Aragonese Cappadocia: the landscape of the Aguarales de Valpalmas that seems from another planet

Zaragoza has amazing places, true paradises that hold the wonders of nature and that never cease to surprise on every trip. 

Among those fascinating places for tourism in Zaragoza, we have ‘ the Aragonese Cappadocia ‘ or, better said, the Aguarales de Valdemilaz or Valpalmas, one of the most spectacular and mysterious natural spaces not only in  Aragon, but in all of Spain.

Therefore, if you are thinking of travelling to Aragon you should not miss this wonderful place that seems to be from another planet.  

Aguarales de Valpalmas: why it is known as Aragonese Cappadocia

The  Aguarales de Valpalmas are known as the Aragonese Cappadocia because of the famous fairy chimneys found in the Göreme Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey. That is why they are popularly called that way. 

The Aguarales de Valpalmas underwent a formation process resulting from a very special erosion, known as  
‘piping’, which dissolves the rock in the subsoil, creating pipes and small ravines, which at first glance resemble 
Cappadocia.

How to get to the Aguarales de Valpalmas?

To get to the Aguarales de Valpalmas, the trail begins at Plaza Ramón y Cajal in the town of Valpalmas and you must follow the  PR-Z-102 trail, towards Piedratajada.

After two kilometres (the length of this track) it is possible to continue either on foot or by car, as it is well signposted so that there is no risk of taking another path.

Access to the Aguarales is free and there is also  free parking  at the start of the route, which is very practical for visitors.

The walk begins with the viewing point from where you can see part of the site and where there is also a specially designed table, which explains the origin of this phenomenon, and then you can continue walking among the earth columns.

The youth village of Ramón y Cajal

Valpalmas is also the youth town of the Spanish Nobel Prize winner in medicine Santiago Ramón y Cajal, since he lived there part of his youth between 1856 and 1860, while his father worked as a surgeon.

Among the attractions of the place, it is worth mentioning that two decades ago the Ramón y Cajal Centre of Valpalmas was opened in the town , which documented the intellectual passions of the scientist and revealed his vocational dedication to science and research. Ramón y Cajal also had a significant interest in photography and literature.

Aragonese Cappadocia has a lot to discover in its surroundings, such as different castles like  Obano, Yecra or Artasona, for example. And also monasteries like that of Nuestra Señora de Monlora and even an abandoned station in Piedramorrera, ideal for those who enjoy photographing their trips and visits.