Zaragoza capital of Aragon

We’ve come from the ferry in Bilbao on a cold winter morning in February. We’ve no plan, other than heading south for some sun and blue sky. Then, just as our motorway drive feels in need of a break, we spot a sign for Zaragoza. Without too much hesitation, we make our way to a free motorhome parking on the periphery of Zaragoza capital of Aragon and a new city for us.

Here, we find this large but hugely popular location full of motorhomes. After a few attempts of driving round, hoping for someone to leave, we finally get place. Thank goodness, to have a parking space, which is adjacent to a sports area and has a tram stop too.

We grab a bit of lunch before deciding to walk into Zaragoza. It seems we could have taken the tram or used the cycle path, but we prefer walking.

It’s an easy walk, turning right out of the motorhome area and more or less continuing straight on! For once, we don’t end up being lost.

This side of the city is the modern area, where residential flats, shopping centres and essentials are found. However, once we reach the river on which the old city can be seen on the opposite side, we realise this is going to be a rather beautiful place to visit.

Wonderful Cathedral – Zaragoza capital of Aragon

Zaragoza is big but has an intimate feel in its old centre. This city is clean, tidy and has a safe feeling which is reassuring.

Crossing the River Ebro brings pause on its large bridge to take in the wonderful cathedral building across the water.

The river is in full flood, brown, swirling and heavy in its murky depths. The rains have been heavy before our visit but luckily, the sky is blue and sun shining upon Zaragoza for us today.

Roman ruins lie beside the huge cathedral complex, with Roman roots going back to Augusta Caesar. However, the Basilica de Neustra Señora del Pilar was open and we’re so glad to have taken a look inside.

With 10 colourful tile domes and a large master dome, the roof alone is a photo opportunity and must see sight in itself. It’s free to enter and home to beautiful murals throughout its vast interior.

Alongside the cathedral in the tranquil yet vibrant Plaza del Pilar, families gather on this lazy Sunday afternoon.

Quaint streets

Our walk of the city leads into some quaint old streets, where historic buildings provide interesting architecture.

There’s a bustling social scene it seems, with friends and families gathering for drinks and food, reflecting on the carefree atmosphere. It’s another reason to really like this city.

Zaragoza is capital of Aragon, a region we’ve toured in Summer on previous trips, but this is our first visit to its capital.

There are more attractions for visitors but they’re closing by the time we come across them. Probably in Summer the opening hours are longer, but we feel we’ve seen enough to get a feel of this place.

We walk back to the motorhome area the same way we came. Then comes the decision, do we stay the night or do we move on?

After bit of deliberation, we choose to drive on, although we quite happily would have stayed too.

Zaragoza to Calamocha

Instead, we end up at a private motorhome parking area in Calamocha, a further hours drive South.

Here, in this fenced parking, we take a spot on our own and settle in for the evening. It’s freezing cold, so plug into the electric supply to keep the heating ticking over. In a large building within the grounds, there’s a shower for €1, giving 5 minutes of hot water and toilets too.

This motorhome area costs €14 for the night, with payment online after reading the instructions at the entry gate. Once we’d paid the fee, we receive an access code to let us through the electric gates, simple and effective!

There’s a dump and fresh area too which is useful and we’re all alone for the night, with no other vans turning up.

Thankfully, we’re prepared for the cold weather, with winter gear and extra blankets for sleeping. We often wonder if people are caught out though, Inland Spain, even this far south can be absolutely bitter in Winter, so it will be a little while longer before we reach a touch of warmth along the coast.

In the meantime, it’s time to de-ice the camper windscreen and pop on the cab heater for another drive south and a detour to some incredible tunnels!

Thanks for reading ‘Zaragoza capital of Aragon’ don’t forget to subscribe!