Places to Visit in Navarra: Explore the Valleys and Villages of Green Spain

Tucked away in the northern corner of Spain, Navarra is a hidden gem amongst Spain’s autonomous communities, offering a wealth of history, culture and natural beauty. This region, sharing borders with France and the Basque Country, boasts a unique identity shaped by centuries of resilience and autonomy. From the ancient Vascones tribe to the establishment of the Kingdom of Navarra in 824, the area has played a pivotal role in the Iberian Peninsula’s history.

Despite its absorption into Spain in 1512, Navarra has maintained a degree of independence, contributing to its distinct character. With its blend of dramatic mountains, picturesque villages and rich agricultural plains, there are countless places to visit in Navarra for travellers who like to get off the beaten track.

Best Places to Visit in Navarra by Region

Northern Navarra

Dominated by the Pyrenees mountains and their foothills, this area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts. It is also home to lush valleys and ancient forests as well as beautiful, Basque-influenced villages. Some of the top tourist attractions include the following:

Roncesvalles

This small village in the Pyrenees is the traditional starting point of the Camino de Santiago in Spain which has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. The village is dominated by the Collegiate Church of Santa María which is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Its museum houses religious artefacts including the 14th-century silver chess piece known as Charlemagne’s chess. Roncesvalles is also famed as the site of the 778 AD Battle of Roncevaux Pass. The surrounding beech forests and mountain landscapes offer visitors many opportunities of outdoor pursuits.

Caves of Zugarramurdi

Located 400 metres from the village of Zugarramurdi, the Caves of Zugarramurdi are famous for their association with witchcraft having been the site of witch gatherings in the 16th and 17th centuries. The main cavern, accessed through a water-carved tunnel known as ‘Infernuko erreka’ (Hell’s stream), stretches for 120 metres and reaches heights of up to 12 metres.

The Sorgin-leze or ‘witches’ cave’ holds particular historical significance. While the caves’ nefarious reputation stems from the witch trials of 1610, they now serve as a fascinating testament to the region’s complex past. Visitors can explore these atmospheric caverns and ponder the line between historical fact and folklore which permeates the site.

Elizondo

As the capital of the Baztán Valley, Elizondo epitomises the charm of Navarra’s Basque-influenced north. The town is renowned for its impressive collection of noble houses and palaces such as the Baroque Arizkunenea Palace and the Casa Puriosenea. The Baztán Museum, housed in the 18th-century Casa Borda, offers insight into the valley’s history and culture. Elizondo is famous for its chocolates, particularly the ‘Urrakin Egina’ variety made with hazelnuts.

The surrounding Baztán Valley, with its gentle hills, traditional farmhouses (baserriak) and numerous megalithic sites, provides excellent opportunities for hiking and cultural exploration. The town’s annual festivals, including the Baztandarren Biltzarra in July, showcase traditional Basque music, dance and sports.

Ochagavía

Nestled in the Salazar Valley of the Navarrese Pyrenees, Ochagavía epitomises the charm of the region’s mountain villages. Its well-preserved traditional architecture features stone houses with steep, slate roofs and wooden balconies, many dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The village is bisected by the Anduña River, crossed by a picturesque medieval bridge.

The 13th-century Church of San Juan Evangelista, with its robust tower and richly decorated interior, dominates the village skyline. Ochagavía serves as an excellent base for exploring the nearby Irati Forest, one of Europe’s largest beech-fir forests, offering extensive hiking and cross-country skiing opportunities. The village is also known for its winter carnival, featuring the peculiar character of the Bobo, a masked figure representing the spirit of nature.

Caves of Urdax (Ikaburu)

Located near the French border, these geological marvels offer visitors a fascinating subterranean experience. Their limestone caverns feature 350 metres of grottos containing striking stalactites and stalagmites. The caves’ grey formations, polished by magnesium, create an otherworldly atmosphere which is enhanced by the gentle sound of the underground Urtxuma river. The nearby village of Urdax, with its rich history centred around the former monastery of San Salvador, provides an excellent base for exploring the caves.

