Navarra can be enjoyed with all five senses and is open to any traveler. People who conceive of traveling in a relaxed and unhurried way. That seeks to disconnect from the routine and connect with the place they visit, with nature and the authenticity of the local culture. Visitors who want to know, instead of being. That they know how to listen to nature, respect people and their environment. Those who want to discover the varied gastronomy of Navarre, from north to south, in traditional grills or cider houses. Who seek to live experiences, discover the details and make the most of each moment, consciously.
Navarra has bet everything on green and is positioned as a sustainable economy, based on knowledge and traditional knowledge, which have made it a unique destination on the peninsula.
Navarra is very diverse. Only 70 km separate the Navarrese Pyrenees and the Bardenas Reales desert. Its wealth of landscapes and experiences make it a unique microcosm that can be explored on foot and by bicycle, thanks to its greenways and its 3,000 kilometers of cycling routes for all levels. If you still don’t know it, it’s one of those places you have to visit. Once you do, you’ll probably want to come back.
Navarra has landscapes so incredible that they surprise. Some of its corners transmit a special connection with the ancestral, mythology, witchcraft, history, magic and legends. The latter remain alive on routes throughout the entire territory.
Navarra transmits so much magic that, for example, from July 14 to 18 the town of Bargota becomes the capital of witchcraft. Set in the 17th century, this small town located in Tierra Estella, very close to Viana, hosts numerous activities related to witchcraft. There are stalls with potions, covens and even a corner of the Inquisition. Whoever is in the area on those dates can also be enchanted by the Medieval Week of Estella-Lizarra, a city known as the Toledo of the North. From July 24 to 30, activities for the whole family take place: music, theater, giants, taverns, typical dinners of the time and even a Great Medieval Tournament. Another proposal by Estella-Lizarra is that of the Confluencias festival. Culture, by the way, can be found in any corner of Navarra during the summer, thanks to the Kultur programme: concerts, dance, theatre…
Another magical corner are the Urdazubi / Urdax caves, also known as Ikaburu caves, which have their own celebration on July 15. They are a spectacle of nature. The rainwater, filtered drop by drop through the rock, has built a dream setting full of stalactites and stalagmites into which you can immerse yourself through a mysterious walk along the underground river Urtxume. In these caves, according to legend, the lamias (mythological female beings) would gather for their celebrations. And, speaking of magical caves, we must mention the Zugarramurdi cave and its witches, inspiration for the film Las brujas de Zugarramurdi, by Álex de la Iglesia.
This other quality, conscientious and sustainable tourism has led to routes that are especially committed to the environment. This is how La otra huella arises, a documentary that takes place through a journey in 6 stages that allow you to be aware of the impact you leave on your trip, with the minimum possible carbon footprint, while you let yourself be impregnated by the experience of a trip to the memory in a land of ancient culture.
Without a doubt, Navarre gastronomy is exquisite, which is why it is worth visiting this land to pay homage to it. In the north, products such as T-bone steak, lamb chops, chistorra, D.O. cheeses, trout a la Navarra, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and mushrooms, and game stews (wild boar, pigeon, partridge…) stand out. And for dessert, curd, goxua, pantxineta and stuffed eclairs.
In the south, it is time to enjoy the garden of the Ribera: asparagus, hearts, artichokes, borage, Piquillo peppers, glass peppers, thistle, … And also dishes such as pochas, lamb al chilindrón, cod with garlic sauce, migas … All this, accompanied by the good D.O. Navarre. In addition to eating in restaurants, grills and cider houses, a good option is to delight yourself with the rich pinchos, our miniature cuisine. And as a digestif, obviously, a shot of pacharán!
And after immersing yourself in the gastronomic pleasures, where to rest, following in the wake of that “other tourism”? Navarra has a good level of accommodation, both urban and rural, but it also offers something different for those seeking new experiences with its unique accommodations integrated into nature: caves, treehouses, bubbles in the desert, yurts as if you were in Mongolia. , and wooden igloos in the heart of the Irati Forest.
When you visit Navarra in summer, in addition to enjoying its gastronomy and the contrasts of its magical nature, you will have the opportunity to connect even more with it by taking a dip in its natural pools, rivers and reservoirs. You will find up to twelve bathing areas with quality water, including three natural mountain pools in the northwest of Navarra, in the pools of water from the Araxes river and the Urederra river.
Navarra is magic, it is nature… and it is also history. The Kingdom was first called Pamplona and it was not until the 12th century that it was renamed Navarra. Its border situation meant that successive medieval kings ordered the construction of castles and fortresses, some of which withstood the test of time. One of the most outstanding has almost Disney packaging, the Royal Palace-Castle of Olite, which served as the residence of the kings of Navarre. Currently, it is one of the most interesting Gothic palaces in all of Europe. In addition, these are another 9 essential castles and fortresses to travel to the Middle Ages in Navarre.
And for those who want to immerse themselves even more in the rich medieval past of the foral community, Medieval Week is celebrated from July 24 to 30. The one known as Toledo del Norte is full of activities for the whole family. Music, theater, giants, taverns, typical dinners of the time and even a Great Medieval Tournament.
Navarra’s travel proposal for “other tourists” is designed for all audiences. Its proposals are so varied so that anyone can find authentic experiences that will make them enjoy a trip to remember.
Navarra has, like all destinations, its essentials, the most amazing places to visit, among which stand out: the Bardenas Reales, the Irati Forest, the Royal Palace of Olite, and the source of the Urederra. This land is also known by those who want to start on the Camino de Santiago, since it offers up to five different routes.
And, if in addition to these top visits you want to delve even deeper into the Navarrese territory, here you will find 10 routes organized by areas so that you can design your own route. Another type of tourism is possible with the proposals that Navarra offers you.
