Poza de Iza is a small wetland between Zuasti, Iza and neighbouring Loza. Its concentrically arranged vegetation zones shape the landscape: reeds grow in the centre, with rushes and meadows around the outside. For travellers looking to combine nature watching with a distinctive landscape feature, this sequence provides a striking focal point.

Nature watching at Poza de Iza

The Poza is an important refuge for numerous species of migratory birds and is home to amphibians, including green frogs and toads. Visitors can also observe migratory wildlife in a protected natural setting at the ponds of Iza. The floodable meadow at Poza de Iza is unique in Navarre and displays a marked succession of plants over the course of the year: in spring, large areas are covered with irises, including Iris pseudacorus, Iris graminea and Iris spurea sp. maritima. Later, these are replaced by marsh mallow (Althea officinalis). Visitors who want to focus on plants and wildlife will find both a specific habitat and a changing seasonal highlight here.

Tourist information signs in Iza, Erice and Gulina tell travellers about points of interest in the three areas. If you plan to rely on them for navigation, check the condition of the signs on site.

Cycle route and transport history

The third stage of EuroVelo 1 runs through the municipality of Iza and, in this section, follows the Plazaola Greenway. The Sarasa–Pamplona section of the Plazaola cycle route is 9.68 kilometres long, is classified as a gravel route, has 114 metres of elevation gain and is rated as easy. Another specific feature of the route lies just before Erice de Iza: a short but steep climb of around 300 metres, with a gradient of 13 percent. The overall rating and this individual climb describe different aspects of the route; checking current route conditions before setting off is also part of planning. The Gulina Viaduct, with its 17 stone arches, stands along the route through Iza.

The Plazaola narrow-gauge railway is also part of the Cendea’s transport history. Along its section through the Cendea, it ran parallel to and immediately beside the N-240, connecting Pamplona with San Sebastián. The historic route from Pamplona to the sea at Oyarzun also passed through Iza/Gulina. These route connections should be distinguished from current information about the cycle route: they tell the story of earlier connections and journeys, not current route conditions.

Religious and civil architecture

The Monastery of Santa María de Yarte in Lete is a complex dating from the 12th century and is designated as a Cultural Property of Special Interest. It preserves the memory of its connection with Irache Monastery up to the confiscation. The parish church of San Vicente de Larumbe marks the transition to Gothic architecture; its sculpture-filled porch stands on a Romanesque foundation. These sites offer different architectural perspectives: the monastery’s historic connection, the church’s stylistic transition and the design of its porch.

Examples of representative civil architecture include the Palaces of Cabo de Armería, with towers and ashlar buildings in Atondo, Iza, Lete, Ochovi, Sarasa and Zuasti. These architectural features set the examples apart from the religious buildings: here, the focus is on towers and stonework, while there it is on religious history and the architectural design of the church and monastery.

Historic routes and traditions

At the beginning of the 11th century, many pilgrims took a detour through the Iza/Gulina area. Larumbe served as a landmark before they continued via Lecumberri to Vitoria. The Oskia area on the Arakil River has been an important route since prehistoric times, connecting the Pamplona Basin with the Arakil area. Traditional walks in the region include routes to Trinidad de Erga and the chapel of Osquía.

In the Itzatal, Cendea Day is organised in summer on a rotating basis by a local council every Sunday. If this tradition is important for your travel dates, check the current event dates before planning.

Discover more destinations: Gorraiz, Sunbilla, Eraul, Salinas De Oro, Murillo El Fruto, Ezkurra, Allín, Abárzuza.

For the broader travel overview: Navarre.