At 204 hectares in area and approximately eight kilometres in circumference, the Laguna de Sariñena makes a striking mark on the natural landscape. It is Aragón’s most important breeding site for the Eurasian bittern and is home to ten per cent of the Iberian population of this species, which is endangered on the peninsula. These figures show that the lagoon plays a special role not only because of its size, but also as a habitat.

Lagoon, protected area and walking routes

The Laguna de Sariñena is designated as a Refugio de Fauna Silvestre (Wildlife Refuge); this designation is based on Decree 70/1995 of 4 April. It was also declared a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) by the Order of 20 August 2001. Both designations point to its protected status, but emphasise different aspects: one identifies it as a wildlife refuge, while the other provides protection for birds.

The Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza (Nature Interpretation Centre) is right beside the lagoon. Walking and cycling routes start there. If you would like to visit the centre, check the current opening times in advance, as they may change. The natural setting, protected status and routes offer different ways to explore the lagoon.

Museum and architectural history

The Museo de La Laguna is housed in a restored building of Aragonese civil architecture and is divided into three exhibition areas. In the lagoon hall, models and photographs complement a visit to the natural site. The building’s architecture and the presentation of the lagoon are thus two distinct themes that sit side by side in the museum.

Other buildings also offer insights into different periods. The Ermita de Santiago is the oldest surviving historical and architectural feature of Sariñena and dates from the 13th century. The site includes a restored icehouse from the 16th century, as well as a landscaped visitor area. The Iglesia Parroquial San Salvador offers a later point of reference: construction began in 1796, and the church was completed in the mid-19th century.

The Torreón de los Foces combines a historic building with a later cultural use: it was restored in 2011 and converted into the Centro de Interpretación del Dance de Sariñena (Sariñena Dance Interpretation Centre). The Cartuja de Nuestra Señora de las Fuentes, also known as the Cartuja de los Monegros, was the first Carthusian monastery founded in the Kingdom of Aragón. It is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in the Monument category.

Place of remembrance and regional traditions

The remains of Aeródromo Alas Rojas stretch along the HU-V-8.301, the road between Sariñena and Albalatillo. They include 30 linear metres of trench, a firing position, two machine-gun nests, an anti-aircraft machine-gun position and entrances to an underground ammunition bunker. Information panels on site explain the individual features. The remains can be visited independently; check the current access conditions before travelling.

The calendar of events includes a range of occasions: the Dance de Sariñena is performed again in Sariñena on 15 May, with a procession. FEMOGA is an annual industrial, agricultural and livestock fair. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the current dates in advance. Another local tradition concerns meat products, which are available at local butcher shops. In this way, a procession and a fair as established forms of events are complemented by regional produce and its presence in the town.

Discover more destinations: Fago, Puértolas, Palo, Olsón, Montanuy, Bolea, Lárrede, Plasencia del Monte

For the main travel overview: Huesca.