Navarre: A Hidden Paradise in Spain for Outdoors Lovers

Navarre is a hidden paradise for outdoor lovers due to its 10000 square kilometers of privileged and protected natural landscapes.

Thanks to its location, Navarre offers different types of ecosystems where you can practice different activities accordingly, from the desert landscape in Bardenas Reales, to the winter landscapes in the peaks of the Pyrenees.

In this post, we will show the best-hidden places to enjoy Navarre outdoors including best activities to do, where to delight yourself with local gastronomy and the best accommodation to enjoy your stay in Navarre. Navarre borders the Basque Country, so it pairs well with our 7-day North of Spain itinerary through San Sebastián and Bilbao.

Things to do in Navarre

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Take a scenic route in the unique landscape of Bardenas Reales

One of the most impressive regions in Navarre is this astonishing desert in Bardenas Reales Natural Reserve. Its mysterious formations are the result of millions of years of erosion leaving with a remarkable landscape worth to visit.

This unique landscape has also caught the attention of Tv producers, being chosen as the setting of major film and in the Season 6 of Games of Thrones.

The best way to explore this place is by cycling, following the marked routes or hiking. If you don’t have much time you can also do it by car.

Venture yourself in one of biggest beech forest in Europe

Irati forest is one of the biggest and best-preserved beeches and fir forests in Europe. This beautiful natural landscape is the perfect place for outdoor activities all year round. There are numerous experiences you can get from the Irati forest, from scenic hikes getting to waterfalls, to cycling through the lush nature, to skiing the 22 km of skiable routes, in Abodi-Irati Nordic ski Centre in Ochagavía, when it is open. Check here to see more information. 

There are two ways to get to the Irati forest, from Orbaizeta or Ochagabia. We prefer to access from Ochagabia as it is more scenic than the other one.

Discover the idyllic Source of the River Urederra

One of the most idyllic images in Navarre is born in Urbasa Natural Park, in the Source of the Urederra river. Interesting fact, Urederra means beautiful water in Uskera, and you will find the reason there.

This route of 6.9 km takes around two hours walking through the dense forest following the marked path. We recommend you to take the route that goes next to the Urederra river.

It is an easy route that leads you to impressive turquoise waterfalls, and water pools that will not leave you indifferent for its intense colors. At the end of the route, you will find one of the tallest waterfalls in Navarre with 100 m tall. This route is something you cannot miss in Navarre if you love beautiful hikes.

Click here for more information about this hike

Visit a romanesque chapel at the top of the mountain

The Romanesque style chapel of Muskilda is settled at the top of a mountain guarding the town of Ochagavia.

From this spot, you can spot the snow-capped of one of the Pyrenees peaks and delight yourself with the intense palette of colors displayed by the nature in the surroundings. Here you can also find a bunker from the civil war if you take one of the discrete paths.

Experience the taste of Navarre from its gastronomy

Navarre has a long culinary tradition based on raw ingredients brought from the land with endless recipes that have given this gastronomy a worldwide acknowledgment.

Thanks to the different regions in Navarre, there is a wide diversity of products that make this gastronomy famous. When visiting Navarre you cannot miss the chance to taste the traditional dishes, such as txistorra, piquillo peppers, local fish, lamb… With these slow-cooked recipes or pintxos you cannot fail. And the culmination of this culinary experience cannot finish without trying the cheese and local wine.

Admire the mesmerising beauty of the autumn landscapes

As we have mentioned before, Navarre is a destination to visit any time of the year, but if you want to admire the real beauty of the ocre colours in nature, autumn is the best time.

In this time of the year, you will be captivated by the intense palette of colours that the forest in Navarre present. Seeing the lush nature displaying its most beautiful contrasts in orange, vibrant reds, and greens are something magical that you cannot miss. Do not forget your camera.

Take part in one of the greatest celebrations in Spain, San Fermines

One of the greatest celebrations in Spain, worldwide famous, is San Fermines in Pamplona. This traditional celebration starts off on the 6th of July with ” el chupinazo” and then, there is a full week of non-stop events with people flooding the streets in their rd scarf and white shirt.

From bulls running around the streets, processions, street parties, fireworks… There’s nothing missing to make this fiesta one of the most important in Spain.

Enjoy one of the best views from a gorge

If you love viewpoints and stunning landscapes, you’ll love the viewpoint of Iso, with views over the Foz of Arbayun. This gorge is the longest and for us the most beautiful gorge in Navarre. It has been declared Nature Reserve and a Special Protection Area for Birds where you can spot nests of vultures or other birds of prey flying over the area.

This viewpoint is a beautiful spectacle of walls and lush vegetation cut by the Salazar river. It is a recommended spot for nature lovers.

Have fun in winter walking on snow with the snowshoes

One of the best activities to practice in winter when the landscapes have enough snow is to take a walk with the snowshoes.

This activity is for everybody, for families, couples and friends who want to enjoy the winter landscapes in Navarre. There are several routes that you can take depending on the level of difficulty. If you visit Navarre in winter, don’t miss this one!

Visit a fairytale castle in Olite

If you are like us, you’ve probably seen many castles but we have to say, that we haven’t seen many fairytale-like castles as Olite Castle.

When visiting the beautiful town of Olite, leave enough time to visit this historic jewel where you can visit the different towers and get astonishing views.

Stroll around some charming villages

Apart from vast nature and an exquisite gastronomy, in Navarre you can also visit some beautiful villages full of history and traditions to tell its visitors.

Some of the villages you can visit are Ochagavia, Ezcaroz and Oronz. They are small charming villages where getting lost wandering around the quiet streets is an absolute pleasure.

Where to stay in Navarre

 

If you like adventures and outdoors activities, Hotel Besaro is a great place where to stay in Navarre. A beautiful rural hotel located in the heart of the Irati forest, in Izalzu, only a few km away from Ochagavia.

It was our choice and the attention received could not be better. You will be provided with all the information and tips you need to make the most of your trip here, with recommended activities, places to visit, where to eat and other local activities.

Rooms in hotel Besaro are cozy and fully equipped to make you feel like home. They also provide you with toiletries and fresh towels. Some rooms also feature beautiful views.

Another thing that we also loved about our stay was, the living room with a fireplace where you can sit and relax after a long day outdoors. Here you can also enjoy some drinks, read one of their library books or enjoy playing some of their board games, all by the coziness of the fireplace.

Lastly, we need to mention their delicious continental breakfast buffet. Based on a wide offer of fresh local products, with a very tasteful coffee and fresh orange juice. The best way to start the day with energy.

You can book here your accommodation in Hotel Besaro

If you prefer to stay somewhere else, you can also check the different options in the map below.

Booking.com

Resources

If you need more help to plan your trip to Navarre, check the following websites:

• Rentalcar. Renting a car is probably one of the best ways to visit Navarre, as there are places that require transport to get there and roads are in perfect state. Also there some scenic roads where driving in a pleasure.
• Turismo Navarra. To discover more places to visit in Navarre, travel tips, accommodation and maps, check the official website of Navarra Tourism.
• Spain’s Official Tourism Website The official website of Spain where you can check more information about events, things to do and other important information related to your trip.
• The best travel insurance. Whenever you travel somewhere and you plan on doing some outdoors activities, having a travel insurance is a must. If you want to learn more about why you need travel insurance and our favourite option, check this post.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Navarre is the perfect destination for nature lovers, for the diversity of activities to do in such a well preserve environment. Not only the attractrive lies behind the lush nature of Navarre but also, visiting Navarre means delving into its traditional fresh gastronomy with land products accompanied but some of the best wines in the country.

Navarre is a destination you cannot miss if you like outdoor activities.

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

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