Navarre Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Navarre, Northern Spain with this comprehensive tour guide featuring a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, and getting there tips.


Introduction to Navarre

Navarre is a captivating region in Northern Spain, located in the Iberian Peninsula, bordering France, and the Mediterranean Sea. This picturesque locale boasts of scenic landscapes, rich history and cultural heritage, and ample outdoor activities that cater to different travel styles. Navarre is perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, gastronomes and culture buffs. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, things to do, food to taste, and tips to help you plan your travels to Navarre.

List of Places to Visit in Navarre

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castle of Olite: The castle of Olite is a majestic palace set in a fortified wall that dates back to the 13th century. It used to be the residence of Navarre Kings during the Middle Ages, and it’s now turned into a museum.
  • Pamplona Cathedral: The Pamplona Cathedral is a stunning Gothic edifice that dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Its facade features intricate sculptures and ornate reliefs. Its interior boasts of a Chapel of the Kings of Navarre, a cloister, and a treasury.
  • Museum of Navarre: The Museum of Navarre is a repository of Navarre’s cultural heritage, with exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to contemporary periods. Highlights of the museum include Gothic religious art, Romanesque frescoes, and contemporary art.

Natural Attractions of Navarre: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Urederra Natural Park: Urederra Natural Park, located in the valleys of Baquedano, is a natural wonderland with turquoise blue waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and lush green forests. The park is dotted with hiking trails for different skill levels.
  • Bardenas Reales Natural Park: Bardenas Reales Natural Park is a semi-desert landscape with unique rock formations, gullies, and ravines. Adventure enthusiasts flock to this park for mountain biking, hiking, and exploring its eerie beauty.
  • Pyrenees Mountains: The Pyrenees mountains are a range that spans across Spain, France, and Andorra, and they offer some of the most spectacular views in the region. In Navarre, you can hike, climb, and ski in the Pyrenees ranges.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Navarre

Navarre is a dream destination for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best routes:

  1. Camino de Santiago: The Camino de Santiago is the most famous pilgrimage route in Europe that passes through Navarre. The 21 km stretch of Pyrenees mountain range between the towns of Roncesvalles and Zubiri is especially scenic.
  2. Bardenas Reales: Bardenas Reales Natural Park has flat terrain, making it perfect for mountain biking. You can explore the park’s unique natural formations and geology while cycling.
  3. Foz de Lumbier: Foz de Lumbier is a stunning canyon that’s ideal for hiking. The 2.5 km trail passes through the canyon and offers breathtaking views of the natural landscape.

Best Things to Do in Navarre: Activities and Tours

  1. Running of the Bulls: The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a world-renowned festival that takes place in July. This event attracts thousands of people who run in front of bulls through the city’s narrow streets.
  2. San Fermin: San Fermin is a week-long festival that celebrates St. Fermin, the patron saint of Pamplona. The festival involves street parties, music, and bullfighting.
  3. Wine tasting: Navarre is home to some of the most excellent wines in Spain. You can take wine tours and tastings at vineyards in the region.
  4. Hot air balloon rides: You can take a hot air balloon ride over the natural parks and scenic landscapes of Navarre.
  5. Cultural tours: Navarre offers many cultural tours, featuring local cuisine, heritage sites, and traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Navarre

Day 1: Pamplona, the capital of Navarre. Day 2: Hiking through the Pyrenees mountains in Roncesvalles. Day 3: Exploring the Bardenas Reales Nature Reserve in Tudela. Day 4: Wine tasting in Olite. Day 5: Discovering the castles and churches of the Baztan Valley. Day 6: Visiting the artisans of Uharte-Arakil. Day 7: Relaxing at the Lumbier and Arbayun Canyon.

Food and Drink Scene of Navarre

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pintxos: The pintxos are small appetizers that are typical in the Basque country and Navarre. You can find them in bars and taverns. Some of the popular pintxos include fried squid, tuna tartare, anchovies, and stuffed mushrooms.
  • Chistorra: Chistorra is a type of sausage made from pork and mild paprika. It’s a staple in Navarre cuisine, and it’s often grilled or fried.
  • Pochas: Pochas are part of the bean family and are a famous dish in Navarre. The beans are cooked with chorizo and lamb, and they are typically served hot and with bread.
  • Tarta de Santiago: Tarta de Santiago is a traditional almond cake that’s often served during festivals in Navarre.

