Teruel travel guide at a glance:
Why visit: For a charming medieval centre, unique architecture, a relaxed vibe and excellent food
How long to stay: 1-2 days
Top sights: Mudéjar towers & Lovers of Teruel Mausoleum
Where to stay: In one of the excellent value hotels in the old town
Spain gets millions of tourists a year – and though most flock to the beaches, its many beautiful cities – Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, the list goes on – get their fair share. But Teruel isn’t on most people’s radar. Even in Spain. In fact, it’s so far off people’s radar that in the 1990s residents started a campaign called ‘Teruel existe’ – ‘Teruel exists’ – in protest at the lack of investment into the city.
But Teruel is a real hidden gem with unique architecture, relaxing squares and a lovely medieval centre, complete with fascinating legends and interesting attractions.
Below, I’ll cover what makes Teruel special, followed by a detailed guide to every attraction worth visiting, where to stay, and everything else you need to know.
Table of Contents
Why Teruel is worth visiting
1. The Mudéjar city
If you’ve never been to Teruel – or maybe if you’re really into your medieval architecture – you’ve likely never heard of Mudéjar. It’s a beautiful, unique blend of Islamic and Christian Gothic styles. And Teruel is the best place to see it. In my view, this architecture makes the city worth a visit all on its own.
Mudéjar’s history dates from the Reconquista – the period from the 8th to the 15th century when Christians ‘reconquered’ Spain from the Muslim states known as Al-Andalus that had taken over much of the Iberian peninsula. As the Christians took back Muslim cities, they kept on some talented Muslim architects and artists, and employed them to apply Islamic styles and techniques to Christian structures. The word ‘Mudéjar’ comes from the Arabic ‘mudajjan’ – meaning ‘allowed to stay’.
The result is a series of beautiful buildings, fusing together the Islamic and the Gothic. Many of these buildings in Teruel’s condensed centre are UNESCO Heritage Sites. Some of the main Mudéjar sights include:
- Iglesia de San Pedro
- Catedral de Santa Maria de Mediavilla
- The two towers
- La Escalinata del Óvalo Staircase
2. A relaxed, authentic Spanish experience
Teruel is pretty far away from anywhere. It has a bit of a reputation for being boring – but I think that’s unfair. It’s quiet (and I wouldn’t necessarily want to live there) – but this gives it a lovely, laid-back atmosphere. The beautiful town centre is condensed, with all of its key sights within a short walk of each other.
It’s a wonderful place to take it slow, soak in the history, and relax in one of its pretty plazas. The relative lack of tourists also makes this an extremely authentic place to visit. Brush up on your Spanish before you go!
3. A city of legends
As a relatively small, ancient town, Teruel’s old legends have survived the test of time and the city is infused with two stories in particular.
The story of the two towers
Two of Teruel’s main sights are Torre de El Salvador and Torre de San Martín. The towers are both gorgeous, imposing structures, and among the best examples of Mudéjar architecture in the city. Both come from the 14th century, when the kingdom of Aragon was at its height.
Legend has it that two Muslim architects in the city – Abdala and Omar – were commissioned to build two towers. By a quirk of fate, they were both in love with the same woman – but she couldn’t choose between the two of them. To resolve the dilemma, the woman’s father set up a competition: whoever built their tower first would win her hand.
Omar completed his tower first – the Torre de San Martín. But it wasn’t perfect: It had a slight lean to it. And the Torre de El Salvador, completed by Abdala a little later, was taller. So despite finishing second, Abdala won the woman’s hand. Devastated, Omar jumped from the top of the Torre de San Martín, killing himself. A dark story that still dominates the city’s skyline.
The lovers of Teruel
Teruel is best known for the tragic love story of ‘los amantes de Teruel’, a tale with echoes of Romeo and Juliet, though its roots are much older.
The story takes place in the 1200s, when a poor boy called Diego and a girl called Isabel, daughter to a very wealthy father, fell in love. In order to be able to marry Isabel, Diego left the city to earn his fortune, promising to be back in five years. But as soon as the five years were up, and with no sign of Diego, Isabel’s father married her off.
