Free walking tours in Barbastro and what to see

Must-sees

Barbastro is the capital of the Somontano, an area of Huesca known for its wines. Its 16th-century cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción is a hall church with star vaults and an alabaster main altarpiece on which Damián Forment worked. Next to it is the diocesan museum. The old town slopes down to the river Vero.

Stroll along El Coso, the main street, and Plaza del Mercado. The San Julián y Santa Lucía complex, a former hospital, houses the tourist office and a space devoted to Somontano wine. It is a good introduction before visiting wineries. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and a good food scene for its size.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are not common in Barbastro. The norm is guided visits to the cathedral and the historic centre and, above all, excursions from here. Somontano wineries offer tours with tastings. A short distance away is Alquézar, with its collegiate church above the Vero canyon and its boardwalks. The Sierra de Guara is a classic destination for guided canyoning. The Vero rock paintings, a World Heritage Site, are visited with a guide.

How long to spend

About four hours are enough for the cathedral and the old town. With a full day you can add a winery visit and a leisurely lunch in town. If you want to see Alquézar, the Vero boardwalks and the Sierra de Guara, set aside two or three days. Barbastro works very well as a base, as it is well connected and has more services than the mountain villages.

Where to stay

The best choice is to stay in the centre, near El Coso and the cathedral, to do everything on foot with restaurants close by. From there you are quickly out to the wineries and the mountains. If you prefer to sleep in the middle of nature, Alquézar and the Guara villages have rural stays with views, though with fewer services. Some Somontano wineries also offer accommodation.