Molina de Aragón guide
What I would do and my recommendations. Any questions, message me on +34 617 110 449 (Ruy).
Where to eat
El Catacaldos (Plaza de San Pedro, in the centre). I would have dinner there one night: not expensive, good food and an interesting wine list. It is on the main square, where there is the most life. To book, call Tere on +34 659 79 95 58 (or the restaurant, +34 949 830 830, from 19:30) and say you are coming from Alojamientos Louro.
El Parador (C/ Parador 12). For me, the best place for dinner: the food is good and everything is done well. It is more expensive, but it is Parador standard. You need to book: +34 949 860 960. At lunchtime, eating on the terrace is lovely, with beautiful views of Molina. And even if you don't eat there, go for a drink: an aperitif before lunch or a beer at sunset.
Bar Molina. Cheaper and good quality: set menus and sandwiches. No need to book. Say you are coming from Alojamientos Louro.
For breakfast: La Bohème (toast with ham and home-made pastries), Bar Molina if you prefer something savoury, and Panadería Gascón for something sweet.
Seeing Molina
Give it a morning or an afternoon: in two or three hours you see everything and it is a pleasant walk. From the apartment you are already in the old town: the palaces, the Romanesque bridge, the narrow streets, the Jewish and Moorish quarters and the walls.
The castle: there are guided tours (ask at the tourist office). The spectacular thing is to see it from outside, from the Parador or from the walls: it is one of the largest in Spain for the area its enclosure covers. Inside it is less interesting and the access is not easy; go in only if you really like history.
Not to be missed: the Virgen de la Hoz
A hermitage right at the entrance to the Alto Tajo Natural Park, about 15 minutes by car. It is where the canyon begins: you go from cereal fields to a green, humid canyon that feels like another place.
Past the hermitage there are steps up to a viewpoint, about 20-25 minutes. The climb is easy and the views from the top are spectacular. You can also drive to the upper viewpoint and walk on the flat: message me and I will explain how.
To get there, search for «Hospedería Virgen de la Hoz» in Google Maps.
Combine it with Corduente, halfway there: the Qrica Taberna is there, local dishes and a pleasant garden. For example, the Virgen in the morning and lunch or an aperitif there.
It is the most important thing to do near Molina.
The real Alto Tajo: the Salto de Poveda
If you want to see the Alto Tajo from inside, it is among the most beautiful places there are, but it takes almost a full day: leave in the morning and come back after lunch. You go to the Salto de Poveda, a large waterfall, and from there there is a circular walk of just over an hour that starts and ends at a mountain hut. The hut is a mountain restaurant, in the middle of nowhere, with local food: pork loin, chorizo, black pudding, vegetables and, in autumn, mushrooms.
If you want to do it, message me and I will send you the directions.
If you have time: Zafra castle
In another direction, towards Teruel. It is the castle where Game of Thrones was filmed; it is lovely and you can do a short walk. If you go, also visit the Campillo lagoon, which is right next to it and curious. Combining the two, the trip is worth it.
Best regards,
Ruy · Alojamientos Louro