Diego returned with his riches – but he was too late. Heartbroken, he asked Isabel for a kiss. She refused, and he died of a broken heart. At his funeral, Isabel gave him the kiss he had asked for – and then she, too, died of a broken heart. There are motifs to this story across the city, and you can view the supposed remains of Diego and Isabel in a cast with their hands almost (but not quite) touching in the Mausoleum of the Amantes – one of the best attractions in Teruel.
4. Aragonese food
Teruel is in the region of Aragon – which is famous for its cuisine using fresh, simple ingredients. One of the most famous Aragonese dishes is roast lamb with potatoes, known as ternasco – and I had a delicious ternasco dish at Restaurante Torico Gourmet, in the town’s central square.
But Teruel itself is most famous for its ham and cold cuts of meat. Jamón de Teruel is its speciality – which you can get at most restaurants and cafes in the city. You can try this in a dish called delicias de Teruel, sold just about anywhere, which comes with cold cuts of meat, bread and tomato preserve.
Where to stay in Teruel
Because it’s off the tourist trail, you can get some excellent value in Teruel’s hotels. Here are some of the best options to fit your budget:
Budget hotels in Teruel:
- Hotel Teruel Plaza: Affordable, clean 3* hotel, centrally located just steps from Plaza del Torico
- Hostal Aragón: An excellent budget hotel in a great location
- Hostal Alcazaba: A basic but affordable hostel in the centre of town
- Fonda del Tozal: A charming guesthouse dating back to the 16th century, featuring rustic-style rooms in the heart of the old town. Great for a historic atmosphere at an affordable price.
Best mid-range & upmarket hotels in Teruel:
- Hotel Torico Plaza: Stylish and comfortable 3* hotel, located by Teruel’s main square with excellent views (and a roof terrace!).
- Hotel Palacio la Marquesa: A refined 4-star hotel in a beautifully restored historic building. Elegant rooms and sophisticated décor give it a luxurious feel without the splurge price.
- Hotel Reina Cristina: Another stunning 4-star option, well-located with rooms starting from around £77. Offers a blend of comfort, classic style, and convenience.
top things to do in Teruel: Ultimate Guide
The Mausoleum of the Amantes
Perhaps the reason most people visit Teruel is to learn about the tragic story of ‘los amantes’ – Diego and Isabel. It’s a tale of forbidden love, with echoes of Romeo and Juliet (though it predates Shakespeare by 350 years) that has fired up imaginations across Spain for centuries.
The Mausoleum is an excellent museum where you’ll learn about their famous story, the politics and social characteristics of Teruel at the time, and the influence the story has had on the arts. It culminates in the Resting Place of the Amantes – which features an exhibition on the interesting (and creepy) ways the bodies of the Amantes have been displayed throughout the centuries.
Monday to Sunday 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm
€9 entry (€10 for full visit including San Pedro tower – see below).
Visit website.
Iglesia de San Pedro
Attached to the Mausoleum and included in your ticket is the stunning church of San Pedro, one of Teruel’s Mudéjar masterpieces (and one of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites). The church dates from the 14th century, but the star of the show is its Modernista-style ceiling, covered in gold stars and added in the 1890s. You can also access the Torre de San Pedro – the oldest of Teruel’s four Mudéjar towers – for €1 on top of your standard ticket.
Monday to Sunday 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm
€9 entry (€10 for full visit including entry to the tower).
Visit website.
The two towers
Teruel’s two emblematic towers – Torre de El Salvador and Torre de San Martín – look proudly over the city, dominating its skyline. They are two of Teruel’s most iconic landmarks with, legend has it, a tragic, entwined history.
Torre de El Salvador
One of Teruel’s best sights and a beautiful example of Mudéjar architecture, the Torre de El Salvador dates from the 14th century. It’s actually not one tower, but two: the extravagant bricks and ceramics we see today were built over the top of an existing model of an Almohad minaret, with a staircase in between. It’s well worth the small admission cost (and steep climb) to take in the panoramic views of Teruel at the top.
There are also a few small, interesting exhibits on the way up to catch your breath and learn about the history of Mudéjar architecture and Teruel.
11am-2pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm. Closed Monday afternoons except in August. Shorter hours in Winter.
€3 entry.
Visit website.
