International tensions, secret Nazi gold, Jew escape route, French sabotage, abandonment, failed rebirth as a luxury Japanese hotel and back to normality... Canfranc train station has seen much more than that. Canfranc is about 15 minutes from Jaca (90 min from Zaragoza) and in order to get to the station you need to book a guided tour (by phone or in the tourism info) for 3 euro. Right now, two rails of the station are operating, making it possible to make it here by train. Located in a deep valley bordering France, Canfranc train station was built in the beginning of XX century to work as an international modern border with France. Due to its unique location, it saw a lot of historical and political action, especially in World War 2. You can read more about it here. In the early 2000s the station was emptied from the inside in order to change the interior for making it a luxury Japanese hotel, but political scandal stopped that and now the government is supporting its slow reconstruction towards its XX century glory. Also in Canfranc, there is a nice hike over the mountain that overlook the station, called the bunker trail, which follows WW2 Spanish fortifications that prevented from possible invasion from Germany. In addition, there are XIX century fortifications in nearby villages in both sides of the border. Close to it there are many interesting places to see, so you can add it to your list if you spend a weekend in the Pyrenees! Just at Zaragoza outskirts there is a cool natural zone for breaking with the urban routine! The Juslibol "Galachos" are a natural formation made by the old river channel. Since Ebro changed its route, the water left there made lakes where animals and plants found paradise, that's why is a great place for birthwatching or spendind a day under tree shadows. In the park information centre you can find all the info about it, as well as interactive demonstrations. But one of the coolest things is the area around the reserve itself, since its the abrupt start of the desert. You can get up to the cliffs by several man made trails, you just need confortable shoes. The contrast between both areas is impressive. You can get to Juslibol from Zaragoza without the need of getting to road, its connected by city streets. You need to leave the car in the village (park the car where you can or go straight to the closed fence, where there is a lot of parking but road becomes a dirtroad) and walk to the info centre of the reserve (30 minutes, I recommend doing the cliffs trail on the way) or take the minitrain for 2€ that will take you infront of the info centre, also on the way back, that train goes nearby to Grancasa Shopping centre in the city itself, so you can get to the reserve by public bus and minitrain. Timetables avaliable here. Coming here can be a great way to have an awesome morning, or you can spend the whole day here, since sunsets from the cliffs are impressive. Considered one of Spain 20 most beautiful villages, Alquézar has enougth merit to be in that list. Easily reachable from Zaragoza (about 90 min by car, going through Barbastro by highway) makes Alquézar a great weekend plan! Mixing Moorish and Christian architecture, Alquézar is indeed an incredible and unique place to visit, getting lost in its narrow streets will take you to a different age But there is something that makes this village even more unique, it's located over an incredible canyon made by the cristal clear river Vero! And the best is that you can get down to it by a man made trail that starts from the main square! Takes about 90 minutes to do it. Of course this is a great spot for adrenaline seekers! There are a lot of adventure options such as canyoing, climbing, horse riding... And one must not forget about the food! You can try delicious dishes in many local restaurants, there're plenty of options... and of course enjoy your meal with a glass of the local wine, which is famous around Spain under the denomination of Ribera del Vero. |
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