Sistine Chapel of Mudéjar art – a magnificent 13th-century polychrome wooden ceiling. It is a 100-foot-long wooden “alfarje” (panelled ceiling), which, unlike many religious ceilings that focus solely on saints, is packed with secular images. As you look up, you can see knights, craftsmen, musicians and exotic animals.
Teruel is also known as a city of lovers. If Verona has Romeo and Juliet, Teruel has Diego and Isabel. Known as “Los Amantes de Teruel” (The Lovers of Teruel), their tragic 13th-century love story is the heart of the city’s identity. You can visit the tombs where the lovers lie, with their cold bronze hands reaching out but never quite touching.
If you visit in mid-February, the entire city is transformed into a medieval stage for the “Bodas de Isabel de Segura”, with residents in period costumes and renactments of the local legend. In 2026, the festival is particularly special as it celebrates its 30th anniversary and has recently been elevated to a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.
The province is also one of the world’s most important paleontological sites. Dinópolis is a massive theme park and museum that houses the remains of the Turiasaurus riodevensis – one of the largest dinosaurs ever found in Europe. If this were not enough for history buffs, Teruel was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Spanish Civil War. You can still visit nearby bunkers and trenches that have been preserved.
You cannot leave Teruel without stopping to eat. It is home to Jamón de Teruel, the first ham in Spain to receive a Protected Designation of Origin. It is cured in the cold, dry mountain air, giving it a delicate, salty flavour. The region is also famous for its black truffles.
Only 30 minutes away lies Albarracín, frequently voted the most beautiful village in Spain. Its pink-hued houses perched on a rocky cliffside make it look like a fairytale.
As Teruel is poorly served by public transport, you will likely have to drive yourself for two and a half hours south of Barcelona or two hours inland from Valencia.