Torre de San Martín
You’d be forgiven for thinking the nearby Torre de San Martín is a carbon-copy of the Torre de El Salvador. It’s actually slightly older, slightly smaller, and has an endearing lean. Unlike the Torre de El Salvador, you can’t climb up the Torre de San Martín. But because it’s less densely packed in by buildings, you can get some magnificent views of the tower from the surrounding streets.
Catedral de Santa Maria de Mediavilla
In a country full of impressive and iconic cathedrals, Teruel’s stands out for its unique architecture, with a dizzying collection of brickwork and colourful ceramic tiles. It’s in the Mudéjar style, a fusion of Islamic and Gothic styles.
It dates back to 1171, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though the Mudéjar tower, which is a key part of the city’s skyline, was built a bit later. It’s worth taking some time to look at the cathedral from its various vantage points – it’s all a delight. As is its interior, well worth the admission cost: Its ceiling has been called ‘the Sistine Chapel of Mudéjar art’, covered with paintings and decorations depicting medieval life and symbols.
11am-2pm and 4pm-8pm (shorter hours in Winter)
€5 entry.
The Museum of Sacred Art
Across from the cathedral, and included in your entry, is the Museum of Sacred Art. Of course, if you’re interested in Christian art, it’s a must. But even if you’re not, and you have time in the city, the museum is interesting, housing some important Medieval works as well as some more modern pieces. And it’s in a pretty building – the episcopal palace, dating from the 1500s.
Provincial museum of Teruel
Located in a 16th century Renaissance palace, your journey into Teruel’s history begins before you’ve even started looking at the exhibits in the city’s main museum. From the top floor, you’re rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across Teruel.
The museum tells you the story of the region from prehistory to the present. For such a small town, it’s impressively sized (spread over six floors) with excellent exhibitions on Iberian and Roman civilisations and the Middle Ages. It’s a great way to get to know the city and learn about what daily life was like throughout the centuries. On the top floor is a large Roman mosaic.
Tues-Fri 10am-2pm and 4pm-7pm. Sat-Sun 10am-2pm.
Free entry.
Visit website.
Relax in the squares
Teruel is a beautiful city where history is all around you. Whichever way you turn, there are stunning pieces of architecture. So in my opinion, there’s no better place to enjoy the city than to sit outside one of the many cafes lining its squares.There are three main plazas to visit.
Plaza del Torico
Wherever you wander in Teruel, you’re likely to eventually end up here. It’s the centre of town, lined by several decent cafes, and the best spot to observe life in the city and watch the world go by. At the heart of the square is a small bronze bull – El Torico. He’s just 35cm high, but stands proudly, the symbol of Teruel, and has stood on a column in the square since 1865.
This square is also home to one of Teruel’s most beautiful buildings – the extravagant Casa El Torico, built in 1912 in the Modernist style.
Plaza de San Juan
One of my favourite spots in Teruel is Plaza de San Juan – a quiet spot home to most of Teruel’s civic buildings. There’s a cafe or two lining the square, making this a great place to relax for a while.
Plaza de la Catedral
This square outside the Cathedral is in the heart of medieval Teruel. It’s one of the best places to see the Cathedral – though the square’s a bit of an odd shape, meaning it’s hard to see it in all its splendor at once. You’ll also find the elegant renaissance town hall here.
La Escalinata del Óvalo Staircase
If you arrive by train this staircase will be one of the first sights you come across – and what an introduction. La Escalinata is much more modern than a lot of the city’s Mudéjar landmarks. It was built in 1921, celebrating the city’s architectural heritage and its history. It’s an incredible, majestic sight to behold, made with bright white and green ceramics and red brick, topped with two resplendent towers.
In the centre of the staircase is a stone relief depicting the lovers of Teruel. At the bottom is the pleasant Parque de la Escalinata – probably the best place to take in the staircase in all its glory. At the top is a lovely little street, with views over the staircase and out into the distance beyond Teruel and some nice cafes and restaurants. This peaceful little slice of the city is one I kept coming back during my stay.
Los Arcos Aqueduct
This aqueduct on the edge of the historic centre dates from the Spanish Renaissance and is one of the most significant pieces of engineering from the time. It was built in the 1500s with two levels: people walked along the lower level, water streamed along the level above. It’s now a footbridge between the medieval centre and the modern city.
