Anyone considering Lodosa as a destination for a stay can choose from several aspects of the town: riverside scenery and trails, historic buildings, and local festivals and traditions. For planning, the specific differences are especially interesting—for example, between a circular route with a stated length and a section of the Camino Natural del Ebro, or between a visit to the countryside and a look at the town’s architectural history.
Riverside scenery and trails
The Álamos de Lodosa comprise nineteen white poplars (Populus alba) and have been protected as a natural monument since 1991. Their centuries-old hollow trunks and nest boxes are home to one of the largest colonies of soprano pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) on the Iberian Peninsula. From the town centre, the trees are easy to reach on foot in just a few minutes via El Ferial Park and the Ebro riverside. If you plan this walk, bear in mind that local conditions may change.
Ruta 29 is a 7.2-kilometre circular route for walking and cycling; it starts at Lodosa’s municipal swimming pools. It first heads towards the Ebro and the Camino Natural del Ebro, then follows the river to the Álamos de Lodosa and continues past the Ermita de San Emeterio y San Celedonio. Check trail conditions before setting out. This route is distinct from section 18.1 of the Camino Natural del Ebro, which runs along the Ebro between Alcanadre and San Adrián, passing Lodosa.
The Romería de San Gregorio also combines time outdoors with the poplar landscape along the Ebro. It offers a pleasant day in this beautiful riverside setting, with the trees and river forming the backdrop to the tradition described.
Architectural history in town
The Iglesia de San Miguel is a Gothic-Renaissance church. Construction began in the 16th century, with further building phases continuing until the beginning of the 18th century. The Torre de los Velasco is also traditionally known as the Torre de Sartaguda and colloquially as the Torre de Rada; it is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural.
Calle Mayor and Calle Ancha are home to examples of civil architecture, with characteristic coats of arms on Baroque and Rococo façades dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Another named attraction is the Puente de los Moros, also known as the Acueducto Alcanadre-Lodosa. Its formal features date it to the 2nd century.
One of the Cuevas de Lodosa can be visited to learn about the past of the town and its people. Check the local visiting arrangements in advance. This allows you to consider the buildings, streets and cave as distinct themes for your stay, without combining them into a single route.
Piquillo peppers and local traditions
The Pimiento del Piquillo de Lodosa has the protected designation of origin Denominación de Origen «Pimiento del Piquillo de Lodosa». One event celebrating it is the Jornada de Exaltación del Pimiento del Piquillo, held in Lodosa every first weekend in October. Check the calendar for the relevant edition before travelling.
The patron saint festivities include a craft fair and traditional concerts by the town band at Paseo de España; individual events may vary. During the festivities in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias, the Toro Ensogado makes its way through Lodosa: the bull weighs around 500 kilograms and is held by several young men with a rope. Check the current festivities programme before travelling.
The tradition of San Blas is also kept alive in Lodosa, with the blessing of the traditional Roscos and Rosquillas de San Blas. Those interested in customs rather than architectural history or trails will find this a distinct way to experience the local calendar. Discover more destinations: Gorraiz, Salinas De Oro, Sorlada, Ablitas, Azkarate, Esteríbar, Ochagavía, Orkoien.
For the broader travel overview: Navarra.
