Monasterio de Piedra: A Waterfall Lovers Paradise
Set within a natural park along the Piedra River, you will find some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. This magical place has a well maintained trail to follow around and admire the stunning waterfalls, peaceful lakes and great caves. I have put together the ultimate travel guide to visiting Monasterio de Piedra and to show you why it needs to be on your bucket list.
I may make a commission through links provided on this page. I greatly appreciate any and all of your support, as your support means I can keep writing up travel recommendations like this one!
A brief history of Monasterio de Piedra
The Monasterio de Piedra was founded in 1194 by Alfonso II of Aragon, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Spain. The name “Monasterio de Piedra” translates to “Monastery of Stone,” which is derived from the striking natural surroundings of the site, characterised by waterfalls, caves, and lush vegetation amidst rocky terrain.
What to see at the Monasterio de Piedra
Visiting the Monasterio de Piedra offers historical and natural attractions. Here are some of the best things to see and explore at the Monasterio de Piedra:
The Monastery
Make sure you explore the beautifully preserved Cistercian monastery. Admire its stunning architectural and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this historic religious site. Inside the monastery, you’ll find a museum that provides information about the history and cultural significance of the Monasterio de Piedra. You can learn about its past and the people who inhabited it.
Waterfalls
The Monasterio de Piedra is renowned for its stunning waterfalls. Taking a stroll along the well maintained path, you will get to witness its cascading water in all its glory. Some of my favourites were the Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail) and Cascada Iris (Iris Waterfall).
Gardens
Explore the lush green gardens surrounding the monastery. Go for a wonder through it’s manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, and serene ponds that mirror the sky.
Caves and Grottoes
Hidden throughout the Monasterio de Piedra is a network of caves and grottoes. This unique spaces display natural formations and are the perfect place to take some respite from the sun.
Birds
If you’re a nature enthusiast, don’t forget to bring your binoculars. The Monasterio de Piedra is home to a variety of bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
How to get to Monasterio de Piedra
From Madrid
By car: take the A-2 highway heading towards Zaragoza. After approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles), take Exit 242 (Calatayud / Alhama de Aragon). From there, follow the signs to Nuevalos. The Monasterio de Piedra has two parking areas, available for free.
By public transport: Take an hour train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Calatayud. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Nuevalos, where the Monasterio de Piedra is located.
From Zaragoza
By car: Take the A-68 for about 75 kilometers (46 miles) until you reach the exit for Nuévalos. Then follow the signs to the Monastery. Monasterio de Piedra has two parking areas, available for free.
By public transport: Take an hour train from Zaragoza-Delicias train station to Calatayud. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Nuevalos, where the Monasterio de Piedra is located.
Top tip: make sure you check the timings of public transportation in advance as it can vary depending on the day.
Take a tour
If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to get to the Monasterio de Piedra is via a tour which includes transportation. I would recommend heading to the tourism office for help.
Best time to visit Monasterio de Piedra
I don’t believe there is a bad time to visit Monasterio de Piedra, each season brings a different experience so it’s up to what you prefer.
Spring: many consider spring the best time to visit the Monasterio de Piedra. The weather is generally mild, and the landscape is lush and green. As the snow begins to melt from the surrounding mountains, the waterfalls become more impressive. The flowers will also start appearing.
Summer: Summer is the peak tourist season in Spain, including the Monasterio de Piedra. The weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time to enjoy the outdoors. With all the water and lots of trees shading the paths, it was a lot cooler than many major Spanish cities in mainland Spain. However, it can get crowded, so you may prefer visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds (and heat)!
Autumn: Autumn is a quieter time to visit. Autumn aLao offers pleasant weather, with cooler temperatures compared to the summer months. The foliage can be quite beautiful, especially as the leaves change colour.
Winter: While the Monastery is open all year-round, winter is the least popular time to visit. The weather can be cold, and some of the waterfalls may even freeze. However, its winter charm offers an excellent chance to get some unique photos.
Where to stay in Monasterio de Piedra
- Parador de Monasterio de Piedra: a unique and luxurious option located within the Monasterio de Piedra Natural Park.
Where to eat in Monasterio de Piedra
There are several restaurants at the entrance to the complex, but a few kilometers away, near Nuévalos , there are several roadside restaurants with good menus and nice views of the reservoir.
There are also designated picnic areas within the park where you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
After more Spanish hidden gems:
Zaragoza travel guide
wow! I would love to visit Monasterio de Piedra. Waterfalls, architecture, Grottos and a garden – all of this are my favorites. I have northern Spain in my bucket list and it seems to be quite close to Madrid. I am bookmarking your blog post for future reference.
WOW, what a stunning waterfall! This place looks so peaceful and perfect for a break from the hot hectic streets of Madrid. Will definitely have to visit next time I’m in Spain!
Totally saving this! Monasterio de Piedra looks amazing and the area as well. Wow!
Monasterio de piedra looks gorgeous! I’d love to see that monastery and some of the waterfalls.
As I kept scrolling down, I was saying ooo I would like to go there, not there haha what a well written article and beautiful pictures!