Local Beverages

  • Txakoli: Txakoli is a dry white wine that’s typical of the Basque Country and Navarre. It’s slightly fizzy and usually has a low alcohol content.
  • Patxaran: Patxaran is a liqueur made from sloe berries and anise. It has a sweet flavor and is often served as a digestif after meals.

Where to Stay in Navarre: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Navarre offers various accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences.

  • Pamplona: Pamplona has a range of hotels, from luxury to budget, with easy access to the city’s attractions such as the Cathedral and Running of the Bulls streets.
  • Olite: Olite has an excellent choice of luxury hotels, including a Parador, housed in the Castle of Olite.
  • Lumbier: Lumbier offers more budget-friendly options, including guesthouses and cottages.

What to Buy in Navarre: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the local products you can bring back home:

  • Pacharán: Pacharán is a typical liqueur of Navarre and Basque country. It’s available in different bottle sizes and flavors.
  • Beret: Beret is a versatile head-covering that’s an essential part of the traditional Basque outfit.
  • Espadrilles: Espadrilles are a type of canvas shoes that originate from the Pyrenees mountains. They are comfortable and ideal for summer wear.
  • Navarrico Vegetables: Navarrico is a brand that specializes in canned vegetables from the region, including white asparagus, artichokes, piquillo peppers, and beans.

Local Culture and Customs of Navarre

Navarre has a rich history and cultural heritage. Some of the customs that still form an essential part of Navarre’s culture are:

  • Basque Language: Basque is the co-official language of Navarre, and it’s spoken in different parts of the region.
  • Navarrese Clothing: The traditional Navarrese outfit consists of a black beret, white shirt, white pants, and a red sash for men and a colorful skirt, blouse, and sash for women.
  • Bullfighting: Bullfighting is an integral part of Navarre’s culture and history, with the most famous bullfighting event being the San Fermin festival in Pamplona.

Best Time to Visit Navarre

Navarre is an all-year-round destination. However, the best time to visit Navarre is from April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. If you are interested in attending the San Fermin festival, which takes place in July, plan ahead, as it’s a popular event.

Do’s and Don’ts of Navarre

Here are some tips to help you experience the best of Navarre:

Do:

  • Learn a few words in Basque.
  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Attend the San Fermín festival.

Don’t:

  • Leave without trying pintxos.
  • Disrespect the customs of locals.
  • Ignore the scenic beauty of the Pyrenees mountains.

Safety and Health

Safety in Navarre

Navarre is a safe region for visitors, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft can happen in tourist areas. It’s advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying around valuable items.

Health in Navarre

Navarre has excellent healthcare facilities, and EU travelers are entitled to free medical treatment with a European Health Insurance Card. However, it’s advisable to carry travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Navarre: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Navarre

The nearest airport to Navarre is Pamplona Airport, which is 7km from the city center. You can fly directly to Pamplona from various cities in Spain and Europe.

Other airports near Navarre are Bilbao Airport, which is 160km away, and Zaragoza Airport, which is 170 km away.

Bus Stations Near Navarre

Pamplona has an extensive bus network that connects all the major cities in Navarre. You can also take buses from Pamplona to nearby destinations like San Sebastian and Bilbao.

Other Options

You can also travel to Navarre by train from major cities in Spain like Madrid and Barcelona.

How to Get Around in Navarre

The best way to explore Navarre is by car, as it offers the most flexibility. You can rent a car at Pamplona Airport or in the city center. If you prefer public transportation, the bus network in Navarre is extensive and affordable.

Where to Go Next from Navarre: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Navarre shares borders with France, and it’s easy to make a day trip to the French Basque country. Some suggestions are:

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
  • Bayonne, France
  • San Sebastian

Conclusion

Navarre is a region of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modernity. It offers a unique blend of cultures, history, and outdoor activities that will appeal to adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you plan your travels to Navarre, and we wist you a wonderful trip.

Monasteria de la Oliva, Carcastillo, Navarre Monasteria de la Oliva, Carcastillo, Navarre Ujué Ujué One of the many turquoise pools on the hike to the source of the River Urederra One of the many turquoise pools on the hike to the source of the River Urederra


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