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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGran Fondo Quebrantahuesos; 200 kilometres through the Pyrenees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Every year, around 10,000 cyclists come to the town. Sabi\u00f1\u00e1nigo<\/strong> for the most important Spanish Gran Fondo of the year: Quebrantahuesos. Participants cross the border into France via the Puerto de Somport, to climb the Marie-Blanque there and return via the tough Col du Pourtalet. The name \u2018Quebrantahuesos\u2019 literally means \u2018Bonebreaker\u2019 and is also the Spanish name for the bearded vulture, which owes its name to the unique feeding habit of dropping large bones from carcasses at great heights onto rocks. It is an appropriate name for this Gran Fondo, as this gruelling route is guaranteed to demand the utmost from your legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Shorter distance<\/strong> - de Treparriscos Medium Distance<\/strong> \u2013 is 85 kilometres long and stays within Aragon. The route includes two beautiful climbs, the Puerto de Cotefablo and the Puerto de Petralba. Fancy a challenge? Then this is a fantastic loop to cycle at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just south of the highest peaks of the Aragonese Pyrenees lies Zona Zero. This cycling paradise is located in the Sobrarbe region, a rugged and sparsely populated area where the mountains transition into rough hilly landscapes. In 2011, a group of mountain bikers and entrepreneurs began marking out mountain bike trails along historic shepherds' paths. Where the region previously suffered from depopulation, it now attracts cyclists from all over. There are over 130 routes and more than 2500 kilometres of off-road paths of varying difficulty. The medieval town A\u00ednsa<\/strong> is the central hub of Zona Zero. Here you will find facilities for cyclists, such as bike shops, bike rentals and cycle-friendly accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zona Zero is known for mountain biking, but there are also plenty of wide gravel tracks in the area suitable for gravel bikes. You'll also find plenty of beautiful gravel routes in the vicinity; for instance, a little further north-east, starting from the village Chia<\/strong>, a beautiful loop drive over the Sah\u00fan pass<\/strong>; 37 kilometres of gravel and breathtaking views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As we head south, the landscape changes drastically. The green nature gives way to drier, rocky landscapes. The iconic Mallos de Riglos<\/strong> mark the border where the Pyrenees end and transition to the flat Ebro Valley. Here begins the Hoya de Huesca<\/strong>; a vast agricultural area full of grain fields and vineyards. From the plain, you can see the Mallos de Riglos looming in the distance. Gravel bikers can enjoy fantastic rides in the area around the Mallos de Riglos. Particularly special are the many vultures that are at home here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a cyclist, you may climb Loarre Castle<\/strong>, the best-preserved Romanesque fortress complex in Europe. The climb offers great views over the Hoya de Huesca plain. At approximately 4 kilometres, it is not a long climb, but it is a strenuous one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest contrast to the green mountains of the Pyrenees is the Monegros Desert<\/strong>, ten east of the city of Zaragoza. It used to be green here, but due to centuries of deforestation and the arid climate, it is now empty and bone dry. Only cyclists with an iron will find their way here on the straight, dusty roads. The area is the annual setting for the legendary Orbea Monegros Bike Marathon<\/strong>; whereby participants cycle 115 or 85 kilometres straight through the desert landscape. Although the paths are relatively flat and invite you to ride fast, elements such as heat, dust and strong winds (the Cierzo) turn the route into a true endurance test. The routes can be ridden all year round on your own initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An absolute must-visit during your trip to the Monegros Desert is the Sierra de Jubierre<\/strong>, a whimsical area full of deep gorges and peculiar rock formations. Here, you'll constantly cycle through dry riverbeds and over short, tricky hills. Around every bend, something new awaits. The Dust<\/strong> \u2013 gigantic rubbish tips \u2013 are the absolute highlights of the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone approaching the province of Teruel from the north will immediately notice that the landscape is becoming rougher again. But the biggest surprise perhaps lies right next to the provincial capital, Teruel itself. A stone's throw from the medieval city lies a landscape that would fit perfectly into a Western film: the Rambla de Barrachina<\/strong>, also known as the \u2018Red Canyon\u2019. Cycling