Viaducto de Fernando Hué
Another impressive feat of engineering, this viaduct is much more recent (1929), deemed one of the most important civil engineering works in Spain from the early 20th century. It bridges the huge chasm separating the old town from the more modern Ensanche to the south – and it’s an impressive sight from afar. The bridge is pedestrianised and it’s a pleasant walk, with some nice views out of the city.
Map of the top things to do in Teruel
You can find all of the landmarks and sights mentioned in this blog in the map below.
Key events and festivals in Teruel (2026)
Teruel is a year-round destination, but timing your visit around one of its festivals can make the experience even more memorable. During its main festivals it transforms from a quiet, sleepy town in northern Spain to a bustling hive of activity.
Las Bodas de Isabel (Medieval Festival) — February The biggest event in Teruel’s calendar, this four-day festival (19–22 February in 2026) brings the legend of the Lovers of Teruel to life. Thousands of locals dress in 13th-century costume, the streets fill with medieval markets and craftspeople, and theatrical reenactments tell the tragic story of Diego and Isabel — culminating in a funeral procession and emotional “Ode to the Lovers” at the Cathedral. It draws visitors from all over and has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest. If you’re fascinated by the Lovers story or medieval history, this is the time to come. Find out more.
Semana Santa (Easter Week) — March/April Teruel’s Easter celebrations (29 March – 5 April in 2026) are, like in much of Spain, intense and atmospheric. Expect plenty of drums and trumpets and processions of thousands filling the historic streets. The most dramatic moment is the “Rompida de la hora” on Good Friday, when thousands of drums break the silence at once. On the Tuesday after Easter Sunday, locals head to the countryside for the “Sermón de las Tortillas” — a centuries-old giant picnic tradition. Find out more.
Fiestas del Ángel / La Vaquilla — July Teruel’s summer festival (usually in late June/early July) is one of the city’s main events. It starts and ends with a handkerchief being placed on the small bull statue in the town’s central square, and features music all over the town. I wouldn’t visit during this time, because like many Spanish festivals, it features animal cruelty in an event similar to Pamplona’s running of the bull.
Things to do near Teruel
If you’re spending more than a day or two in Teruel, the surrounding area is full of hidden gems, including historic towns, natural wonders, and family-friendly attractions. Here are a few of the best:
Albarracín: One of Spain’s most beautiful villages, a hilltop medieval settlement with pink-hued stone streets, city walls and castle ruins. It’s easiest to visit by car, or as part of a guided tour. It’s about a 40 minute drive from the city.
Dinópolis: Ideal for families, a large Dinosaur theme park-museum complex (right on the edge of Teruel). One of the biggest paleontology museums in the world (but very much aimed at fun), featuring life-size dinos, fossil exhibits, and interactive zones. Visit website.
El Maestrazgo region: Stretching from the east of Spain, rugged, diverse landscapes. Excellent for hiking, and also home to historic, remote villages. Read guides from the tourism board here
A bit further afield is Aragon’s capital Zaragoza, a bustling but itself underrated city with so much to do.
How to Explore Beyond Teruel
To explore beyond Teruel, you need to hire a car. This is a real region of hidden gems, and many of the best places aren’t served well by public transport. You can find the best deals on Rental Cars.
Everything else you need to know about visiting Teruel
Why is Teruel so underrated?
Teruel is one of Spain’s most underrated cities largely because it flies under the radar. It has no major airport or high-speed rail connection, and with a population under 40,000, it’s often overshadowed by bigger, better-known neighbours like Valencia and Zaragoza.
As a result, it rarely features in guidebooks, group tours, or popular Spain itineraries. Even in Spain it goes under the radar. When I told a Spanish friend I was visiting they said – ‘Really? Why?’ But it turned out they’d never visited, and didn’t know much about the place.
The city’s obscurity is so notable that a grassroots political movement called “Teruel Existe” (Teruel Exists) formed to demand national recognition.
In an era of over-tourism, it’s that low profile that makes Teruel so special.
Where is Teruel located in Spain?
Teruel is in the Aragón region, in north eastern Spain. roughly halfway between Valencia and Zaragoza. It’s roughly in between Zaragoza and Valencia.
Is Teruel hard to get to?
