In northeastern Navarra, the Irati Biosphere Reserve encompasses the Salazar and Aezkoa valleys. The Foz de Lumbier adds a practical wildlife-watching opportunity to the natural scenery: it has been a nature reserve since 1987 and is a good place to observe large birds of prey, including griffon vultures. Just over 200 established pairs are reported there; population figures may change over time.

Landscape and trails

The trails vary considerably in scale and character. The Vía Verde del Irati is a flat trail just over six kilometres long, following the course of 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. Here, a manageable trail length combines with a tangible glimpse of the railway line’s history.

At 160 kilometres, the French Way of St. James is the longer linear hiking option; its difficulty is rated as moderate. It enters Navarra via Luzaide/Valcarlos, a few kilometres before Orreaga/Roncesvalles. Check trail conditions before setting out. The collegiate church of Roncesvalles was built at the end of the 12th century and serves as a gateway to the Way of St. James in Spain. The region thus connects both with a long pilgrimage route and with a building dating back many centuries.

Palaces and cathedrals

The Royal Palace of Olite is an irregularly laid-out complex of towers, rooms, galleries, gardens and courtyards. The site is therefore defined by a variety of features rather than a single building. Visitors wishing to explore the palace independently can use an audio guide; check admission arrangements before your trip. Together with the Church of Santa María, the Royal Palace was declared a National Monument on 17 January 1925.

In Tudela, the Gothic Cathedral of Santa María offers a different architectural focus: it has three large portals, including the Portada del Juicio. It was declared a National Monument in 1884. Visiting it also involves a specific point of access: the cathedral’s artistic treasures are accessed through the Museo de Tudela in the adjoining Palacio Decanal. A guided tour of the museum includes the Romanesque cloister and the cathedral; check the seasonal schedule again before your trip.

Festivals and wine culture

Navarra’s recurring traditions include various kinds of communal celebration. The Sanfermines begin in Pamplona with the Chupinazo on 6 July. The festival takes place regularly; its programme and access conditions may vary from one edition to the next. The Javieradas are a popular pilgrimage in March to Castillo de Javier, where pilgrims honour the saint. Dates and arrangements may change. At the Ituren and Zubieta carnivals, the Joaldunak wear large cowbells and parade through the forest between the two towns.

Wine is also part of Navarra’s culinary profile. The region has its own wine designation, D.O. Navarra, and shares the D.O. Rioja with La Rioja and the Basque Country. Wine tourism activities include taking part in the grape harvest and grape treading, horse-drawn carriage rides through vineyards, workshops, yoga in the vineyards and vinotherapy. The range thus extends from harvest-related activities to workshops and wellness offerings. Together with the historic buildings, pilgrimage routes and festivals, it offers another way to shape your travel plans around your interests in Navarra.

For the broader travel overview: Spain.