Navarre, a region in northern Spain, is a land of contrasts due to its rich history and natural diversity. From the Pyrenees to the South of Navarre, each corner is unique: its rivers, mountains, and forests are always beautiful throughout the year, reaching their peak in the fall. This is why Navarre is very interesting to visit since it offers a lot of things to see.
On the other hand, Navarre has a medieval tradition as a result of its history, which evokes the history of kings, battles, …and even witchcraft! Moreover , in Navarre, it is possible to begin the Camino de Santiago, which is very famous among Christian devotees to make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.Also, food has its relevance in Navarra, which delights palates with quality local products. This is why you will find plenty of restaurants down below!
If your intention is to visit Navarra, I am sure it is because of the San Fermín bull run. But believe me, Navarra has many amazing places. In this post we will explore the amazing places Navarre can offer..from magical places like natural parks and forests.
What are the best places to see in Navarre?
Absolutely, visiting Navarre is immersing yourself in nature, culture, history, and life. Here are the places you should visit to get the most out of it:
1- PAMPLONA AND THE BULL RUNNING FESTIVAL
Pamplona, famous for the San Fermín festival, is a friendly city full of history and tradition.
Pamplona has has grown over the centuries but still keeps its old-time charm. The walls and forts show that it was once a fortified city!
What not to miss in Pamplona?
Without a doubt, knowing the history behind San Fermín is the most interesting thing about the city.
There is a specific route that explains point by point the places of interest from July 7 to July 14 of each year.
And speaking of food, the best restaurants in Pamplona at a good price are:
Iruñazarra Restaurant, Rodero Restaurant, La Olla Restaurant and Anttonenea Restaurant.
2- OLITE
Olite is another great place to see in Navarre. A small town that is not very far from Pamplona, near the city of Estella, it is well known for its super famous castle.
What you must see in Olite?
The royal palace of the Kings of Navarre
The old palace
The convent of San Francisco
The wine Museum
St. Peter’s Church
Also, if you want to eat in Olite , you have a magnificent restaurant called Asador Erri-Berri.
3- UREDERRA, THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN OF NAVARRE
Well, actually it is not a magic fountain…. but…
What is so special about Urederra in Navarre?
Located in the Urbasa’s natural park, whose main attraction is the source of the Urederra River, which has a greenish color and very very vibrant blue. Of course, this had made the place gain recognition in the last two decades.
For this reason, today you must make an online reservation and pay for parking to go hiking to the river’s source, which takes about three hours.
Also, further up is the Pilatos balcony , where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Navarrese valley. Be careful and don’t go up if it’s very windy because it’s a cliff!
4- MONASTERY OF IRANZU, ONE OF THE BEST ABBEYS IN NAVARRE
In Abarzuza (near Estella), there is this wonderful Monastery, which was created as a Cistercian abbey where the monks combine prayer, study, and daily work.
It is a site of interest both for religious pilgrims and for any tourist in general, who can enjoy its Gothic church and its ancestral architecture. It is also possible to arrange a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Monastery but unfortunately it is only in Spanish. However you can visit the Monastery on your own!
5- THE BARDENAS, A DESERT IN NAVARRE
This amazing place is a biosphere reserve and it’s definitely one of the must-see places in Navarre. The landscape is unique because it was shaped by water and wind, creating its special land and plateaus.
The Bardenas Reales will really shocked you by its wild beauty and its contrast with it the nature that exists in the rest of Navarra. It is located near Tudela and has an area of 42,000 hectares.
6- IRATI’S FOREST, THE GREATEST TREASURE IN NORTH NAVARRE
Located in the Aezko and Salazar valleys, it is one of the largest beech forests in Europe with around 17,000 hectares of forest, near the border of France. This charming place can be visited throughout the year, being autumn when you can see a range of colors.
What activities can you do in Irati’s forest?
Hiking, paragliding, horseback riding, canyoning… without a doubt, it can be a destination for a weekend or a whole week with the family. Make sure to skip the autumn months, lately, tourism in the area has significantly increased from September to December.
What you cannot miss in Irati’s forest?
I would say first and foremost, you have plenty of hiking routes to do in Irati. One of the easiest is known as “Los Paraisos- Erlán”. Another cool hike to do is known as “Cascada del Cubo” which basically following up the river.
7- BAZTAN, A MAGICAL VALLEY IN NAVARRE
The Baztán Valley offers a pure place of nature, where the color green takes center stage.
Located in the north of Spain and next to France, it is one of the largest municipalities in Navarra. It is known as Navarrese Switzerland for its landscape of forests and mountains. Moreover, historically, it has witnessed different cultures.
What can you do in Baztan, Navarre?
It has 15 locations, the best known being Elizondo. Also, within the valley, there is the Bertiz Natural Park, a dream place that is a must-see.
Besides Elizondo and visiting Zugarramurdi,
8- ZUGARRAMURDI
In the Baztan valley, there is this peculiar cave, known as the witches’ cave. Centuries ago, many people from this town were accused of witchcraft and were condemned by the Spanish Inquisition. Since then, bonfires have been lit at this place every summer solstice.
Another reason why you should visit Zugarramurdi is because of its landscape. In fact, there are different hiking routes to follow around the area.
The most popular one lasts approximately two hours (round trip) that connects this cave with the Urdax and Sara caves. It is marked by a blue horse symbol, it is very easy to complete.
So if you have a chance to visit Navarre, this place can be a great visit, especially if your plan is to do a family vacation.
9- LEYRE’S MONASTERY
With more than a thousand years of existence and surrounded by a spectacular natural landscape, it is possible to see the Monastery from the inside, even having access to the crypt. It is located in the heart of Navarre, in Leyre.
This Monastery is closely linked to the history of Navarre and several kings are buried here. In addition, it is still inhabited by monks, who continue to maintain the tradition of the Gregorian chant.
10- TUDELA, THE SOURTHERN CITY OF NAVARRE
In the south of Navarre, this city known as Tudela is worth visiting. Tudela has been the meeting of three cultures throughout history: Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. Due to their influence, Tudela has gained an interesting heritage and cultural legacy.
But, besides culture, Tudela has another interest: gastronomy. Tudela is known for its vegetables, especially artichokes and asparagus (without forgetting the native Tudela tomato, a wonderful delight).
Therefore, eating in Tudela is not an option but an obligation.
Here you have my favorite places in Tudela: Treintaitrés restaurant and Casa Lola.
In short, Navarre is full of surprises and even though the bull running is what makes famous this region, it offers more things to do and see. If you want to discover Navarra in 5 days, here you have a free itinerary!
And if you want to dig in deeper about this beautiful region of Spain just leave a comment. I will be happy to provide you with more information.