Skip to content
There are villages that have it all. Alquézar is one of them. A Romanesque collegiate church perched above the Vero Gorge, medieval streets paved with golden stone, world-class canyoning and, for those of us arriving by bike, one of the most rewarding starting points in the entire Aragonese Pre-Pyrenees. It’s no coincidence that it’s the most searched-for name in the Sierra de Guara when someone types “mountain biking” or “gravel” into Google.
In this article, we’ll tell you about the best cycling routes from Alquézar, the level each one is suited to, the best time to visit, and what you need to know before loading your bike onto the car. To cut a long story short.
Why Alquézar is the best starting point in Guara for cycling
You don’t need to know the area well to understand why Alquézar works so well as a base for cycling. It lies at the geographical heart of the most interesting part of the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park, offers a range of facilities (accommodation, restaurants, car parks), and some of the area’s most comprehensive walking routes start or pass through the village itself.
To that we must add something that not everyone takes into account: the variety of terrain within a small radius. In less than 30 kilometres, you can enjoy a mix of forest tracks, technical trails, quiet country roads winding through olive groves, and breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. Whether you’re here on a mountain bike or a gravel bike, Alquézar has something for you.
Mountain bike routes from Alquézar: from easiest to most challenging
Cañón del Río Vero
If you’re only going to go on one bike ride in Alquézar, make it this one. The Vero River Gorge is BGuara’s most iconic attraction in this area: it combines heritage, landscape and engineering in perfect harmony.
The route starts in Asque or in Alquézar itself and climbs up to Mesón de Sevil before descending along a path to the Villacantal bridge, following the Vero Gorge. Along the way, you’ll pass the Fuendebaños bridge, the snow pits and the cave paintings at Chimiachas and Quizans, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are literally right next to the trail.
The downside: there are a lot of loose stones on the paths, and its south-facing aspect means it’s not really recommended in the height of summer. The rest of the year, from October to June, is a ten out of ten.
- Level: Advanced (enduro)
- Home: Asque or Alquézar
- Recommended season: Autumn, winter and spring
Gran Vuelta al Vero
If the Vero Gorge is the must-see route, the Gran Vuelta al Vero is the challenge with a capital C. The route covers over 45 kilometres and involves a 1,400-metre climb; you can start either in Lecina or Alquézar, with spectacular views of the Balced Canyon and the entire Pyrenees from the higher sections.
Just a heads-up, though: there are two sections where you have to carry the bike on your shoulder. The first, which takes about 15 minutes, climbs from the River Vero up to the Mirador del Vero viewpoint. The second route, which takes 30 minutes, runs from the Villacantal bridge to the outskirts of Alquézar. If that doesn’t put you off, the whole journey is a treat for the senses.
- Level: Advanced / Expert
- Elevation gain: +1,400 m
- Recommended season: Autumn and spring
Colungo Route
It doesn’t all have to be enduro and bike packing. If you’re new to mountain biking or looking for a more relaxed ride to join people of varying abilities, the Colungo-Buera route is a great choice. Less than 19 kilometres of track, with no technical difficulties and suitable for any time of year. Heritage, olive groves and surroundings that won’t disappoint.
- Level: Beginners / family
- Distance: ~19 km
- Recommended season: All year round
Return to Guara by mountain bike
For anyone with the time, the stamina and the desire for something epic, the Vuelta a Guara mountain bike ride is the ultimate challenge. Over 225 kilometres, divided into 5 stages, covering the entire Natural Park. Alquézar features in the first stage (43.5 km from Colungo) and is one of the key points along the entire route.
It’s not a day trip, but if you’ve got a long weekend or a few days to spare, you won’t find a better way to get to know the area inside out.
Gravel routes from Alquézar: the best of the Somontano on two wheels
Gravel cycling has really changed the way people view cycling in Guara. Many routes that were once the preserve of mountain bikers are now accessible on a good gravel bike, and the area between Alquézar and Somontano — with its quiet roads and tracks winding through olive groves and vineyards — is one of the best settings you’ll find.
BGuara has a specific article on gravel riding in the Sierra de Guara where you can see all the routes listed by difficulty, but here are the ones that start in or pass through Alquézar:
Adahuesca – Alquézar – Radiquero (foot of the mountain route)
The most accessible route to get started. Just over 14 kilometres with an elevation gain of around 255 metres, taking you along the foothills with views of the Somontano region, Mediterranean crops and a stretch through holm oak trees that is particularly beautiful in autumn. You can set off from Alquézar in any direction and complete the loop at your own pace.
