Zaragoza to Gijón: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The Zaragoza–Gijón road trip covers approximately 620 kilometers along the A-23 and A-66 highways, crossing the Ebro Valley, the Iberian System, and the Cantabrian Mountains. This route descends from the arid plains of Aragon to the lush green coastline of Asturias, passing through historic cities and dramatic mountain passes. The A-23 ends at the border of Teruel, merging into the A-66 near Huesca, then threading through the Pajares Pass (1,378 meters) – a notorious stretch where fog, ice, and steep grades demand caution.

Your drive begins on the A-23 (Autovía Mudéjar) heading north from Zaragoza. After Huesca, you'll switch onto the A-22 towards Jaca, then join the A-21, which later becomes the A-15. At the Campomanes junction, you'll merge onto the A-66 (Autovía de la Plata) for the final stretch to Gijón. Total driving time is about 5–6 hours without stops, but plan for 8–10 hours with breaks.

Key Logistics

• Fuel: Gas stations are plentiful along highways, but sparse on the A-23 between Huesca and Jaca. Fill up in Huesca or Barbastro before mountain sections.
• Tolls: The A-23 and A-66 are toll-free through Aragon and Asturias, but the A-15 (after Jaca) is a toll road (approx. €10).
• Roads: Most of the route is well-maintained dual carriageway, except the Pajares Pass (N-630/A-66) which is a winding mountain road with sharp curves.
• Coordinates: Zaragoza (41.6488° N, 0.8891° W) to Gijón (43.5432° N, 5.6639° W).

Road safety: The Pajares Pass (A-66) is treacherous in winter due to ice, fog, and steep gradients (up to 16%). Use low gears on descents to save brakes. The A-23 is generally safe but watch for livestock near agricultural zones.

Rest Zones

• Área de Servicio Huesca (km 70): Large service station with restaurant, clean toilets, and a small playground.
• Área de Jaca (km 140): Picnic area and fuel station.
• Puerto de Pajares rest stop (km 320): Scenic viewpoint with basic facilities.

Family & Child Suitability

The route is family-friendly. Stop at the Dinópolis paleontology museum in Huesca (designed for kids), or the Senda del Oso (Bear Trail) in Asturias – a former railway line turned walking/cycling path. For a break, the Selva de Ordesa adventure park near Jaca offers ziplines and rope courses.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most restaurants in Aragon and Asturias allow dogs on terraces. Petrol stations generally accept dogs. In Gijón, the East Beach (Playa de San Lorenzo) permits dogs in winter. Secure your pet in a harness for the mountain sections – sudden curves can be startling.

Local Climate & Aesthetics

Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures (10–20°C) and vibrant foliage. Summers can be hot in Zaragoza (35°C) but cooler in Gijón (20°C). Winter brings snow to the Pajares Pass – carry chains from November to March. The best season is May–June or September–October for optimal driving conditions.

The landscape shifts dramatically. North of Zaragoza, the Ebro valley gives way to the Pre-Pyrenees. The Sierra de Guara Natural Park (near Huesca) offers canyoning and hiking, while the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a must-detour.

Culinary Infrastructure

Stop in Huesca for tapas (try chiretas – lamb intestines) or Barbastro for its somontano wine route. In Jaca, sample ternasco (roasted lamb). Asturias is famous for fabada (bean stew) and sidra (apple cider).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Mudéjar Architecture in Teruel (200 km detour) – but along the route, the San Pedro de la Rúa church in Jaca is a Romanesque gem.
• Ordesa y Monte Perdido – inscribed as a mixed natural and cultural site in 1997.
• Prehistoric Rock Art in the Cave of the Valley (Covadonga) – near Gijón, off-route but accessible.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just 10 km from the A-23, the village of Alquézar perches on a canyon with a 9th-century castle. Near Pajares, the Puerto de la Magdalena viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Cantabrian Mountains. Or visit to find more hidden gems: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Local Commerce

• Huesca: Mercado de la Hortaliza (artisan cheeses, truffles)
• Jaca: weekly Saturday market in the Plaza de la Catedral
• Gijón: Cimavilla district for cider bars and local crafts