With only three direct flights a week from the UK, one stunning Roman city that’s a haven for foodies has managed to stay well under the radar. Despite being Spain’s fifth largest city, behind tourist havens like Madrid and Barcelona, Zaragoza has somehow managed to fend off the English-breakfast cafes and retain its Spanish charm with millions fewer tourists than Madrid.
That says nothing about its beauty as, just like the Andalusian gem of Cordoba famed for its intriguing Mosque-Cathedral, rich cultural influences seep through every building and restaurant in the city. The delicious tapas bars culminate at El Tubo, a winding maze of streets in the old town, where you can grab fresh natural bites with ice-cold beer or fruity wines.
For the adventurous foodie, Bar Entalto serves up controversial pineapple croquetas, while budding sommeliers should head to Bodegas Almau, which has some 800 wines.
Traditional palates will love the garlic mushrooms at El Champi, and vegans should steer clear of the carnivorous heaven of La Ternasca, with delights like lamb dumplings.
Try pintxos—bite-size snacks served on skewers—at places such as La Republicana, where you can try the quintessential favourites of rich iberico jamon or Spanish tortilla.
Its intertwined history earned it the nickname the ‘city of four cultures’, so you know the buildings are going to be stunning too, no more so than in the complex brickwork of La Seo Cathedral.
Originally founded as Caesaraugusta by the Romans in 14BC, ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the past when it was a thriving Roman colony.
Stunning Moorish architecture gives a nod to Islamic rule from the 8th century, when both Christian and Jewish communities resided within its walls, before it was taken over by Christian forces in 1118.
One of the most photographed sites is the formidable Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, an impressive building that overlooks the River Ebro that flows through the city.
There are three direct flights a week from London Stansted. The ancient city received 1.2 million tourists between January and November in 2024. In comparison, Madrid received 9.9 million visits in 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE).