Navarre: Nature, Trails and Culture

In northeastern Navarre, the Irati Biosphere Reserve encompasses the Salazar and Aezkoa valleys. Trails, opportunities to observe nature, cultural monuments and regional traditions offer different focuses for a trip. You can plan your itinerary around whether you are most interested in nature and trails, architectural history, pilgrimage traditions or wine.

Nature and trails

The Foz de Lumbier has been a nature reserve since 1987 and is a suitable place to observe large birds of prey, including griffon vultures. Just over 200 established pairs are reported there; wildlife numbers can change over time. The nature reserve thus offers a specific reason to include birdwatching in your trip plans.

The Vía Verde del Irati has its own distinct character: this flat trail is just over six kilometres long and follows the river. It runs along the former route of the electric railway between Pamplona and Sangüesa and passes through two tunnels carved into the rock. Its length, riverside course and former railway route give it a different character from a pilgrimage trail. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Pilgrimage routes and architectural history

The French Way of St James is a 160-kilometre linear hiking route rated as moderately difficult. It enters Navarre via Luzaide/Valcarlos, a few kilometres before Orreaga/Roncesvalles. Roncesvalles Collegiate Church was built at the end of the 12th century and serves as a gateway to the Way of St James in Spain. The name Roncesvalles thus brings together a historic building and a point of orientation on the pilgrimage route. Check trail conditions before departure.

The Royal Palace of Olite is an irregularly laid-out complex of towers, rooms, galleries, gardens and courtyards. Together with the Church of Santa María, it was declared a National Monument on 17 January 1925. The palace can be visited independently with the help of an audio guide; check visiting arrangements and admission details before your trip. Its various sections make the complex a distinct point of interest for travellers interested in architectural history.

In Tudela, the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa María has three large portals, including the Portada del Juicio. It was declared a National Monument in 1884. Access to its artistic treasures is through the Museo de Tudela in the adjoining Palacio Decanal. A guided tour at the museum includes the Romanesque cloister and the cathedral. Check seasonal tour dates and current visiting arrangements before your trip.

Wine and regional traditions

Navarre has its own wine designation, D.O. Navarra, and shares the D.O. Rioja with La Rioja and the Basque Country. Wine tourism includes a variety of hands-on activities: taking part in the grape harvest and grape treading, horse-drawn carriage rides through vineyards, workshops, yoga among the vines and vinotherapy. The wine theme therefore extends beyond appellations to activities related to vineyards and winemaking.

Festivals can also give a trip a particular focus. The Sanfermines begin in Pamplona with the Chupinazo on 6 July. The annual programme and access conditions may vary; check the specific dates before your visit. The Javieradas are a popular pilgrimage in March to Castillo de Javier, where the saint is venerated. Their dates and programme can also change. At the carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta, the Joaldunak wear large cowbells and walk through the forest between the two towns.

When choosing a hotel base, it helps to decide on the purpose of your trip first: are you mainly interested in the buildings in Olite and Tudela, a section of the Way of St James, wildlife observation or wine tourism?

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