Jaca Car Hire

Guide of Jaca

Geography

Jaca is a charming town located in the Pyrenees Mountains near the French border in Aragon. Nestled between soaring mountains at around 820 metres above sea level, it is surrounded by several spectacular national parks, including the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Parks. The Aragon flows right through the heart of the town, splitting it into two halves.

Climate in Jaca

Jaca has a continental climate with alpine influences. That means cold winters with average highs of 6-9°C from December to February. Snowfall is common too, making it a popular gateway to nearby ski resorts. Summers are typically mild with average highs of 22-28°C. October and November tend to be the rainiest months to visit. However, the climate depends on altitude and very specific weather patterns, so it’s always advisable to check the weather forecast in advance of your trip.

Culture

Jaca boasts a rich cultural and religious heritage. It has been an important town since Roman times and has been influenced by various civilizations, from the Moors to the Christians, who have all left their mark on the city’s architecture, culture and customs. It’s an important stop along the famous Camino de Santiago too.

The town boasts a vibrant art scene, with a whole string of galleries and exhibitions throughout the year showcasing works from local artists. Traditional crafts include woodwork, lacemaking and pottery.

Things To Do in Jaca

Explore the Citadel of Jaca

Also known as San Pedro Castle, the citadel was built between the 16th and 17th centuries by King Phillip II. It is the only fortress in the world of its type and features an impressive drawbridge that leads into a parade ground and barracks. One of them now houses the Museum of Military Miniatures, a collection of 32,000 lead soldiers that tell the castle’s long and illustrious history.

Brush up on the local history

The Museo de Jaca offers a fascinating insight into the history, culture and traditions of the town through a permanent collection and roster of temporary exhibits and displays.

Head to the slopes

If you’re travelling to Jaca during the wintertime, you’ll want to make the most of the local skiing and winter sports on offer. Astun and Candanchu are within easy reach of Jaca and offer slopes for all levels of expertise. In warmer weather, the Pyrenees Mountains offer mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding adventures along numerous trails.

Admire the cathedral

The Romanesque Cathedral of San Pedro is one of the oldest cathedrals in Spain. It boasts an exquisite crypt that is widely considered one of the most important examples of Romanesque art in Spain. The cathedral complex also houses the Diocesan Museum, home to a collection of religious artefacts, art, sculptures and other liturgical objects.

Explore local monasteries

There are several impressive monasteries located a short distance from Jaca that are renowned for their medieval architecture and historical significance. San Juan de la Peña and Santa Cruz de la Serós are two of the most famous.

Eating Out in Jaca

Jaca and the wider Aragon region are well-known for their hearty and flavour-packed culinary offerings. The town is most famous for its truchas dishes, made from trout from the nearby river prepared in various ways. Embutidos (cured meats like chorizo, jamon serrano and longaniza smoked sausage), migas (a traditional dish made with breadcrumbs and sausage or bacon) and hearty lamb and game stews are staples on most menus. Aragon is also famous for its artisan cheeses, such as tronchon, which can be found at local markets, cheese shops and local farms.

Jaca is crammed full of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes, so it’s not difficult to eat well and cheaply during a trip. For an authentic introduction to local cuisine, try a local tapas bar like Bar La Tasca de Ana and Jaizkibel. Or, for heartier fare, try Restaurante Biarritz, which also boasts a beautiful summer terrace.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Jaca is Huesca-Pireneos Airport (HSK), which is located approximately 47 miles (75 km) southwest of the city. The airport mostly offers domestic flights from other Spanish cities, though there are some international routes. The easiest way to reach Jaca from the airport is with a rental car. The journey takes around 1 hour via the A-23 and N-330. You could also take the bus to Huesca city, then pick up a connecting bus to Jaca.

For a greater choice of flights, it’s worth travelling to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ), which is located around 99 miles (160 km) northeast of Jaca. The airport has multiple terminals and offers a wide range of domestic and international flight connections to major European cities. The car journey takes around 1.5- 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Getting around Jaca

Jaca is a fairly small town and you can reach most of its major sights and cities on foot. Biking is popular too and there are several bicycle rental shops across the town. Buses connect most neighbourhoods and attractions, though it’s worth checking the schedule as frequency varies depending on the route.

For more independence and flexibility, you might prefer to rent a car. As well as giving you the chance to explore at your own pace, you’ll be able to travel to more off-beat rural locations that are harder to reach by public transport. Driving in Jaca is relatively easy as the roads are well maintained, there is ample parking and traffic is minimal.