7 Day Itinerary for Navarre

Navarre packs an astonishing range of holidays into one small Spanish region. Hikers head for the green Pyrenean valleys around Roncesvalles, history lovers get lost in the royal towers of Olite, and foodies chase pintxos bars through Pamplona’s old town. Meanwhile, photographers race off to the badlands of the Bardenas Reales, and pilgrims trace a stretch of the Camino de Santiago through medieval bridges and hilltop chapels. This seven day route strings all of that together, moving from the buzzing capital into the mountains, across the plains, and back again. Consequently, you’ll experience city culture, wild nature, and quiet villages within a single trip. Read on for a full day-by-day plan through Navarre.

Day 1: Pamplona

Start your trip in Navarre’s lively capital. Most visitors arrive by air through Pamplona Airport, which sits just a short taxi ride from the centre. Alternatively, Renfe trains connect Pamplona to Madrid and Barcelona. Check connections and book. Spend your first afternoon simply wandering, since the old town rewards slow exploration.

Casco Viejo and Plaza del Castillo

Wander the cobbled Casco Viejo first, taking in its narrow lanes and lively squares. The route naturally leads to Plaza del Castillo, the city’s grand central square. Locals gather here for coffee, and the surrounding arcades hide excellent pintxos bars. Get directions

Catedral de Pamplona

Next, step inside the Catedral de Pamplona, a Gothic masterpiece hidden behind a Neoclassical facade. Its cloister ranks among the finest in Europe, and the bell tower climb offers sweeping rooftop views. Because spaces on the tower tour are limited, it’s worth pre-purchasing tickets. Buy tickets and skip the queues. Get directions

Ciudadela de Pamplona

Afterwards, head to the Ciudadela de Pamplona, a striking star-shaped Renaissance fortress. Today its lawns and tree-lined paths make a peaceful spot for an evening stroll. Art exhibitions also run regularly inside its old exhibition halls. Get directions

For your first night, Pamplona offers plenty of choice. The Gran Hotel La Perla sits right on Plaza del Castillo and is known for its Hemingway connections, scoring around 4.5 out of 5, with reviewers praising its location and old-world charm. Hotel Palacio Guendulain occupies a converted 18th-century palace and draws similar praise for its grand rooms and courtyard car collection. NH Ciudad de Pamplona suits travellers wanting modern comfort near the bus station, with guests regularly mentioning helpful staff. Hotel Tres Reyes offers large rooms and a pool, rating near 4.3 out of 5. Finally, Hotel Eslava, tucked beside the Citadel, is known for quiet rooms and friendly service. Book your accommodation

Day 2: Pamplona to Roncesvalles and Burguete

Today you’ll head north into the Pyrenees, so hiring a car makes the mountain roads far easier. The drive takes under an hour, and the scenery grows wilder with every mile. Hire a car in Pamplona.

Real Colegiata de Roncesvalles

First, visit the Real Colegiata de Roncesvalles, a French Gothic church that has sheltered Camino pilgrims since the 13th century. Inside, don’t miss the tomb of King Sancho VII and the small museum-treasure room. Charlemagne’s chessboard is displayed here too, alongside striking medieval silverwork. Get directions

Burguete

From there, it’s a short drive to Burguete, a tidy mountain village once favoured by Ernest Hemingway. Its wide main street is lined with traditional stone houses, and the surrounding meadows are perfect for an easy evening walk. Trout fishing in the nearby River Urrobi remains a popular pastime. Get directions

Burguete has several charming places to stay overnight. Hotel Loizu offers spacious mountain-view rooms and rates around 4.2 out of 5, with guests often mentioning the hearty breakfasts. The historic Hostal Burguete, where Hemingway once slept, is known for its old-fashioned character and creaky wooden floors. Casa Burguibar provides simple, family-run rooms praised for warm hospitality. Hostal Juandeaburre suits hikers heading into the hills, with reviewers noting its handy trailhead location. Loizu Apartamentos gives self-catering groups more space, scoring well for cleanliness and value. Book accommodation

Day 3: Valle de Salazar and Valle de Roncal

Today’s drive winds through two of Navarre’s prettiest Pyrenean valleys, so keep your camera close.

Aribe

Begin in Aribe, a tiny hamlet famous for its elegant medieval stone bridge over the River Irati. Stone houses cluster right along the riverbank, creating one of the valley’s most photographed scenes. It only takes twenty minutes to explore fully. Get directions

Ochagavía

Continuing north, Ochagavía greets visitors with flower-covered balconies and another graceful stone bridge. The village marks the start of several waymarked trails into the Irati Forest, one of Europe’s largest beech and fir woodlands. A riverside coffee here makes a great midday break. Get directions

Isaba

Finally, cross into the Roncal Valley to reach Isaba, known for its steep slate roofs and strong shepherding traditions. The village also produces the celebrated Roncal cheese, sold in several small local shops. Mountain views from its upper streets stretch for miles. Get directions

