Aragon Rivers I: Alquézar & Pasarelas del Vero Hike
Explore Alquézar’s medieval village and hike the Pasarelas del Vero canyon walkways, turquoise pools and viewpoints in Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park
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About Alquézar & River Vero Pasarelas hike
Alquézar is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left — a medieval fortress village perched above the turquoise waters of the River Vero, surrounded by the dramatic cliffs of the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park. Its terracotta rooftops, narrow stone alleys and hilltop castle make it one of the most atmospheric villages in Aragón, and the perfect base for exploring the famous Pasarelas del Vero canyon walk.
This 13km circular hiking route from Alquézar blends history, geology and adventure in a way few hikes can. You descend from the medieval streets into the Vero River gorge, following a series of spectacular metal walkways bolted into the canyon walls. Below you, the river flows through deep turquoise natural pools, past sculpted limestone, caves and hidden beaches. The highlight is the enormous Picamartillo Cave, a cathedral‑like opening carved by centuries of water.
The route continues through the heart of the Vero Canyon, passing waterfalls, old dams, and the historic Puente de Villacantal stone bridge — one of the best swimming spots on the entire hike. As you climb back toward the village, the views open into sweeping panoramas of Alquézar’s castle, olive groves and the rugged Sierra de Guara landscape.
Because Alquézar is a three‑hour drive from Barcelona, this hike shines brightest as part of a long weekend. Many hikers pair it with the spectacular Alcanadre River & Bierge Natural Pools Wet Hike — a refreshing amphibious route that perfectly complements the canyon walkways of Day One. Together, these two routes form the ultimate Aragon Rivers weekend: medieval village exploration, canyon walkways, turquoise pools and unforgettable river scenery.
Whether you’re here for photography, canyon landscapes, medieval architecture or simply a refreshing summer adventure, the Alquézar & Pasarelas del Vero hike is one of the most memorable routes in Aragón — a perfect start to a long weekend you’ll be talking about for years.
Alquézar History
The name Alquézar comes from the Arabic al‑Qasr, meaning “castle” or “fortress,” a reference to the imposing hilltop stronghold around which the medieval village grew. This strategic position made Alquézar one of the key fortresses of the Barbitania region, guarding access to Barbastro and controlling movement through the surrounding canyons.
According to Muslim chroniclers, the fortress first belonged to the Banu Jalaf before being taken in 893 by Ismail ibn Muza of the Banu Qasi of Zaragoza, and later by al‑Tawil. In 938, Abd al‑Rahman III appointed his son Yahia as governor of Barbastro and Alquézar. The original fortress was built in the early 9th century by Jalaf ibn Rasid as a defensive outpost against the advancing Christian Pyrenean kingdoms.
Around 1067, Alquézar was conquered by King Sancho Ramírez of Aragón and became a Christian stronghold known as Castrum Alqueçaris. It played an important role in the later stages of the Reconquest, housing military garrisons supported by an Augustinian community. In 1099, the church of Santa María was consecrated as a royal chapel within the fortified complex.
As the Reconquest pushed south toward Barbastro and Huesca, Alquézar gradually shifted from a military fortress to a religious and commercial centre, known as the alquezarense priory. By the 13th century, population growth led to the expansion of the village beyond the castle walls into what became known as Burgo Nuovo Alquezaris, leaving the fortress largely uninhabited except for religious orders.
The medieval layout of Alquézar has changed very little since the 13th century. Its narrow, winding alleys, shaded passages and small squares follow a traditional Muslim urban design adapted to the hillside topography. Houses were built close together to protect residents from sun and wind, creating the intimate, labyrinthine streets that define the village today.
Historically, Alquézar functioned as a closed defensive enclosure, possibly walled, with three access portals — two of which still survive: the main Gothic gate (13th century) and another in the lower part of the village. These gates were once closed at night to control entry.
