Lifestyle
The Aragon region is a good base for outdoor persuits such as fishing, shooting and walking.
Areas
There are two areas in Aragon: Aragon and Navarre.
Aragon
In the north-eastern part of Spain, the region of Aragon is one of the most history-rich regions of Spain yet most of its surface area is arid, featureless land and off the tourist menu.
This ancient land is divided into three provinces, Zaragoza, Huesca and remote Teruel. The most visited being the region's capital, Zaragoza, not least of all because it lies on the main route from Madrid to Barcelona.
Aragon is best known for two of its former residents. Catherine of Aragon who foolishly married Henry VIII and Ferdinand of Aragon who married Queen Isabella of Castille and Leon in the 15th century.
In September many of the villages have their own festivities when bulls run through the streets. The region may also be known for its energetic dance, 'The jota' which originates from the 1700's. A leaping dance performed by both men and women.
The people of aragon are a freindly race and are happy with the
simple things in life. They have an in-bred love of their country and their heritage. This is always reflected in their folklore and traditions.
Navarre
The region of Navarre is an ancient land that shares a 130km frontier with the French and is bordered by Rioja, the smallest region of Spain. There are 9 crossing points in the French border region.
Navarre has had it's fair share of conflicts and signs of this are evident everywhere, with ruins of castles and fortified buildings. Romans, Christians, Muslims and Jews have all made their mark on the region and it's architecture is as diverse as its landscape.
Here the jota, an energetic dance is also well known, as is the Fiesta de San Fermin, a festival when bulls run through the streets of Pamplona, Navarre's capital and major city. Pamplona is situated along the A15 main road and is well worth a visit. You must see the Cathedral, built on the instructions of Charles III and the Plaza del Castillo, formerly the bullring, built in 1847. Its
narrow streets are an exploration in itself, with their bars and tascas attracting crowds all year round. If you intend to stay in Pamplona, the prices for accommodation during the festival can be four times the norm and the rooms will be full, well in advance. The bull-running starts on July 6th and goes on until July 14th and attracts thousands of visitors. The bulls run every day from
early morning. Bars are open 24 hours a day.
Major villages, towns and cities in Aragon
Abilitas, Agoitz, Aibar, Ainzon, Aisa, Alagon, Allo, Almundevar, Aninon, Anso, Aoiz, Arguedas, Artajona, Atarrabia, Ayerbe, Berdun, Berlain, Biescas, Biota, Bolea, Bunuel,
Cadreita, Calatorao, Canfranc, Caparroso, Carcar, Carcastillo, Cascente, Caseda, Cortes, Ejea de los Caballeros, Epila, Etxarri-Aranatz, Falces, Fitero, Fuentes de Ebro,
Gallur, Gurrea de Gallego, Hecho, Huesca, Isaba, Jaca, Jarque, Larraga, Larraga, Lekuberri, Lerin, Los Arcos, Luesia, Lumbler, Luna, Magallon, Mendavia, Ochagavia,
Olazagutia, Olazti, Olza, Oteiza, Pamplona, Penes, Quinto, Ricle, Roncal, Sabinan, Sadaba, Sanguesa, Sorella, Sosdel Rey Catolico, Tafalla, Tarazona, Tardienta,
Tauste, Torrijo de la Canada, Tudela, Uncastillo, Utebo, Valtierra, Villatuerta, Villava, Zaragoza and Zudaire.
