In a country the size of Spain, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of hidden gems. The monastery of San Juan de la Peña is one such site. Thanks to its secluded location, it’s the perfect place for a road trip away from the crowds. We’re going to focus on a drive from Barcelona to Bilbao. Whilst you’re in the area, why not explore some of northern Spain’s lesser known areas?
Photo by: lunamarina/Fotolia
San Juan de la Peña
First, a little about San Juan de la Peña. An important monastery, San Juan de la Peña is located just outside the town of Santa Cruz de la Serós near Jaca in Aragon. Whilst the original building, constructed beneath a huge rock, dates from 920, a fire in 1675 forced the monks to build a separate monastery further up the hill. The new building (Monasterio Nuevo) sits in a huge meadow but the main highlight is the Romanesque cloister of the old monastery (Monasterio Viejo).
The Road Trip
Start: Barcelona
Finish: Bilbao
Length: 635km
Drive time: 7hrs 23mins
See: Barcelona, Lleida, San Juan de la Peña, Pamplona, Bilbao
Barcelona
Explore as much of Barcelona as you can. Whilst you already know about the Camp Nou stadium, Sagrada Familia, and Las Ramblas, try and find some of Barcelona’s less known spots such as the Palau de la Musica Catalana or Teatre Liceu.
Photo by: sanguer/Fotolia
Before you leave, climb to the top of Montjuïc Mountain. Less touristy than other spots, besides the Mercat de les Flors, there are wonderful gardens in which to stroll before heading back into the city for some tapas.
- Head out of the city and take the A-2 north towards Martorell.
- Stay on the A-2 all the way to Lleida where you’ll join the C-12 into the city.
Lleida
A city with a turbulent past, Lleida’s old town was destroyed in the War of the Spanish Succession before the French sacked the city in 1812. With a number of excellent museums and the striking La Seu Vella overlooking the city, there’s plenty to distract you here.
The cathedral’s cloister is particularly impressive and features wonderful views over the city. Elsewhere, the Templar Castle of Gardeny was an important monastery and military fortification well worth visiting.
- Leave the city on the N-240 which becomes the A-22 a few miles out of town.
- Follow this to Sietamo where you’ll head onto the N-240 past Huesca before joining the A-23 (N-330) and heading up into the hills of eastern Spain.
- Drive around Sabiñánigo and onto Guasa. You’ll soon come to Jaca and the turn off for San Juan de la Peña is on the left shortly after. Follow the signs to Santa Cruz de la Serós.
San Juan de la Peña
Head straight to the Monasterio Nuevo to get your ticket and discover the Kingdom of Aragon and Monastery of San Juan Interpretation Centres. If you fancy a stroll, make your way up past the monastery towards Peña Oroel.
The old monastery lies 1.5km away and can only be reached by bus. Home to the Real Pantheon where the tombs of the kings of Aragon can be found, it’s an impressive site and the main reason for visiting.
On the way back down, visit the church of Santa Maria. Once a monastery for Benedictine nuns, princesses of the royal family lived here and it’s home to a 15th century Gothic altarpiece and impressive belfry tower.
- Leave the village and head back to the main road. Stay on the N-240 (later the A-21) along the shores of Embalse de Yesa.
- Stay on the A-21 all the way into Pamplona.
Pamplona
If you’re here for the Festival of Sanfermines (held annually from July 6th–14th) expect massive crowds and lots of bulls. Visit outside these 8 days and you’ll discover a fascinating city full of surprises.
Photo by: lunamarina/Fotolia
Make your way to the Plaza del Castillo in the Casco Antiguo for excellent cafés, restaurants, and bars. Be sure to check out the Museo de Navarra and the wonderful Catedral de Santa Maria. The star shaped battlements of the Ciudadela date from 1571-1645 and are an excellent example of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
- Head out of town on the AP-15 and turn onto the A-10 (later the A-1) at Irurtzun.
- Follow the A-1 past Vitoria-Gasteiz and take the N-622 and join the AP-68.
- Follow the AP-68 all the way into Bilbao.
Bilbao
Best known for the Museo Guggenheim, Bilbao is home to plenty of other attractions and is a hardworking, down to earth city. Discover the lovely streets of the Casco Viejo, lined with bars and restaurants, it’s home to the city’s original 7 streets, Las Siete Calles.
The 14th century Catedral de Santiago is well worth a visit for the stone carvings in its buttresses before enjoying a glass of local rioja as the sun sets.
Start planning!
If you’re looking to head out on a Spanish road trip, why not get a car hire quote now?
Make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest travel tips and news. Remember to sign up to our newsletter below for the latest deals.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Want our blogs emailed direct to you? Sign up below to get updates featuring our blogs and car hire top tips. Receive the best deals on car hire straight to your inbox.