Central Navarra

This is the cultural heart of the region which includes the historic city of Pamplona, famous for its San Fermín festival and the running of the bulls. Central Navarra also contains beautiful medieval villages, Romanesque churches and impressive castles. Some of the most important places to visit are as follows:

Pamplona

Pamplona, the capital of Navarra, is surrounded by imposing 16th-century walls which enclose many of its main attractions. Among these are the Gothic Santa María la Real Cathedral and the bustling Plaza del Castillo, home to the famous Café Iruña, popularized by Ernest Hemingway. Pamplona’s fame peaks in July during the San Fermín festival, known for the world-renowned running of the bulls which is not only the biggest of the annual festivals in Navarra but also Spain’s most iconic fiesta.

Outside of festival season, Pamplona offers plenty to explore. Its well-preserved medieval old town, Gothic cathedral and towering city walls are key highlights. The city’s parks, such as the serene Taconera Gardens, offer peaceful retreats, while Pamplona’s dining scene boasts everything from traditional pintxos bars to Michelin-starred restaurants. Art lovers can visit the Museum of Navarra and the contemporary exhibitions at the Ciudadela.

Estella-Lizarra

This jewel on the Camino de Santiago boasts an exceptional concentration of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The 12th-century Palace of the Kings of Navarra, now housing the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum, showcases rare Romanesque civil architecture. The Church of San Pedro de la Rúa, with its ornate cloister and the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Puy, home to a revered Black Madonna, exemplify the town’s religious heritage.

Estella’s Jewish quarter, with its narrow streets and the ruins of the Belmecher Castle, offers insight into the town’s multicultural past. The nearby Monastery of Iratxe, combining Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles, is a testament to the region’s evolving architectural traditions. Estella’s Thursday market, a tradition since 1164, continues to enliven the town’s medieval core.

Olite

Dominated by the fairy-tale silhouette of the Palacio Real de Olite, this small town epitomises medieval Navarra. The palace, a 13th-15th century Gothic complex, was once considered one of the most luxurious medieval castles in Europe. Its towers, galleries and hanging gardens offer a glimpse into royal life and provide panoramic views of the surrounding wine country.

The town’s compact historic centre, with its Roman walls, Romanesque churches of Santa María and San Pedro and judería (Jewish quarter), merits unhurried exploration. Olite is also at the heart of Navarra’s wine region, with numerous bodegas offering tours and tastings of the local Navarra DO wines.

Ujué

Perched atop a hill with commanding views of the surrounding countryside, Ujué is one of Navarra’s most striking medieval villages. The village is dominated by the Sanctuary of Santa María de Ujué, a remarkable fortress-church dating from the 11th century which houses a revered 12th-century statue of the Virgin.

The village’s narrow, winding streets, lined with stone houses bearing coats of arms, evoke a strong sense of its medieval past. Ujué is renowned for its culinary traditions, particularly its roast lamb and migas de pastor (shepherd’s breadcrumbs). The annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary, where participants carry heavy crosses, is a notable local fiesta.

Artajona

Dominated by its impressive medieval fortifications, Artajona offers visitors a journey back in time. The Cerco de Artajona is a remarkably well-preserved 11th-century fortified enclosure which encircles the old town with nine of its original fourteen towers still standing. The fortified church of San Saturnino is the main attraction within these walls. Outside the walls, in the lower village, is the impressive Gothic church of San Pedro.

Artajona serves as an excellent base for exploring the region’s prehistoric sites, including the Portillo de Enériz dolmen. The town is also known for its wines, produced under the Navarra Designation of Origin. Every August, Artajona hosts a medieval festival, bringing its rich history to life with period costumes, crafts and performances.

Puente la Reina

Puente la Reina is where the French and Aragonese routes of the Camino de Santiago converge. The town’s namesake, a magnificent six-arched Romanesque bridge over the Arga River, dates from the 11th century. The Iglesia del Crucifijo, with its unique Y-shaped crucifix and the Iglesia de Santiago, featuring a notable statue of Santiago Beltza (Black Saint James), are key attractions. The town’s main street, a textbook example of a Camino thoroughfare, is lined with historic buildings and pilgrim hostels.

