Another side to Zaragoza
The hum of the big city and the bustling Holiday Rally had long since faded, replaced by the reassuringly familiar clatter of cutlery in the kitchen of our motorhome, Alma the Adria.
We are back at this brilliant spot in Zaragoza,—the free, dedicated motorhome aire right by the university, Area Autocaravanas de Zaragoza (N 41.6832, W 0.890246).
It’s often busy, but with spaces for a hundred or more and free services, it’s a huge thank you to the city council!
While not picturesque (it’s essentially a large car park next to a sports ground), its location is gold !
A tram stop is just a stone’s throw away, and in minutes, we were trading the sound of students for the vibrant city centre.
Zaragoza itself is a treasure trove, with the stunning Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the Aljafería Palace being must-sees and last time we visited we stuck pretty much to the historic centre
But it was the city’s green lung that truly stole a day of our weekend.
We a strolled out past the beautiful cathedral , past the central hub, and on wards to Plaza Emperador Carlos V, the gateway to the magnificent Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta.
Known simply to locals as the ‘Parque Grande,’ this vast green space is a sanctuary, covering over 40 hectares.
Stepping through the grand entrance, with its monumental staircases and cascading water features, it felt like we’d been transported to a Spanish Versailles.
The main thoroughfare, the Paseo de San Sebastián, is lined with meticulously trimmed hedges, rose gardens, and a spectacular series of ornamental fountains.
And then there was that fountain.
Walking along the wide avenue under the clear, bright Spanish sky, we rounded a bend and were met by the dazzling sight you see in the photo.
A long, rectangular basin of brilliant turquoise water, perfectly framed by tall, dark pines and the intensely blue sky.
A chorus line of jets shot high into the air, creating a shimmering curtain of water that caught the sunlight in a thousand sparkling droplets. It was cool, refreshing, and utterly captivating—the perfect antidote to a warm day of exploring.
We spent a glorious couple of hours just wandering.
We saw the grand monument to King Alfonso I ‘El Batallador’ perched on a hill, visited the serene botanical garden, and enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of the countless locals jogging, cycling, and simply relaxing.
The park is alive, full of history (it was officially opened in 1929) and culture, and yet maintains a wonderful sense of peaceful escape.
Zaragoza proved to be an unexpected highlight of our Spanish motorhome tour.
Alma provided the perfect, convenient base, and the Parque Grande gave us a magnificent, green heart to the city.
If you find yourself rolling through Aragón, pull up a spot at the university aire—you won’t regret the easy access to both the city’s urban wonders and its amazing, watery oasis.
Our Top Tip for Zaragoza: Don’t just stay in the historical centre. Hop on the tram and spend a slow afternoon unwinding among the fountains and palms of the Parque Grande. It’s a wonderful piece of tranquility just minutes from the bustle.
Paul.