In this Basque region in northern Spain find medieval towns, cosmopolitan cities and outdoor adventures amid the diverse terrains of its natural parks.
With its monasteries, castles, palaces, desert badlands, forests, rivers and valleys, Navarra (or Navarre in English) is a place of many and varied charms. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, hike through a desert, visit medieval towns and see tombs of monarchs when you travel around this captivating region. The ecologically rich landscape encompasses the snow-topped Pyrenees Mountains.
Nature shows off its diversity in Navarra's several natural parks. Hike through the woods of the Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park, which is located in the Western Pyrenees. Explore the semi-desert and lunar-like landscapes of Bardenas Reales Natural Park. See dolmens and other megalithic monuments as you wander through the wilderness of Urbasa and Andía Natural Park. Other natural highlights include the Ikaburu Caves where prehistoric people sought shelter thousands of years ago.
Experience Navarra's natural splendor on the Camino de Santiago or the Way of Saint James. This ancient pilgrimage route encompasses forests, mountains, towns, cities and villages on its way to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. Among the places it passes through in Navarra are medieval towns such as Puente la Reina and Estella, which was founded in the late 11th century.
The Camino de Santiago also includes Pamplona, the capital of Navarra. Its name is instantly recognizable for the annual bull run during July's Fiesta de San Fermin. Spend several days in the city exploring its many cultural attractions such as the Old Town, the bullring and the Museum of Navarra, Teatro Gayarre. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa María. This building was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries and houses religious and historical treasures including the tomb of Carlos III of Navarra.
The easiest way to get to Navarra from outside Spain is to fly into the airport in Pamplona via Madrid or Barcelona. If you don't have a car, get around to the region's cultural, historical and natural treasures by bus and train.