- Level: Suitable for all audiences
- Distance: ~14 km
- Season: All year round
Route of Saint Pelgrin (from Alquézar or Radiquero)
A cut above the rest. 18 kilometres with a fair bit of elevation gain and 3.5 km of gravel track that presents a bit of a challenge, particularly on some of the steep descents. It’s not a difficult route, but you’ll need a bit of experience with gravel riding before you set off. The views from San Pelegrín towards the Vero Gorge are well worth the effort.
- Level: Intermediate
- Distance: 18 km
- Home: Alquézar or Radiquero
Mountain bike or gravel bike for Guara?
The most frequently asked question. The short answer: it depends on the type of route you want to take. If you’re looking for technical trails and descents with loose stones, a mountain bike will give you greater safety and control. If you prefer long distances and varied terrain, and don’t mind a bit of road riding, gravel cycling is perfect for Guara. For many routes in the region—including the Vuelta a Guara—gravel bikes are even more versatile than mountain bikes.
Alquézar by e-bike: no excuses not to come
E-MTBs and electric gravel bikes have opened up Guara to a huge number of people who wouldn’t have considered coming before. The slopes in the area are challenging, and the electric assist completely transforms the experience, particularly on long routes such as the Gran Vuelta al Vero or the Pie de Sierra.
If you don’t bring your own electric bike, you can hire one at Camping Alquézar or at the Mesón de Colungo, which are the nearest places offering this service. BGuara has all the information you need about e-bike cycling in Guara if you’d like to find out more.
When is the best time to visit Alquézar by bike?
You can cycle in Alquézar almost all year round, but not every month is the same:
Spring (March–June) is the peak season. Perfect temperatures, slopes in great condition after the thaw, blossoms in the Somontano, and light that makes the photos practically take themselves. This is the busiest time of year for cyclists, and with good reason.
Autumn (September–November) is the other prime time. The heat subsides, the colours in the mountain forests change, and there are fewer people on the trails. November is usually surprisingly mild in the lowlands.
Summer (July–August) is possible, but you need to be sensible. South-facing routes—such as the Vero Canyon—are not recommended in extreme heat. If you’re visiting in summer, get an early start, take plenty of water with you, and save the sunniest routes for the autumn.
Winter (December–February) works better than it looks. Many of the lower slopes are in good condition and there are some spectacular sunny days. You should keep an eye on the condition of the footpaths after heavy rain and on the ravines if there is a risk of flooding.
What to pack for a mountain bike ride in Alquézar
You don’t need to be overly technical, but there are certain things you simply can’t do without:
- Water: in summer and on long walks, more than you think. There are water fountains in some of the villages along the route (Betorz, Nocito, Bara), but they are not always in use. Always check the water points before setting off.
- Essential kit: a spare inner tube or tubeless repair kit, tyre levers, a multi-tool and a small pump. There is no roadside assistance in Guara.
- GPS or app: the terrain is vast and junctions aren’t always signposted. Download the track before you set off; don’t rely on mobile coverage. Komoot and Wikiloc work well in the area.
- Protective gear: for enduro routes such as the Cañón del Vero or the Guara Five Stars, a full-face helmet or one with a visor and knee pads are a good idea, not a luxury.
If you’re travelling with your family or looking for more leisurely routes, take a look at the article on family cycling in the Sierra de Guara, where BGuara offers options suitable for all abilities.
Where to stay in Alquézar if you come to cycle
Alquézar offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets: charming rural guesthouses in the historic centre, hotels with views of the canyon, and campsites for those who prefer to sleep close to nature. Most are ideally situated for heading out for a ride straight from the door.
If you’d like to take your time choosing and see all the available options, BGuara has an up-to-date list of accommodation in the Sierra de Guara where you can filter your search according to your preferences.
Beyond Alquézar: extend your tour of Guara
Alquézar is the perfect starting point, but the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park has so much more to offer. If you’d like to explore further, here are some articles from BGuara to help you with your planning:
- Cycling through Guara’s must-see spots — an overview of the area
- Autumn hiking routes through the Sierra de Guara — the best options when the heat subsides
- Guara Five Stars — the north face enduro route, for the bravest riders
- All routes in the BGuara region — the complete catalogue with GPS
