Discover Tafalla: Old Town, Nature and History

Tafalla offers several distinct highlights for a stay: narrow medieval streets and historic buildings, exhibitions, Laguna del Juncal, and market and music traditions. You can plan your stay around whichever matters most to you: culture, nature or local events.

Streets, exhibitions and architectural history

Tafalla’s historic center is characterized by narrow medieval streets lined with stone houses. The permanent exhibition “Palacio Real de Tafalla” features a scale model of the palace. Víctor Malumbres made it from stone, wood and slate; it is 7.5 meters long and 1.8 meters wide. “Piedra, Tierra y Memoria” at the Casa de Cultura offers a different perspective on the architectural heritage. The exhibition showcases grave steles, crosses and tomb slabs. Check the current access conditions for the exhibitions before visiting.

The Palacio de los Mencos was built outside Tafalla’s walls at the end of the 16th century; medieval remains were used for its tower. A tour listed for 2026 includes the rooms on the main floor and the historic wine cellar, and ends with a tasting of three wines. Availability may change, so it is best to check before planning your visit.

The town walls also tell the story of changes over several centuries. They have been documented since the 14th century. Following demolitions and the reuse of stones from the 16th century through the end of the 19th century, one surviving section of wall is among the few remains still standing today. In the courtyard of the La Peña neighborhood stands the proto-Gothic Ermita de San Nicolás, dating from around 1200. It is the only surviving remnant of the Palacio de Sosierra, where the kings of Navarre resided until Charles III handed the palace over to his secretary Simón Navaz.

Landscape and Laguna del Juncal

The landscape in the municipality of Tafalla changes over just a few kilometers from north to south: wooded areas of Portuguese oaks and holm oaks give way to steppe areas in the south. Laguna del Juncal forms a distinct natural area. This endorheic wetland is the northernmost endorheic lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula. It covers about 2.5 hectares and is no more than one meter deep.

Since 2016, Laguna del Juncal has been designated a Zona de Especial Conservación and forms part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. It provides a habitat for breeding waterbirds, including little grebes, mallards, water rails, moorhens, coots and grey herons. More than 100 grey herons and dozens of nests can be observed; the species present may vary depending on the season.

Routes and local events

The Valdetina walking trail is eight kilometers long and has an elevation gain of 100 meters. The route combines a landscape of cereal fields with densely vegetated banks and native woodland, and offers beautiful views. Valmediano offers different highlights: the route crosses an area of vegetable gardens to a pine forest with a gypsum quarry that was already in use in the Middle Ages, and then continues to an Iron Age hillfort. The Beratxa route passes the Torre Beratxa, which is currently being restored. Route details may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

The dates of the Auroros and the Feria de Febrero may also be important for planning. The Auroros of Tafalla announce their singing with a small bell and perform their prayers accompanied by wind instruments. About 25 times a year, they make their way through the streets on a circuit lasting around an hour and a half. The traditional Feria de Febrero takes place on the weekend closest to February 9. Its main event is a livestock fair with a history dating back to 1419. Check the current event dates before your trip.

The Tafalla market takes place every Friday morning of the year in the basement rooms of the Plaza del Mercado. It offers fruit, vegetables, cheese and cured meats. Market arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the information before visiting.

For the broader travel overview: Navarre.