Iza: Hotels between nature and cultural heritage

Iza combines a diverse wetland with historic paths and buildings from different periods. The Poza de Iza, cycling route and cultural heritage give the area many different facets: nature lovers can find seasonal plants and migrating species here, while the historic routes reveal traces of the railway and pilgrimage paths.

Wetland and seasonal nature

The Poza de Iza lies between Zuasti, Iza and neighboring Loza. Reeds grow in its interior, surrounded by concentric zones of rushes and meadows. The floodable meadow is unique in Navarre. It is also an important refuge for numerous migratory bird species and is home to amphibians such as green frogs and toads.

The changing plants throughout the year shape the appearance of the meadow. In spring, much of it is covered with irises, including Iris pseudacorus, Iris graminea and Iris spurea sp. maritima. Later, these are replaced by marsh mallow (Althea officinalis). Visitors can observe migratory species in a protected natural setting at the ponds of Iza. Nature watching here is therefore about not only wildlife, but also the seasonal changes in vegetation.

Tourist information signs in Iza, Erice and Gulina provide information about places of interest in the three areas. If you plan to use them for guidance, check the condition of the signs on site.

Monastery, church and historic routes

The Santa María de Yarte monastic complex in Lete dates from the 12th century and is designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest. It preserves the memory of its historic connection to Irache Monastery up to the confiscation. In Larumbe, the parish church of San Vicente marks the transition to the Gothic period: its sculpture-adorned porch rests on a Romanesque foundation. The contrast between the Romanesque base and the Gothic transition makes the church’s architecture especially clear.

The routes through the area also tell of older connections. The historic route from Pamplona to the sea at Oyarzun passed through Iza/Gulina. At the beginning of the 11th century, many pilgrims took a detour through the Iza/Gulina area; Larumbe served as a landmark before they continued on to Vitoria via Lecumberri. The Oskia area on the Arakil River has marked an important route between the Pamplona Basin and the Arakil area since prehistoric times.

The Plazaola narrow-gauge railway is another chapter in the history of transport. Along its section through the Cendea, it ran parallel to and immediately beside the N-240, connecting Pamplona with San Sebastián. The Gulina Viaduct on the route through Iza consists of 17 stone arches. Structures like this give the historic connection a tangible form; the railway line and the older pilgrimage paths represent different ways of crossing the area.

Traditional walks in the region include routes to Trinidad de Erga and the Osquía chapel. These destinations add another way to discover the landscape to its historical perspective, without implying that the two walks are the same.

Cycling and trip planning

The third stage of EuroVelo 1 passes through the municipality of Iza, where it coincides with the Plazaola cycling route. The Sarasa–Pamplona section is listed as 9.68 kilometers long, with a gravel surface, 114 meters of elevation gain and a low difficulty level. Check route conditions before setting off. The distance and elevation gain provide specific reference points for planning this section.

On the route, shortly before Erice de Iza, there is a short but steep climb: it is about 300 meters long, with a 13 percent gradient. This stretch is a separate reference point for route planning; it should not be confused with the distance and elevation figures for the Sarasa–Pamplona section.

In the Itza Valley, the Cendea Day is organized by a local council on alternate Sundays in summer. If you would like to include this event in your trip planning, check the dates for your travel period.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Tajonar, Cabanillas, Arribe, Sorlada, Zugarramurdi, Ayegui, Allín, Urrizola-Galain.

For the main travel overview: Navarre.