All direct flights to Zaragoza from the UK & Ireland

Mark Says

Amazing what an international exposition can do, isn't it? Despite being one of Spain's largest and liveliest cities, many people outside the region of Aragon consider Zaragoza as little more than a stop-off point between Barcelona and Madrid. Perhaps the sometimes blustery conditions and hard-working, industrial nature of the place haven't helped matters, but Zaragoza is very much a city on its way up, and hosting Expo 2008 has provided the impetus to put itself firmly on the map.
Expo 2008's theme ' water and sustainable development ' reflects Zaragoza's geographical setting, lying as it does on the banks of the River Ebro, Spain's most voluminous river. The focal point of the city is the central Plaza del Pilar, a huge open square around which you'll find a host of important buildings, such as the imposing religious edifices Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and La Seo. Despite being over 2000 years old, most of the city had to be rebuilt in the 19th century after suffering major damage during the War of Independence. Still, the older part of town surrounding the Plaza del Pilar, known locally as 'El Tubo', offers enough historical interest and winding alleyways to reward at least half a day's exploration. Much of the rest of the city is made up of wide boulevards, which give it a refreshingly open feel, and it's worth following one of these if only to get to the Aljafería. Perhaps Zaragoza's most unexpected treasure, it's a fine-looking Muslim palace with intricately-designed courtyards, arches and porches.
Winters can be cold in Aragon, but it's in the autumn when Zaragoza gets most animated. During the week-long Fiestas del Pilar in October, the city puts on a series of cultural events and traditional ceremonies, opening its arms to the remaining Aragonese who don't already live in the city. Then and Expo aside, finding accommodation isn't usually a problem.