The original paving consisted of thick stone slabs laid directly into the soil, sloping toward a central drainage channel. Many of the houses were built by Mudejar craftsmen (Muslims living in Christian territory), who introduced brickwork techniques that can still be seen in the upper galleries, arches and eaves. The oldest surviving houses date from the 14th and 15th centuries, with the village reaching a period of prosperity in the 16th century.
Walking the Pasarelas del Vero route offers not only canyon scenery and river views but also a scenic approach through this remarkably preserved medieval village of Alquézar, where history, architecture and landscape blend seamlessly.
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Visiting Alquézar & River Vero Pasarelas hike
This gentle and scenic route begins at the Alquézar parking area and follows the road north toward the Mirador Sonrisa al Viento, a viewpoint overlooking the medieval village and its hilltop fortress. Continue into town and take Calle Triador down into Barrio Arrabal, where you’ll find a small square with terrace cafés — a perfect spot for breakfast with views of Alquézar and the Iglesia Parroquial de San Miguel Arcángel.
After breakfast, follow the road into the village and look for Calle Medio on the right. This narrow cobbled street passes beneath a medieval house and leads into the historic centre. Take the left fork onto Calle Pedro Arnal Cavero, passing the small chapel of Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves on your right.
At the end of the street, turn left onto Calle Dragones and continue to Plaza Rafael Ayerbe, one of the most charming squares in the village. Continue straight to the ticket office where you pay the €5 fee for the Pasarelas del Vero route. The fee covers maintenance of the metal walkways and includes a hard hat, which is mandatory for the canyon sections. The guard at the entrance will check that you have both your ticket and helmet.
Tickets for the Pasarelas del Vero can be booked in advance using the button below — highly recommended in summer, as daily visitor numbers are limited.
Once equipped, return to Plaza Rafael Ayerbe and turn right to reach the entrance gate, where the guard controls spacing between groups. After a short wait, you’ll begin the descent into the canyon via the first wooden bridges, squeezed between the Castibián crag on the left and the castle walls on the right. Seven sections of walkway lead you down toward the River Vero, revealing caves, overhangs and lush vegetation adapted to the cool, humid microclimate of the gorge.
At the bottom, follow the riverbank path to the right for about 100 metres to reach the oxbow bend and the impressive Picamartillo Cave — one of the most iconic natural features of the entire route. After exploring the cave, return along the river and take the metal walkways bolted into the canyon wall. This is where the hard hat is most useful.
The walkways follow the river downstream, passing an old dam and waterfall. About 50 metres beyond, a rocky path leads down to a beautiful pool — an ideal place for a swim in warm weather. Continue along the metal walkways to the historic hydroelectric station of Alquézar, where another deep turquoise pool invites a refreshing dip.
From here, the route leaves the river briefly, following a path parallel to the canyon before rejoining another long stretch of metal walkway. This leads to the Mirador del Vero, a suspended platform offering spectacular views over the canyon and surrounding cliffs.
Continue inland past Molino d’Arriba, an abandoned stone mill, until you reach the Puente de Fuendebaños de Asque. The stone bridge crosses the river, and just behind it is another excellent swimming spot. The next section crosses olive groves and dry shrubland, so ensure you have enough water for this more exposed part of the hike.
Follow the path uphill through arid terrain, enjoying several natural viewpoints overlooking Alquézar. The route becomes the Camino de Puente de Fuendebaños and eventually transitions into a rural track leading to the tiny village of Asque.
In Asque, you’ll see the Iglesia de Santa Columba de Asque (1885) and a small square with a fountain — though when I visited, both the fountain and the Bar Centro Social were closed, so don’t rely on this stop for water.
Leave Asque via the Camí a Asque road and turn left at the first crossroads onto a rural track. This becomes the Cami de Puente de Villacantal, winding through the hills until it reaches the Barranco de Lumos, another scenic gorge that leads back down to the River Vero.
At the river, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent Puente de Villacantal, a historic stone bridge spanning a turquoise pool — one of the best swimming and photography spots on the entire route. After a rest, cross the bridge and follow the canyon‑top path back toward Alquézar, passing wildflowers and several viewpoints overlooking the village.
