Things to Do in Navarre

Navarre is one of northern Spain’s best-kept secrets. Snow-topped Pyrenees sit in the north, while a sun-baked semi-desert fills the south. In between, you will find medieval castles, ancient monasteries, beech forests and some of Spain’s tastiest bar snacks. Better still, the region is compact, so you can pack a lot into a short trip. Most visitors start in Pamplona, then fan out from there. Here are twelve highlights to put on your list.

Pamplona’s Old Town and the San Fermín Festival

Pamplona’s old quarter is a maze of tight streets, lively plazas and grand stone buildings. It is also the stage for the San Fermín festival every July. Each morning, runners dash just under 900 metres through the streets ahead of six bulls. Even if you visit in a quieter month, the old town buzzes with energy. It earns top spot because it shows off Navarre’s lively character. For more ideas, read our guide to things to do in Pamplona. Already in Spain? Get directions.

Pamplona Cathedral

Pamplona Cathedral hides a Gothic treasure behind a neoclassical front. Its cloister is one of the finest in Europe, with delicate stone tracery and peaceful gardens. Inside, a museum explains the story of the city and its kings. We recommend booking tickets in advance on the official website, as time slots can fill up. It makes the list because it adds calm after the noise of the streets. Get directions.

Citadel of Pamplona

Next, stroll to the Citadel, a huge star-shaped fortress built in the 16th century. Today, it is a leafy park with wide lawns, old bastions and free art exhibitions. Locals jog, picnic and walk their dogs along the walls. Moreover, the views over the city are lovely at sunset. It earns its place because it costs nothing and gives you a breather. Get directions.

Pintxos on Calle Estafeta

You cannot visit Navarre without tasting pintxos. Calle Estafeta is the main street for them. Bars such as Bar Gaucho stack their counters with tiny, tasty snacks, from garlicky mushrooms to ham croquettes. Order a pintxo, add a glass of local rosé, then move on to the next bar. This crawl ranks high because it delivers the region’s food culture in one evening. Our guide to where to eat in Pamplona has more tips. Get directions.

Palacio Real de Olite

The Palacio Real de Olite looks like something from a fairy tale. King Carlos III built it in the early 15th century, complete with spiky towers, hidden passages and sunny courtyards. Climb the towers for sweeping views over the vineyards. Because it gets busy, buy your tickets in advance from the official ticket site. Buses run from Pamplona, and the journey is easy. Check Bus Schedules and secure your seat on Omio. Read more in our Olite guide. Get directions.

Bardenas Reales

Few people expect a desert in northern Spain, yet the Bardenas Reales delivers. Wind and rain have carved this natural park into mesas, canyons and pale badlands. The tower-like Castildetierra rock is the star of every photo. Entry is free, but a car makes exploring far easier. Therefore, many visitors hire one in nearby Tudela. Hire a car with Discovercars. You can reach Tudela by train from Pamplona. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Take plenty of water, because summers are scorching. See our Bardenas Reales page and our Tudela guide for more. Get directions.

Ujué

Perched on a hilltop, Ujué is a tiny medieval village of stone houses and cobbled lanes. Its fortified church, Santa María de Ujué, dates back to the 12th century. From the church terrace, you can see all the way to the Pyrenees. Afterwards, order migas de pastor, a hearty shepherd’s dish of fried breadcrumbs, at a local tavern. It earns a place for its views and its calm. Discover more in our Ujué guide. Get directions.

Monasterio de Leyre

Set against a mountain backdrop, the Monasterio de Leyre is one of Navarre’s oldest monasteries. Its Romanesque crypt dates back to the 11th century, and the church is wonderfully atmospheric. Benedictine monks still live here and sing Gregorian chant during services. Moreover, the setting above the Yesa reservoir is stunning. It makes the list for its history and its deep sense of peace. Check opening hours before you go. Get directions.

Castillo de Javier

Close to Leyre, the Castillo de Javier rises above a quiet village. This is the birthplace of St Francis Xavier, one of Spain’s best-known missionaries. Visitors can explore the towers, the chapels and the exhibition rooms. Because of its location, it pairs neatly with Leyre on a single day out. If you stay nearby, base yourself in Sangüesa, a charming medieval town. Get directions.

Roncesvalles

High in the Pyrenees, Roncesvalles marks the start of the Spanish stretch of the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims arrive here after a tough mountain crossing from France. The Gothic Royal Collegiate Church and the old pilgrim buildings give it a timeless feel. In addition, the surrounding beech woods are gorgeous in autumn. It earns its spot as the soul of Navarre’s pilgrim route. Next door, Burguete is a cosy spot for lunch. Read more in our Roncesvalles guide. Get directions.

Puente la Reina and Eunate

Puente la Reina takes its name from its graceful Romanesque bridge, which pilgrims have crossed for centuries. Several Camino routes meet here, so the town always feels lively. Nearby, the eight-sided church of Santa María de Eunate sits alone in a field, wrapped in mystery. Historians still debate why it was built that way. Together, they offer the Camino at its most atmospheric. Visit our Puente la Reina guide and our Obanos page to plan your stop. Get directions.

Selva de Irati

Few places match the Selva de Irati for autumn colour. This vast forest of beech and fir is among the largest in Europe, and its leaves glow gold and red in October. Walking trails weave past rivers, lakes and mossy trunks. Since public transport is limited, many travellers choose to drive. Hire a car with Discovercars. Arrive early in peak season, as car parks fill quickly. Base yourself in the pretty village of Ochagavía. Get directions.

In short, Navarre rewards curious travellers. You can wander castle towers in the morning and sip rosé in a pintxo bar by night. Meanwhile, wild forests, desert canyons and pilgrim paths wait just a short drive away. If you want help planning, start with our best day trips from Pamplona and our 3 day itinerary for Pamplona. Pack comfy shoes, bring a big appetite and enjoy every moment.