Huarte can be explored through its pilgrim routes and riverside landscape, as well as its art and medieval buildings. The Camino de Santiago passes through the town along the former Roman road between Bordeaux and Astorga, which runs via Roncesvalles. There are also walking paths along the Arga, a contemporary art centre and a range of cultural activities. This gives you several ways to shape your stay, whether you are particularly interested in history, nature or culture.
Pilgrim routes through Huarte
The Camino de Santiago passes through Huarte along the historic route between Bordeaux and Astorga. Another route option is Lau Uharteak: the route covers six stages and can be completed on foot or by bicycle along the GR-65 and European route E3. A signposted path enables pilgrims to reach Huarte, rest there and then continue towards Trinidad de Arre. When planning, it helps to distinguish between this specific pilgrim route and Lau Uharteak, a multi-stage route that can also be completed by bicycle.
Medieval bridges and sacred art
The medieval Puente de Dorraburu is now reserved exclusively for pedestrian traffic. The also-medieval Puente de Artadiburua has three semicircular arches. The bridges thus offer different ways to discover Huarte’s architectural heritage: at Dorraburu, present-day use is clearly restricted, while Artadiburua is distinguished by its arch design.
The church of San Juan Evangelista also has medieval origins. Inside is the sculpture of the Virgen Blanca, brought from Paris in 1349. The town’s history is reflected both in its buildings and in a work of art with a precise date.
Walking paths, the river and waterworks
Huarte has walking paths along the Arga River. Much of the riverbank’s native vegetation has been preserved among fields and industrial areas. This gives the riverside landscape a distinct natural character amid these different land uses.
The restored hydraulic complex of the Presa de Dorraburu houses the Parque Fluvial’s information and environmental education centre. It offers exhibitions, workshops and guided tours. The Presa de Atondoa, in turn, dates back to the 10th century. Its water feeds canals that have long irrigated Huarte’s vegetable gardens. The local history of waterworks thus also reveals links to the irrigation of the gardens.
Art and cultural activities
The Centro Huarte is dedicated to research and experimental work in contemporary art. Its public programmes include exhibitions, education and training projects, and artist residencies. Several routes through Huarte lead to its urban art murals. Different forms of artistic work can therefore be experienced side by side: the institutional programmes at the Centro Huarte and the murals along the routes.
Festivals are also part of the town’s cultural life. The Fiestas de la Hermandad are Huarte’s patron saint celebrations in honour of the Virgen Blanca and usually last nine days. Their tradition dates back to historic livestock markets in Huarte. The Cantamañanas International Urban Art Festival is an annual mural festival featuring local and international artists. During the Hogueras de San Juan, a large bonfire is celebrated each year in the Ugarrandia car park, with musical entertainment; the programme and entertainment may change.
The Casa de Cultura Huarte has a theatre with 120 seats and a year-round programme. It includes performing arts, cinema, exhibitions, reading activities, talks, workshops and courses. Specific activities and dates vary. If you want to plan your stay around an event, check the dates for your travel period.
Other aspects of your stay
The Palacio de Hielo Huarte offers ice skating, skating lessons, hockey and figure skating for all age groups. Relleno, a traditional egg-based speciality, is part of the local food culture and continues to be made by Huarte’s butchers using traditional, artisanal methods. In terms of road access, Huarte lies on the N-135 national road, which runs from Pamplona via Valcarlos towards France.
Discover more destinations: Villanueva de Arce, Zugarramurdi, Mués, Arróniz, Undiano, Allín, Muneta, Leoz.
Go to the main travel overview: Navarra.