Depending on where you’re starting from, Teruel can be a bit difficult to get to. It’s the only provincial capital in mainland Spain without a direct train link to Madrid. It is, however, a convenient stop in between Zaragoza and Valencia. From either city, it’s about 2 and a half hours by train. You can book tickets from the national train provider, Renfe or on the Trainline.
How long should you spend in Teruel?
Teruel is a compact and small city – you could probably see most of its sights in a day. If you can though, I’d recommend staying overnight to have a bit more time, see the city at night and enjoy a delicious dinner. If you want to take it a little bit slower, two nights is a good amount of time to see everything and to enjoy relaxing in the city’s pretty squares. If you have a bit more time, you can also easily reach the pretty village of Albarracin.
Why is Teruel worth visiting?
Teruel is worth visiting because of its – one of the best places in all of Spain to see Mudéjar. It also feels timeless, with a compact medieval centre, filled with nooks, crannies and legends (most famously the Lovers of Teruel). Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just discovering somewhere different, Teruel offers something special.
What is Teruel famous for?
Teruel is best known for two things: its architecture, and the legend of the Lovers of Teruel. Its centre is UNESCO-listed because of its unique Mudéjar architecture, which fuses together Islamic and Gothic styles. The Lovers of Teruel is Teruel’s most famous story, often compared to Romeo and Juliet. Within Spain, it’s also known for its prized, protected cured ham – jamón de Teruel.
Is Teruel a good alternative to more touristy cities in Spain?
I wouldn’t view it as ‘either/or’. Teruel is very, very different to the larger cities, and I think it’s best experienced as part of a wider journey around Spain. One itinerary could be travelling from Valencia to Zaragoza, with a stop in Teruel – giving you a real variety of authentic Spanish cities.
That said, Teruel is a great choice for travelers who enjoy slow travel, heritage, and discovering Spain beyond the guidebook highlights.
What kind of traveller would enjoy Teruel?
Teruel is perfect for culture lovers and history buffs. It’s also a great destination for anyone who enjoys authentic, under-the-radar destinations, and relaxing, quiet towns. It’s not a party city or beach resort—it’s a peaceful, atmospheric place where you can stroll medieval streets, admire centuries-old towers, and truly slow down. Because of its beauty (and the beauty of its surroundings) it would also be a great place for a romantic getaway.
What’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Teruel?
Teruel is a small, walkable city – I recommend staying in the historic centre to make the most of your time, to be close to restaurants and attractions, and to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Because it’s such a hidden gem of a city, the accommodation can also be extraordinary value – with 4* hotels at a fraction of the cost of in more expensive places.
Some of the best places to stay in Teruel’s historic centre are:
Hotel Palacio la Marquesa: A refined, gorgeous 4* hotel in a historic building.
Hotel Reina Cristina: Another stunning 4* hotel in a great location, with rooms from £77.
Fonda del Tozal: a guesthouse dating from the 16th century, with rustic rooms and in the heart of the old town.
Hostal Aragón: A very affordable option, great value for money, right in the heart of the town.
Hostal Alcazaba: Another affordable option – a basic but good quality hostel.
Explore more accommodation in Teruel below.
What are the top 3 things to do in Teruel?
If you only have time for a few attractions, prioritise the Mudéjar towers, the Lovers of Teruel Mausoleum and relaxing in the Plaza del Torico.
How many days should I spend in Teruel?
One day is enough to see the main sights like the Mudejar towers and Lovers of Teruel mausoleum. I’d recommend two days to explore at a relaxed pace, and to allow for an excursion if you want.
What’s the best time of year to visit Teruel?
The best time to visit Teruel is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather isn’t too hot. In the Summer it can be very hot – but it’s not as unbearable as places in southern Spain, so can still be a good time to visit.
There are also a number of annual festivals – such as the Medieval Market in February.
How do I get to Teruel?
Teruel is easily accessible from Zaragoza or Valencia by train. From other cities, you’ll need to change trains or drive.
From Valencia: Around 2 and a half hours by train (book here) or an hour and a half drive.
From Zaragoza: About 3 hours by train (book here) or an hour and a half drive.
From Madrid: 3 and a half hour drive.
From Barcelona: Around 4 and a half hour drive. Same time by train, changing at Zaragoza. Book here.
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