Navarra

The region of Navarra lies in the north of Spain, separated from France by the Pyreenes. With mountain retreats, beautiful valleys and an array of attractive towns and historic buildings, it is also popular for those wishing to follow the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela.

Founded by the Roman general Pompey in 75 BC, the region's capital Pamplona is perhaps best known for the Fiestas de San Fernmín (July), when the encierro takes place – a tradition which involves people running through the streets in front of bulls. The city also boasts its fair share of sights including the old town, with its ancient churches and elegant buildings. 

Outside the city is the Sierra de Aralar, with well-marked paths of all grades. A wander through here will take you past waterfalls and caves, and in Excelsis, you'll come across Navarra's oldest church, the Sanctuario de San Miguel, a popular pilgrimage destination. In the south, the historic medieval town of Olite is home to an outstanding 15th-century castle with turrets galore and a Romanesque and Gothic church. 

To the west is the Urbasa and Andía Nature Reserve. Further north and in the east, the villages and valleys of the Pyrenees provide some of the most beautiful landscapes in the province and offer the perfect place to relax. Of particular note are the Valle de Baztán and the Valle de Salazar. For the more active, the Valle de Roncal is a good place to explore the mountains as is the Pirenaico National Park.

Places of interest

Andía Nature Reserve: Forests, ponds, wildlife including the golden eagle, wild boar and wildcat.

Camino de Santiago: Ancient Pilgrims’ route. There are variants but the most popular point of entry into Spain was the pass of Roncesvalles, in the Pyrenees. It then continues south through Navarra via Sangüesa, Puente La Reina and Estella, then west through the provinces of La Rioja and Castilla-León till it reaches Santiago in the Galicia province. 

Orreaga-Roncesvalles: A town established as a sanctuary and hospital in 1132 and first staging post for pilgrims, museum with exhibition on the Pilgrims’ Route.

Sangüesa: Small town, 14th-century churches, medieval hospital.

Ujué: Medieval defensive village, Romanesqe church.

Cuisine of the region

Typical products found in abundance in this area include asparagus grown on the river banks, small red peppers and artichokes from Tudela, pork from Estella, cherries from Ciriza, cheese made in the Roncal Valley and chorizo from Pamplona.

Ajoarriero: cod cooked with garlic, potato, ‘choricero’ peppers and tomatoes. Canutillos de Sumbilla: sweet pastry made with aniseed, filled with lemon flavouring.

Chorizo: shaped like a candle, stuffed in thick tripe with pork and beef, seasoned with salt, paprika, garlic and sugars. Cordero al chilindrón: lamb stew.

Cuajada: made from sheep’s milk and natural curd, sweetened by honey or sugar.

Pacharán: traditional aniseed liqueur.