Obanos

This small village is renowned for its Mystery Play of San Guillén and Santa Felicia, a biennial theatrical performance which brings medieval religious legends to life. The Church of San Juan Bautista, with its striking octagonal tower, dominates the village skyline. Obanos’ charm lies in its well-preserved rural architecture and its strategic location on the Camino de Santiago, making it a tranquil stop for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Leyre Monastery

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Yesa reservoir and the Pyrenees, the Monastery of San Salvador de Leyre is one of Navarra’s most significant historical and spiritual sites. Founded in the 9th century, it played a crucial role in the early Kingdom of Navarra, serving as a royal pantheon and cultural centre. The monastery’s Romanesque crypt, dating from the 11th century and containing the tombs of the early Navarrese monarchs, is considered a masterpiece of the style.

Visitors to the monastery can explore the cloisters, attend Gregorian chant services performed by the resident Benedictine community and sample Licor de Leyre, a herb liqueur produced by the monks. The monastery’s strategic location also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Sangüesa

Sangüesa is a historic town on the Camino de Santiago which boasts an impressive architectural heritage. The Church of Santa María la Real, with its ornate Romanesque facade, is a masterpiece of 12th-century sculpture. The town’s medieval core features well-preserved palaces and mansions, such as the Palacio Castillo Príncipe de Viana and the Palacio de los Sebastianes. Sangüesa also serves as an excellent base for exploring the nearby Castillo de Javier.

Javier

The birthplace of Saint Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuit Order, Javier is dominated by its imposing castle. The Castle of Javier, a mixture of medieval fortress and Renaissance palace, offers insight into Navarra’s turbulent history and the life of its famous saint. The castle’s chapel, with its recumbent statue of Saint Francis Xavier, is a significant pilgrimage site. Each March, thousands participate in the ‘Javierada’, a pilgrimage to the castle, making it a centre of religious tourism in Navarra.

Southern Navarra

Fed by the waters of the Ebro River, the Ribera of Southern Navarra is the region’s agricultural hub which is known for its fertile lands and vineyards. It is also home to the semi-desert landscapes of the Bardenas Reales. Key sites include:

Tudela

Situated on the banks of the Ebro River, the historic city of Tudela is the second-largest in Navarra. Founded in the 9th century, Tudela has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Christian, Muslim and Jewish populations that coexisted for centuries. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, featuring notable landmarks such as the 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of Santa María and the Plaza de los Fueros, the main square.

Tudela’s cuisine is renowned, particularly for its vegetables grown in the fertile Ebro Valley, with dishes like menestra (vegetable stew) being local specialties. The city celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including the lively Fiestas de Santa Ana in July.

Corella

Corella is a small town located in the Ribera region which was founded in the 12th century. It is best known for its fertile lands which contribute to the area’s agricultural prosperity. It is also famous for its wine production, being part of the Navarra Designation of Origin wine region.

Corella’s historical significance is reflected in its well-preserved baroque architecture which includes notable landmarks such as the Church of San Miguel and the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The town hosts various festivals throughout the year including the Fiestas de San Miguel in September and the Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations.

Bardenas Reales

The Bardenas Reales is a remarkable semi-desert natural region in south-eastern Navarra which spans almost 42,000 hectares. This striking landscape stands in stark contrast to the lush greenery which is typical of much of Navarra.

Shaped by millions of years of erosion, the Bardenas Reales presents a captivating tableau of rugged badlands, plateaux and peculiar rock formations. The terrain is characterised by its clay, chalk and sandstone composition, which has been sculpted by wind and rain into a myriad of surreal shapes. These otherworldly features have earned the area comparisons to lunar or Martian landscapes, making it a favourite amongst photographers and filmmakers.

The Bardenas Reales is divided into three distinct zones: El Plano, a flat, elevated area; La Negra, dominated by tablelands; and La Blanca, the most iconic area known for its eroded hills and striking geological formations. Among the most famous of these is Castildetierra, a striking natural sculpture that has become emblematic of the entire region.

Despite its arid appearance, the Bardenas Reales hosts a surprising diversity of flora and fauna. The area is home to numerous bird species, including eagles and vultures and has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2000. The landscape transforms throughout the year, with spring bringing a brief burst of colour as wildflowers bloom.

Visitors to the Bardenas Reales can explore the park via a network of marked trails, either on foot, by bicycle, or in a vehicle. The best times to visit are typically spring and autumn, as summers can be oppressively hot and winters quite cold. It’s worth noting that there are no permanent settlements within the park.