Teruel is one of Spain’s most underrated cities and a must-visit destination in the Aragon region. Here’s the ultimate guide to the city, featuring all the top things to do in Teruel, condensed into a one-day itinerary.

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Top Things to Do in Teruel: An Ultimate Guide (2025)

Where is Teruel

Teruel is located in the northeastern part of Spain, approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) southeast of Zaragoza and about 150 kilometers (93 miles) northwest of Valencia. While these days more people visit Teruel on a day trip from Valencia, it is still considered one of Spain’s most underrated towns.

What is Teruel known for?

Teruel is one of the most unique towns in the Spanish region of Aragon. It is famous for its Mudejar architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for the legend of the Lovers of Teruel, the most famous Spanish love story, resembling the Italian “Romeo and Juliet.” Family travelers in Spain should not miss the Dinopolis theme park, dedicated to dinosaurs and showcasing the region’s rich paleontological discoveries. Fans of Spanish food souvenirs should not miss jamón de Teruel (Teruel ham) and the pastry trenza de Almudévar.

The meaning of “Teruel Exists”

Years ago, the motto “Teruel exists” (Spanish: “Teruel existe“) made headlines in the national media. The social campaign aimed to draw attention to the citizens of theTeruel region, who pay taxes like everyone else but receive little in return from the Spanish government in terms of infrastructure, investment, and services. In recent years, many families have left the province in search of better job opportunities.

The weather in Teruel

Teruel is quite similar to Cuenca in terms of weather, with hot days and chilly nights, especially in the summer when the sun can feel almost unbearable during the day. During the summer months, temperatures often reach highs of 30-35°C (86-95°F), but drop significantly at night, sometimes falling to 10-15°C (50-59°F). Winters in Teruel are cold, with daytime temperatures averaging around 5-10°C (41-50°F), and night temperatures frequently dipping below freezing. Spring and autumn offer milder conditions, with temperatures ranging between 15-25°C (59-77°F), making these seasons more comfortable for exploring.

How many days to spend in Teruel

I would recommend spending at least one full day in the city of Teruel. If you enjoy exploring at a slower pace, two days is ideal. Teruel is also a great base for planning a longer itinerary across the lesser-known parts of Spain, allowing you to explore the hidden villages of Teruel province and spend a weekend in Albarracin, one of the most beautiful small towns in Spain. You can check out a road trip itinerary for Teruel in this post.

Skiing in Teruel

Not many travelers know that Teruel is also a ski destination, with its slopes at Valdelinares – Javalambre. However, let me warn you that these ski areas are much smaller than Spain’s top ski destinations like Baqueira Beret in the Pyrenees, Andorra, or Sierra Nevada. Also, the winter season is shorter than in the Spanish mountains, so if you decide to visit, always double-check the webcams, as snow in Valdelinares-Javalambre is not guaranteed. I have occasionally visited Teruel’s ski slopes over the years to enjoy the snow with my kids. While it could be a nice weekend ski break idea, it’s not a place where I would plan a weeklong ski holiday.

One-day in Teruel Itinerary + Map

Here’s the ultimate one-day itinerary in Teruel, starting from the parking area and continuing through the city center. It includes a popular local restaurant for lunch (more suggestions are provided at the end of the post) and a visit to the Museo de Teruel, an interesting stop that can be optional (they didn’t have any information in English when I visited).

After arriving in the city, begin your itinerary at the Mausoleum of the Lovers of Teruel (Mausoleo de los Amantes), which is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with guided tours starting every 60 minutes. I recommend making this your first stop since the rest of the local landmarks can be explored at your own pace, but for this one, you’ll need to follow the available schedules. The Mausoleum visit also includes access to the Church of San Pedro, the Mudéjar cloister, the San Pedro tower, and the gardens.

Additionally, this itinerary does not include Dinópolis Park, a popular stop in Teruel for families visiting Spain with kids. You can check out this map here.

Best things to do in Teruel

1. Enjoy Mudejar Architecture

Mudejar Architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top national treasures in Spain. If you have ever visited Southern Spain, you couldn’t have missed the Real Alcázar of Seville, one of the most well-known Mudejar art gems and a Game of Thrones filming location. The lively geometry of the decorations there, as well as the Alcázar’s divine gardens, will transport you to the pages of One Thousand and One Nights. The Mudejar architecture in Teruel is equally impressive – and you won’t have to share it with unbearable crowds. Despite the Arab influences, the city’s architecture in Teruel is quite different from that of Cordoba or Seville, yet it feels uniquely its own. The most outstanding Mudejar buildings in the city include the Cathedral of Teruel, San Pedro Church, Escalinata Neomudejar, and the Towers of San Pedro, San Miguel, and Salvador.

The term “Mudejar” comes from the Arabic “mudajjan,” meaning “allowed to stay.” After the Christian Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula (learn more vis my list of Spanish Documentaries), many Muslims remained in Spain, leading to a new, unique style of art and decoration that combined Gothic and Islamic influences. You can find Mudejar buildings across Spain, but those in Teruel are some of the most unique and well-preserved.

