Isaba brings together cultural sites and hiking trails, with stated walking times ranging from one hour to more than five hours. There are also recurring festivals and activities for cyclists. When choosing a hotel, it is therefore helpful to first decide what to focus on during your trip: local history, a particular event date or time on the trails.
Culture and History in Isaba
The Casa de la Memoria Museum presents the history and way of life of the people of the Roncal Valley. Its exhibits include historic traditional costumes from Roncal. Alongside the town’s architectural history, the regional way of life is also a central focus.
The fortified Church of San Cipriano was built from ashlar stone in the 15th century. Inside the church is a 1537 altarpiece in the Plateresque style; the Baroque organ dates from 1751. Remains of a former castle that once dominated the town also survive in the upper part of Isaba.
The Ermita de Idoia is about one kilometre from Isaba; the GR-11 hiking trail passes through the area. Two recurring events add further cultural highlights: Every August, the Día de la Indumentaria Roncalesa stages episodes from the history of Isaba and the Roncal Valley. The Tributo de las Tres Vacas takes place annually on 13 July at boundary marker 262 on the summit of Piedra de San Martin. Isaba leads the participating Roncal towns, together with Uztarroz, Urzainqui and Garde.
Hiking Trails and Landscape
Isaba has an extensive network of marked and officially approved hiking trails that can be used year-round. Two routes suit different time budgets: the SL Idoia trail is 2.1 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of 60 minutes. The 14.6-kilometre Isaba–Belagua–Arrakogoiti route has a stated walking time of 5 hours and 21 minutes.
The Camino de Zemeto trail runs along the Larra Nature Reserve, passing through karst landscapes and extensive pastures before reaching the Larra-Belagua viewpoint. The Aztaparreta Strict Nature Reserve is located in Isaba. It encompasses ecologically significant beech, fir and black pine forests on limestone, as well as populations of black woodpecker, white-backed woodpecker, red deer, chamois and roe deer.
Cycling and Other Destinations
The Larra Belagua MTB Centre has 18 marked routes in the Roncal Valley, with a total of 160 kilometres of roads and trails, including routes in Isaba and Belagua. Another option is the Larra-Belagua Enduro route: it starts in Isaba, is 20.67 kilometres long, is rated as highly difficult and returns to Isaba. Isaba has also hosted the recurring Larra Larrau cycling event every September since 1993.
The Larra Belagua Nordic Ski Centre is 22 kilometres from Isaba, at Puerto de Belagua, 1,600 metres above sea level, and offers more than 20 kilometres of skiable trails. Check the conditions and whether the centre is operating before visiting; this helps distinguish this destination outside Isaba from the trails in and around the town when planning your trip.
Plan Your Visit and Journey
For the period from 1 January to 31 December 2026, Quesería Ekia in Isaba lists an interpretive visit about the production of Roncal cheese. It includes a tasting of three varieties aged for different lengths of time, served with traditionally made bread from the region. Confirm your booking and availability in advance.
One route from Pamplona is via the A-21 towards Jaca, exit 35 at Lumbier, the NA-178 to Navascués, Puerto de las Coronas, Burgui and then the NA-137. Check road conditions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Donamaria, Enériz, Tiebas-Muruarte de Reta, Bizkarreta-Gerendiain, Acedo, Fontellas, Lumbier, Armañanzas
For the main travel overview: Navarra.
