A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy
Discovering Cretas: A Hidden Treasure in Teruel, Spain
Introduction
Cretas, also known as Queretes in Catalan, is a small town located in the Matarraña region, in the province of Teruel, Spain. This charming village, with a population of just 600 inhabitants, is a true hidden treasure in the Aragon region, with its rich history, impressive architecture and stunning natural landscapes.
Historical Heritage
The historical heritage of Cretas is one of its main attractions. The old town is full of buildings of great architectural value, such as the Parish Church of the Assumption, an impressive Gothic-Renaissance style building from the 16th century, and the Hermitage of Santa Ana, a small jewel of popular architecture from the 18th century. It is also worth visiting the Portal de Maella, an old entrance gate to the village that still retains its medieval structure.
Natural Landscapes
The surroundings of Cretas are a paradise for nature lovers. The town is surrounded by mountains, rivers and forests, offering endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. Particularly noteworthy is the Natural Park of Els Ports, a protected area of great scenic beauty, where you can observe unique species of fauna and flora.
Rock Art
Cretas is also famous for its rock paintings, which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. These paintings, dating from the Bronze Age, are located in the Raco de Nando, a rocky shelter located a few kilometers from the town. The paintings depict human and animal figures, and are a fascinating testimony to the life of our ancestors.
Local Gastronomy
Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of Cretas. Visitors can taste the tasty dishes of Aragonese cuisine, such as roast lamb, Graus sausage or shepherd's breadcrumbs, accompanied by the excellent wines of the Somontano Designation of Origin. In addition, in the numerous restaurants and wineries in the town you can try high quality local products, such as the extra virgin olive oil from Matarraña.
Festivals and Events
Cretas celebrates several festivals and events throughout the year, which are an excellent opportunity to learn about local culture and traditions. Particularly noteworthy are the patron saint festivities in honor of San Roque, which are celebrated in August with a varied program of activities, and the Matarraña Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fair, which takes place in March and brings together the main producers of the region.
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Gastronomic Products of Cretas
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cretas is famous for its production of extra virgin olive oil. This oil is obtained from the Empeltre variety olives, which are grown in the region. The olive oil from Cretas is known for its mild and fruity flavor, and is an essential ingredient in local cuisine.
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Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is another standout product from Cretas. This cheese is made with fresh goat milk and has a mild and creamy flavor. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a variety of dishes, such as salads, tapas, and desserts.
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Rosemary Honey
Rosemary honey is a typical product of Cretas. This honey is produced from the nectar of rosemary flowers, which grow abundantly in the region. Rosemary honey has a sweet and floral taste, and is used in both sweet and savory dishes.
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Local Wine
Cretas is also known for its wine production. The vineyards of the region produce a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. These wines are known for their quality and flavor, and are an excellent choice to accompany local food.
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Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Cretas
Cretas, a small town in Teruel, hides a great gastronomic wealth. Here you can find everything from traditional cuisine restaurants to modern establishments that reinterpret the classic dishes of the area. Below, we present some of the most outstanding:
El Trull Restaurant
The El Trull Restaurant is a reference place in Cretas. Known for its quality cuisine based on local products, it offers dishes such as Aragonese lamb, rabbit with snails or trout from the Matarraña river. Its rustic and cozy atmosphere, along with its excellent service, make this place a perfect option to enjoy local gastronomy.
La Parra Restaurant
Located in the center of Cretas, La Parra Restaurant is another must-see for food lovers. Its menu offers a wide variety of dishes made with local products, such as grilled lamb, shepherd's breadcrumbs or homemade desserts. In addition, it has an excellent selection of wines from the region.
El Cau Tavern
The El Cau Tavern is a charming place where you can enjoy local gastronomy in a relaxed atmosphere. It offers a varied menu of tapas and portions, among which the patatas bravas, the onion black pudding and the Roman-style calamari stand out. Its good value for money and its friendly service make this place a highly recommended option.
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Sports Activities in Cretas, Teruel
Hiking
With routes that cross stunning natural landscapes, Cretas is an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts. You can explore routes such as the Parrizal de Beceite or the Estrechos del río Ebro.
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Mountain Biking
The mountains and hills of Cretas offer challenging terrain for mountain biking enthusiasts. There are several routes available, suitable for different skill levels.
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Climbing
The cliffs and rocks of Cretas are a perfect playground for climbers. There are several climbing schools in the area that offer courses for beginners and more experienced climbers.
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Fishing
The rivers and reservoirs of Cretas are known for their abundance of fish. You can spend a peaceful day fishing in places like the Matarraña river or the Pena reservoir.
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Kayaking
Experience the serenity of the rivers of Cretas by kayak. Places like the Matarraña river offer incredible opportunities for kayaking.
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Places near Cretas
If you are in Cretas and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:
JourneyGourmet
17 de Febrero de 2024
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