around here feels extra special when you consider that Teruel is home to one of the most important paleontological sites in the world. Many fossils and dinosaur skeletons have been found in this area, including one of the largest dinosaurs ever to have lived in Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The area surrounding Red Canyon is perfect for a beautiful gravel ride, but don't forget to also visit the Teruel city<\/strong> to enjoy the beautifully preserved Mud\u00e9jar architecture. In the old town, you'll feel like you're in an open-air museum, with the most beautiful buildings. Many buildings, such as the Torre de San Mart\u00edn, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The De Monta\u00f1as Vac\u00edas route is a challenging bikepacking route through \u2018Spanish Lapland\u2019, which refers to the Serran\u00eda Celtib\u00e9rica<\/strong>, a vast and sparsely populated area in Spain, spread across 10 provinces, including Teruel. This region is so sparsely populated that it is comparable in terms of inhabitants to areas in the Scottish Highlands or Lapland. The route is 680 km long and includes over 12,000 metres of elevation gain. It crosses remote areas such as the Sierra de G\u00fadar<\/strong>, and mainly consists of gravel. The route starts and ends in Teruel. Shorter versions of the route are also available, so you can choose routes between 150 and 700 kilometres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should you therefore forget about cycling in Teruel? Absolutely not! You might not expect it, but the tarmac roads here are surprisingly smooth and there's little traffic, meaning you can cycle well on the road too. For example, cycle a loop between Teruel and the monumental fortified town of Albarrac\u00edn<\/strong> for a perfect combination of athletic exertion and enjoying the history and culture this area is known for. If you'd like to include some climbs in the route, then cycle The Silent Route in the Maestrazgo region<\/strong>; a mountainous region on the border of the Arag\u00f3n and Valencia regions. This is a fantastic area for training, with beautiful climbs such as the Puerto de Cuarto Pelado and Villarroya de los Pinares, and the steep San Crist\u00f3bal pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time to cycle in Arag\u00f3n is spring and autumn. However, this depends on the location you visit; the region is large and therefore the climate also varies. Visit the lower-lying areas, such as the Monegros desert, in April or May, when it is not yet too hot. Are you going to the Aragonese Pyrenees? Then the summer months are the best time to go, as the mountain passes are then free of snow. In autumn, the province of Teruel is at its most beautiful, when the pine forests turn a magnificent orange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The region of Aragon is surprisingly easy to reach. Are you flying into Barcelona or Madrid? The comfortable AVE high-speed train will take you to the heart of the region in just an hour and a half, including your bicycle (if packed). For a trip to the Pyrenees, you can fly into Lourdes or Toulouse in France and cross the border by hire car. Do you want to dive straight into the emptiness of \u2018Spanish Lapland\u2019 or the Monta\u00f1as Vac\u00edas in Teruel? Then flying into Valencia is the smartest option; from that airport, you'll be in Teruel within two hours' drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you opt for the high peaks in the north, the dusty singletracks in Zona Zero or the red canyons in the south: Arag\u00f3n proves that you don't have to travel to the other side of the world for an epic cycling adventure. Because one thing is for sure: as a cyclist, you'll never tire of Arag\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further information on cycling in Spain can be found on our Cycling in Spain page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ruta02Vuelta-a-Ordesa_Broto_009-1024x683.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMountain biking and gravel biking in Zona Zero<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The heart of Aragon: unique rock formations and desert landscapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHeat, dust and the Cierzo; cycling through the Monegros Desert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cycle along the Red Canyon and through \u2018Spanish Lapland\u2019 in the province of Teruel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Empty Mountains route; 680 kilometres through \u2018Spanish Lapland\u2019<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can also go in all directions on a road bike in Teruel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe best time to cycle in Arag\u00f3n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accessibility of Aragon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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