Isaba makes a peaceful overnight stop. Hotel Isaba offers comfortable rooms with valley views and rates around 4.1 out of 5, with guests frequently mentioning the restaurant’s local cheese board. Hostal Lola is known for its friendly owners and generous portions at dinner. Apartamentos Txiki provide extra space for families, scoring well for cleanliness. Hotel Ezkaurre suits walkers heading into the high Pyrenees, praised for its drying rooms and packed lunches. Casa Rural Uxue rounds things out with a cosy, homely atmosphere that reviewers consistently highlight. Book your accommodation

Day 4: Sangüesa and Ujué

Heading south again, today mixes Romanesque architecture with one of Navarre’s most dramatic hilltop villages. Regular buses also run between Sangüesa and Pamplona for those without a car. Buy Tickets

Sangüesa

In Sangüesa, seek out the Church of Santa María la Real, famous for its intricately carved south portal. Afterwards, stroll the old town’s arcaded streets, which still follow their medieval layout. The riverside promenade offers a relaxed spot to pause. Get directions

Ujué

Ujué then rewards the climb with one of Navarre’s finest panoramas. Its fortified Sanctuary of Santa María dominates the village skyline and holds the heart of King Charles II. Wandering the steep cobbled lanes afterwards feels like stepping into the Middle Ages. Get directions

Tonight, continue on to Olite for a wider choice of accommodation. The Parador de Olite occupies part of the old royal castle itself and is known for its atmospheric medieval rooms, rating around 4.6 out of 5, with reviewers praising the unique setting. Hotel Merindad de Olite offers modern comfort a short walk from the palace. Hostal Marisa suits budget travellers, earning consistent praise for value and cleanliness. Palacio Guenduláin’s sister property, Hotel Sol de Olite, is noted for its rooftop views. Casa Rural Errota provides a quieter countryside alternative just outside town. Book your accommodation

Day 5: Olite and the Bardenas Reales

Today combines royal history with an otherworldly desert landscape.

Palacio Real de Olite

Begin at the Palacio Real de Olite, a fairy-tale castle built for the medieval kings of Navarre. Climb the Torre del Homenaje for far-reaching views, then wander its towers, courtyards, and gardens. Because it gets busy in summer, booking ahead saves time. Buy tickets. Get directions

Tafalla

On the way south, stop briefly in Tafalla, home to a striking Renaissance altarpiece inside its parish church. The town’s porticoed main square also makes a pleasant lunch stop. Get directions

Bardenas Reales

Finally, drive into the Bardenas Reales, a UNESCO-listed semi-desert of eroded clay hills. The iconic Castildetierra formation is unmissable, and guided 4×4 tours reveal the park’s hidden corners. Because self-drive access is limited to marked tracks, a tour often works best. Buy tickets. Get directions

Tudela offers a comfortable base for the night. Hotel Aire de Bardenas is known for its striking cube-shaped rooms overlooking the plains, rating around 4.4 out of 5, with guests often mentioning its peaceful setting. NH Tudela Delicias suits travellers wanting central convenience. Hotel Villa Tudela is praised for spacious rooms and a good breakfast spread. AC Ciudad de Tudela offers modern styling near the old town. Hostal Remigio rounds out the options, valued by reviewers for its friendly, family-run feel. Book your accommodation

Day 6: Tudela and Estella-Lizarra

Today crosses Navarre from the southern plains back towards Camino country. Tudela also has its own Renfe station, so train travel remains an option for part of the return journey. Check connections and book

Catedral de Tudela

Start at the Catedral de Tudela, built over a former mosque and blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its Puerta del Juicio portal features remarkable carved scenes, while the peaceful cloister rewards a slow wander. Get directions

Estella-Lizarra

Then drive west to Estella-Lizarra, a key Camino stop packed with Romanesque churches. The Church of San Pedro de la Rúa has a beautifully carved cloister, and the nearby Palace of the Kings of Navarre houses the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum. Consequently, history lovers could easily spend an entire afternoon here. Get directions

Estella has good overnight options for pilgrims and travellers alike. Hotel Yerri offers straightforward, comfortable rooms and rates around 4.0 out of 5, with reviewers noting its handy central location. Hotel Tximista occupies a converted flour mill and is praised for its unique industrial design. Hostal Volante suits budget stays, valued for cleanliness and a warm welcome. Alda Río Ega Hotel sits beside the river and draws praise for quiet rooms. Finally, Pensión San Andrés offers simple, affordable lodging near the old town. Book your accommodation

Day 7: Puente la Reina, Obanos, and Departure

Your final day follows the Camino back towards Pamplona, taking in two classic pilgrim villages.

Puente la Reina

Puente la Reina takes its name from its elegant six-arched Romanesque bridge, still crossed daily by pilgrims. The Church of Santa María del Crucifijo, just off the main pilgrim street, holds a striking Y-shaped crucifix. Afterwards, a coffee on the main street makes a fitting pilgrim-style pause. Get directions

Obanos

Next, a short hop leads to Obanos, where the Church of San Juan Bautista guards relics linked to the legend of Saint William and Saint Felicia. The village’s tidy streets make an easy, unhurried final stop. Get directions

From Obanos, it’s a short drive back to Pamplona for onward travel. Return your hire car at the airport or city centre before your flight home. This loop through Navarre proves that one small region can hold mountains, deserts, castles, and pilgrim trails all at once, so it’s well worth every mile.