Once back in town, follow the streets toward the town hall near Plaza Rafael Ayerbe, then return through Barrio Arrabal for a well‑earned drink or tapas before heading back to the parking area.
Hiking the Alquézar Pasarelas del Vero with a dog
This route can be wonderful with a dog, but it comes with an important caveat. Several sections of the Pasarelas del Vero involve metal mesh walkways suspended along the canyon walls. These stretches range from 50 to 150 metres and are not suitable for a dog’s paws. When I completed the route with my own dog, I carried her across these walkways — manageable only because she weighs 7 kg. For medium or large dogs that cannot be carried, this hike is unfortunately not viable.
Outside of the walkway sections, the rest of the River Vero canyon walk is dog‑friendly, with shaded paths, natural viewpoints and several places to cool off near the water. Unlike coastal routes, there are no seasonal dog restrictions here — no beach bans, no time limits — which is why this hike earns a high rating for dog‑friendly fun in summer on my Dog Hiking Calendar. Just remember that this recommendation applies only to small dogs that can be safely carried on the metal walkways.
The vegetation along the route is mostly shrubland with some forested sections. This means there is a small chance of encountering pine processionary caterpillars in late winter and early spring. These caterpillars are dangerous to dogs, so stay alert around pine trees and avoid letting your dog sniff fallen nests or caterpillar trails.
If you have a small dog and you’re prepared for the walkway sections, the Alquézar Pasarelas del Vero offers a memorable day out — medieval village streets, canyon scenery and refreshing river spots all in one route.
What to take with you for Alquézar & River Vero Pasarelas hike
For the river section of the Pasarelas del Vero route, I wear running shorts and wet shoes, which give good grip on the rocks and dry quickly after swimming. For the upper mountain section along the canyon rim, I switch to hiking shoes for better support on the dry, uneven terrain.
All valuables — phone, car keys, wallet and dry clothes — go inside a dry bag stored in my rucksack. This keeps everything protected during the river crossings and allows you to enjoy the canyon and natural pools without worrying about water damage.
It is possible to walk this route without getting wet but the water is so fresh and clear.
Alquézar & River Vero Pasarelas hike Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 25.00
€ 5.00
€5 hardhat rental and route fee (18+ years old)
Child
€ 25.00
€ 3.00
€3 hardhat rental and route fee (12 to 18 years old)
Group/Family Ticket?
fuel costs per person based upon 4 people sharing a car
Notes
Free for under 11 year olds but must have a hard hat that can be rented.
Getting to Alquézar
Address: Calle arrabal, Alquezar, Huesca, 22145
Access to Alquézar is by car only. Parking is available in the designated parking zone on the edge of the village at coordinates 42.169458, 0.020960.
From Barcelona, take the AP‑2 towards Lleida and continue past the city until junction 458, where you join the A‑22 towards Huesca. Exit at Barbastro (junction 51) and follow the A‑240 before turning onto the A‑1232 towards Adahuesca. Shortly before reaching Adahuesca, take the HU‑352, which leads directly to Alquézar.
The total driving time from Barcelona to Alquézar is approximately three hours.
Wikiloc Trail for Alquézar & River Vero Pasarelas hike
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Where to stay near Alquézar & River Vero Pasarelas hike
For a relaxed weekend, I recommend staying in the village of Adahuesca, just a 10‑minute drive from Alquézar. It’s quieter, easier to book, and perfectly placed for combining the Alcanadre River with the River Vero & Alquézar hike.
Alquézar itself is stunning but also extremely popular — especially in spring and summer — which means accommodation can be expensive and books out quickly. If you want to stay there, reserve well in advance; otherwise, Adahuesca is the ideal alternative.
When I did this weekend trip, I stayed at Apartamentos Vino Tinto, a spacious four‑person apartment with its own on‑site restaurant, Restaurante Tomate Rosa. Dinner in their garden terrace was the perfect way to end a long day of river hiking.
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