Guarded by the imposing Mallos, the Gállego River winds between stone walls and sets the pace for much of life and adventure in the area. Its waters have turned this stretch into one of Spain’s great rafting destinations, but Murillo de Gállego offers far more than thrills. Its streets preserve traces of its medieval past, its churches surprise visitors with their fortified appearance, and its viewpoints offer privileged panoramas. Here, the experience can begin by paddling through rapids and end by taking in the landscape from above.
Under the watchful gaze of the stone giants, the Gállego River forges its powerful course
But Murillo is not just about adrenaline: it is a place where every street preserves traces of the medieval era, where churches look like fortresses and viewpoints tell their own stories. It is a destination that surprises at every turn, from the boat to the heights.
MURILLO DE GÁLLEGO, THE VILLAGE WITH THE BEST RIVER FOR RAFTING
They say that if you can hear the river, it must be carrying adventure. And the Gállego never stops roaring. Rising in the Pyrenees, this tributary of the Ebro has been a living artery of the Aragonese Pre-Pyrenees for centuries. First with the legendary "navatas" —log boats used for river transport— and today with rafting boats challenging its rapids.
The stretch that runs through Murillo de Gállego offers an almost perfect mix: Grade III and IV rapids for those seeking excitement, along with gentler sections ideal for enjoying the river with the family. All of it is framed by a natural setting that looks straight out of a postcard: the Kingdom of the Mallos.
The Mallos of Riglos, Agüero and Peña Rueba watch over the landscape from above like sentinels. These reddish rock formations, which reach 275 metres in height, attract not only climbers but also enhance the experience of every descent. Paddling at their feet, among eagles, herons and king-of-Aragon plants, means entering a world where nature still has the final word.
Thanks to the regulation of the water flow by La Peña Reservoir, the river adapts to every season and every type of visitor. Have no experience? It does not matter. Here, rafting is designed for everyone: beginners, groups of friends, couples and families.
WHAT TO SEE IN MURILLO DE GÁLLEGO
Beyond the river, Murillo’s streets preserve the pulse of history. The village’s name —derived from “wall” or “fortification”— already hints at its defensive past. In fact, it was a key medieval stronghold, and traces can still be seen at the top of the village, where the Chapel of the Virgen de la Liena now stands.
The Church of San Salvador, commissioned by Queen Berta in the 11th century, looks more like a castle than a place of worship. Its impeccable stonework and its Crypt of the Holy Christ —one of only eight catalogued across the entire peninsula— make it a jewel of Aragonese Romanesque architecture.
At the highest point of the town centre, the Church of the Virgen de la Liena preserves the remains of a medieval necropolis, with anthropomorphic tombs carved into the rock that are remarkable for their state of preservation. It is the perfect place to pause and connect with the village’s past.
And speaking of giants, the Mallos of Riglos cannot be overlooked. These geological formations, unique in Europe, are a magnet for climbers and hikers. Each mallo has its own name, history and legend. Via ferratas, base jumping and scenic routes are also available.
A few kilometres away stands Loarre Castle, an architectural marvel from the 11th century that dominates the entire region. This Romanesque fortress, the most important in Spain, transports visitors to another era with its towers, royal chapel and impressive views over Hoya de Huesca.
HOW TO GET TO MURILLO DE GÁLLEGO
Murillo de Gállego is located in the Hoya de Huesca district, halfway between Zaragoza and Jaca, in the heart of the Aragonese Pre-Pyrenees. From Zaragoza, it can be reached by car in approximately one hour and 15 minutes via the A-23 and A-132.
There are also routes connecting it with Huesca, and its proximity to places such as Riglos and Loarre Castle makes it an ideal base for exploring the entire area. Although public transport is limited, numerous active tourism companies organise transfers from major cities, especially during the high season.
Once there, the difficult part is not arriving... but leaving. Between rapids, thousand-year-old churches and vertical walls that cut across the sky, Murillo de Gállego stays etched in the memory. It is the kind of place you always want to return to, even if only to hear the sound of the river.
