The mountain in Aragon that can be climbed as a family: a perfect route for those without experience

At 2,314 meters above sea level, Moncayo is the highest peak in the Iberian System and one of the great hiking classics in Aragon . Although its summit is imposing, the route to it doesn't pose any major technical difficulties and is perfect for those looking to experience a 2,000-meter peak without the hassle.

The most popular climb starts at the Sanctuary of Moncayo , at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters. From there, the route to the summit is approximately 8 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of approximately 700 meters. The total hike usually takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the pace and the stops.

Several landscapes in one

This route is anything but boring and monotonous. From the first steps, the landscape changes as you gain altitude. Just as taught in geography textbooks, you first walk through a beech and pine forest that offers shade and coolness even in summer; then, areas of low scrub and pastures that open up to increasingly wide panoramas, until you reach the summit, where the horizon unfolds without barriers.

And the reward for your efforts comes in the form of spectacular views . From the top of Moncayo, on a clear day, you can see half the peninsula: the Aragonese Pyrenees in the background, the Soria mountains, and if you're lucky, even the Cantabrian Mountains. The bare, windy peak invites you to sit for a while, take a deep breath, and be amazed by the immensity of the landscape .

Place of legends

So much beauty together is and was a place of inspiration. This is where Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer drew inspiration for some of his most famous legends. In fact, the mountain is mentioned as a magical setting, shrouded in mist and mystery. Thus, the cultural highlight of this route is a visit to the Veruela Monastery , the place where the poet resided while trying to recover from serious health problems.

The oldest Cistercian monastery in Aragon houses a permanent exhibition on Bécquer and another on wine, a product that remains very important in the area and deeply rooted. And so, between nature, legends, and good wine , Moncayo proves that great peaks can also be enjoyed without haste or heroics.