2. Learn more about the Lovers of Teruel

You won’t find Teruel on lists of honeymoon destinations around the world, or even among the most romantic cities in Spain, yet it is known as the birthplace of one of Spain’s most cherished love legends. At the Mausoleum of the Amantes de Teruel, you can visit the tomb and learn more about the Spanish Romeo and Juliet. The story of the Amantes de Teruel, or Lovers of Teruel, has inspired Spanish artists, poets, and novelists since the 13th century. The tale of the Lovers of Teruel remains an enduring symbol of love in Spanish culture.

According to the legend, Diego and Isabel had been in love since childhood, but Isabel’s wealthy family disapproved of their relationship because Diego was not of the same social class. Despite this, they gave Diego five years to prove himself by building a fortune, so he left Teruel to seek his wealth. After five years, Diego returned, now rich and ready to marry Isabel, but to his heartbreak, he found that her family had already arranged her marriage to another man. Unable to accept this, Diego went to see Isabel and asked for a kiss, hoping she still had feelings for him. However, Isabel refused, explaining that she now belonged to another man. If you look closely at the monument dedicated to them, you’ll notice that their hands are almost touching, but not quite. This gap symbolizes the kiss Isabel refused to give him. The following day, Diego died, and during his funeral, Isabel, devastated by his death, passed away by his side. The legend claims that both died from love, their hearts broken by the cruel turn of fate that separated them.

3. Visit Dinopolis

If you’re traveling with kids, you can’t miss Dinopolis, a large themed park dedicated to the world of dinosaurs and paleontology. It is one of my kids’ favorite places in Spain. The main exhibition is located in Teruel, but there are also several other paleontological sites nearby, which you’ll need to drive to in order to visit them all. While Dinopolis offers plenty of activities for children, it’s also a great spot for all the history enthusiasts. The park has fascinating exhibits and interactive displays that appeal to adults interested in paleontology as well. Keep in mind that Dinopolis is typically closed on weekdays during the winter months, so be sure to check their calendar and opening hours before planning your visit.

4. Plaza del Torico and Local buildings

Plaza del Torico is the heart of Teruel, a charming square known for its striking historical architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The square is dominated by the famous Torico (small bull) monument, a symbol of the city, which stands atop a column in the center. Surrounding the plaza are several unique local buildings that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage, extending beyond the famous Mudejar style.

The city center of Teruel also showcases exceptional local craftsmanship, with medieval and Renaissance facades that add to the architectural diversity of this fascinating city. Also, do not miss The Aqueduct of Teruel – an impressive and historic structure that dates back to the 16th century, built to transport water to the city.

An interesting stop to visit in Teruel is the city museum, Museo Provincial de Teruel, housed in a beautiful 16th-century building. The museum features numerous items and exhibitions dedicated to the culture and history of the region. In my one-day Teruel itinerary, I listed it as an optional stop since, during my visit, there was no information available in English. However, it’s still an intriguing place to explore, especially if you speak at least a little Spanish.

5. Explore the region of Teruel

The city of Teruel is an excellent base for exploring more of the region’s hidden gems, like the secret hike along the Camino del Guadalaviar, a lesser-known trail offering stunning views and a peaceful escape. You can also visit the charming, secret villages of Teruel, where time seems to stand still. The small town of Albarracin, with its medieval streets and colorful houses, is another highlight, as is the natural beauty of the Sierra de Albarracín, a perfect destination for nature lovers. One of my favorite castles in Spain, the Castle of Peracence, also can be visited on a day trip from Teruel. Another secret spot is the Valencian “island” of Rincón de Ademuz, a secluded area that belongs to the hidden gems of Valencia, but is actually set closer to Teruel.

What to eat in Teruel

First of all, I highly recommend booking a restaurant in Teruel at least a day in advance, as during my last two visits, everywhere was full. Not that there are too many travelers in Teruel, but the top-rated restaurant options are quite limited. Check out La Bella Neda, Gastrotaberna Locavore, or La Barrica. Teruel is mostly known for hearty meals and meat dishes. Some of the most iconic foods include Jamón de Teruel, Ternasco de Aragón (roasted or grilled lamb), Migas (a dish made from breadcrumbs fried with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes chorizo, bacon, or grapes), Judea (a stew of beans, pork, and sausage), Borrajas (bitter greens served in stews), Perdiz a la turolense (roasted or stewed partridge), Queso de Teruel (a local cheese), and Trenza de Almudévar (a sweet almond-filled pastry).

Is Teruel worth visiting?

Teruel is absolutely worth visiting for people who have already seen the major cities on the Spain bucket list and are looking to discover new, lesser-known gems in Spain without the crowds of the country’s most visited landmarks. Additionally, Teruel is a great place for fans of Spanish legends, as it is the birthplace of the Amantes de Teruel, and for lovers of architecture due to its Mudéjar elements combined with medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Map of top things to do in Teruel and its surroundings

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