The PR-Z 25 is a circular hiking trail from Herrera de los Navarros via Pico Herrera to the Santuario de la Virgen de Herrera and back. The sanctuary also has a viewpoint overlooking areas of several comarcas. Trails, nature and a rich cultural heritage give your trip a range of possible focuses.

Distinguishing the circular trail from the running event

The PR-Z 25 is a trail in its own right: its described route connects Herrera de los Navarros, Pico Herrera and the Santuario de la Virgen de Herrera. No distance or walking time is given here. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

A variant of the PR-Z 25 via the Camino del Reguero allows you to return from the sanctuary to Herrera de los Navarros on a fully accessible route, and is intended primarily for cyclists. This differs from the route via Pico Herrera, which is described as a circular hiking trail. When comparing them, consider whether you are interested in the circular route or in the return route specifically intended for cycling.

The Desafío Herrerino, on the other hand, is a running event with several races of different distances. They follow mountain trails with steep climbs through the landscape around the Ermita de la Virgen de la Sierra de Herrera de los Navarros and the Huerva. The Desafío has been held every year in early May since 2015, with exceptions in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Dates may vary within the early-May period; check the exact date if you are planning your trip around the event. Distances may vary from one edition to another.

Nature and protected areas

Herrera de los Navarros is included in the European ecological network Natura 2000. The Bajo Huerva – Plana de María is designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds, while Alto Huerva – Sierra de Herrera is a Site of Community Importance. Birds found in the area include the golden eagle and Dupont’s lark; individual sightings are not guaranteed.

When exploring the natural surroundings, it is also worth distinguishing between the protected areas and the specific trails: the designated areas describe the nature conservation framework, while the PR-Z 25 identifies a particular route via Pico Herrera to the sanctuary. This lets you focus your stay on the natural areas, the circular hike or both, without conflating protected-area designations with a single route.

Mudéjar heritage and historic sites

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista and its Mudéjar tower were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 14 December 2001, as part of the monumental Mudéjar heritage found throughout Aragón. The church is also protected as a BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the “Monumento” category. The present complex was built in four phases from the mid-14th century to the end of the 17th century; the first two phases are part of its Mudéjar structure. The UNESCO designation, protected status and construction phases offer different perspectives on the same ensemble: its significance beyond the region, its formal protection and its long history of construction.

The Santuario de la Virgen de Herrera offers another architectural period to explore. The Baroque building was constructed in the 17th century and completed in the 18th century. The sanctuary is also home to a viewpoint with sweeping views over areas of several comarcas. The remains of a Celtiberian settlement from the Second Iron Age are also found on Cerro de los Castellares, near Herrera de los Navarros. Together, these sites reveal different historical layers, from a prehistoric settlement to later church architecture.

The heritage also includes the Dance of Herrera de los Navarros, considered one of Aragón’s oldest traditional dances. Visitors interested in local traditions can also find festivals held throughout the year, with dates that are easy to distinguish from one another.

Festivals and when to visit

On 17 January, bonfires are part of the San Antón celebrations. Neighbours gather around the fire, share dinner and meals, and pets are blessed. The San Blas celebrations follow in early February: during a procession, the town’s Quintos carry the saint, and the traditional Rollo de San Blas is also handed out.

An annual pilgrimage to the Santuario de la Virgen de Herrera takes place on 23 April to celebrate the feast day of San Jorge and Aragón. The Desafío Herrerino is another recurring event in early May. The dates therefore span January through May; when planning your trip, you can check whether you would like it to coincide with a particular celebration or with a time for the circular hike.

Find a holiday rental to suit your trip

If you are looking for a holiday rental, first decide whether you want to plan your stay mainly around a festival date or the hike via Pico Herrera. If you are attending the Desafío Herrerino, check the exact date, as it may vary within the early-May period. If you are planning the PR-Z 25, check the current trail conditions beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Bujaraloz, Pina De Ebro, Almonacid De La Cuba, San Juan De Mozarrifar, Fuentes De Ebro, Alera, Albeta, Lumpiaque.

For the broader travel overview: Zaragoza.