In Arcos de Jalón, cycling routes meet a visible railway history and historic buildings. A restored Mikado locomotive is preserved in the station district. At the end of the 19th century, the town became an important transport hub and locomotive depot on the Madrid–Barcelona railway line. In the Alto Jalón, roads and railway lines connect the Aragonese Ebro Valley with the Castilian Meseta.
Walking Routes, Cycling Routes and Stages
The Arcos de Jalón BTT Centre offers six signposted mountain bike routes of varying difficulty. The routes are circular and can be started in any of the towns belonging to the centre. This allows you to consider two specific questions separately when planning your ride: which difficulty level suits your plans, and which of the possible starting points is right for you. As route information can change, check it before setting out.
The Ruta de la Chorronera is a fully accessible, 2.8 km circular route designed for walking or cycling. The Camino del Cid stage from Atienza to Calatayud offers a different kind of route planning: it passes through Somaén, Arcos de Jalón and Aguilar de Montuenga. Arcos de Jalón is listed 4.93 km after Somaén. The BTT routes are therefore described as circular, while the Camino del Cid places Arcos on a stage.
The Cortados del Jalón section between Medinaceli and Arcos de Jalón also has its own character: the disused N-II serves as a route for motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Check local road and trail conditions before using it.
Gorges, Forest and Laguna de Judes
The route through the Barranco de Avenales follows the small limestone gorge of the Arroyo del Salobral de Avenales stream. It runs between the abandoned settlement of Avenales and the Río Jalón near Somaén. The Barranco de la Cerrada Cascos has a different landscape: dense holm oak forests stretch between Arcos de Jalón and Jubera.
Laguna de Judes is the only karst lagoon in the province of Soria. It can be reached via a path of about 3.5 km, whose route may change seasonally. Check current path and area information before your visit. Laguna de Judes lies within the ZEC “Sabinares del Jalón” protected area (ES4170057), which covers 19,068 hectares. Another named hiking trail, El Barranco de la Sima, starts in Judes and ends in Alconchel in the province of Zaragoza.
Castle, Church and Traditions
Castillo de Arcos stands on a hill above the town. The narrow streets on the slope below the castle bear witness to the area’s Muslim settlement. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción also brings together several historical periods: it dates from the 16th century, was rebuilt in the 18th century and is a single-nave building in the Gothic-Renaissance style. Check the church service schedule before visiting.
During Semana Santa, the traditional Rompida de la Hora takes place at 23:59 in Plaza Mayor in Arcos de Jalón. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the event dates in advance.
Confectionery Tradition in Arcos de Jalón
El Abuelo José Luis represents a confectionery tradition dating back to 1850, passed down through five generations. Before planning a visit specifically to the establishment, check whether it and its products are currently available. Pastelería Ramiro makes turrón by hand using selected ingredients; its production follows methods from before the use of machinery. Turrón may be available seasonally. If you are looking for it specifically, ask about the current selection in advance.
Discover more destinations: Somaén, Santa María De Las Hoyas, Diustes, Soria, San Felices, Valdemaluque, Barahona, El Espino.
Go to the main travel overview: Soria.
