The Embalse de Alloz is located at a short distance from towns such as Pamplona (about 40 km) and Estella (about 15 km). It is easily accessible by car, and there are two parking lots around the lake. These parking lots are next to the two zones where swimming is allowed: the Lerate zone and the Ugar zone.

• Lerate: this area is located between the towns of Lácar and Arizala and can be reached via the NA-7320 road.
• Ugar: this zone is located next to the village of Arizala.

To visit these areas, it is mandatory to reserve a parking space in advance (paid parking). To reserve, click here.

What to do in the Embalse de Alloz

The Embalse de Alloz is a popular destination for visitors from all over Navarra who want to enjoy a summer day. The reservoir is accessible from the end of May to the beginning of September and offers a wide range of recreational activities.

The lake is a hotspot for water sports activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Thanks to its calm waters, it is an ideal place for beginners and families. The swimming segment of the Half Triathlon Pamplona-Iruña is also held at the Alloz Reservoir.

In addition, the area is close to one of the routes of the famous Way of St James, which also makes it an attractive location for pilgrims. It is also close to the Source of the Urederra river, with beautiful turquoise waterfalls and pools, and the Urbasa-Andía Natural Park.

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Crossing the Pyrenees and Roncesvalles

The Camino in Navarre begins with the crossing of the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles. This crossing is difficult, with steep paths and a lot of elevation gain. However, the views are worth it. There are two paths from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles: the Ruta de Valcarlos (23.5 km) and the Ruta de Napoleón (24.3 km). In winter and in bad weather, it is forbidden to walk the Ruta de Napoleón. The Ruta de Valcarlos is safer and more accessible.

Roncesvalles is one of the most symbolic places of the Camino. The small village has an impressive Gothic church, the Colegiata of Roncesvalles, with the famous statue of the Virgin Mary made of wood and silver. A daily pilgrim mass is also held here, which provides a deeply spiritual moment before continuing the journey. A historical fact about Roncesvalles is that Charlemagne's army suffered a heavy defeat here in 778.

Roncesvalles also offers one of the iconic overnight accommodation options along the route: the inn of the Colegiata de Roncesvalles. Here pilgrims find peace in a place that has been welcoming pilgrims since the 12th century. This hostel does not have separate rooms, but several floors with dozens of beds. If you want a bit more privacy, we recommend the Hotel Roncesvalles .

Pamplona: a city of contrasts

After Roncesvalles the next destination is the capital of Navarre, Pamplona. It is common to divide this route into two stages: Roncesvalles-Zubiri (22 km) and Zubiri-Pamplona (21 km). For an overnight stay, our recommendation is the beautiful Txantxorena Hotel in the village of Zubiri.

Pamplona is a lively mix of old and new, with historic city gates, medieval churches and pleasant squares, but also modern buildings. The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real is a must-see, with a beautiful Gothic façade and one of the best cloisters in Europe. Pamplona is known worldwide for the San Fermín festival and the running of the bulls, but the city offers much more. Pilgrims can enjoy the local gastronomy, such as pintxos (also known as tapas) and Navarrese wine, and experience the hospitality of the locals. For an overnight stay we recommend Hotel Europa , a good hotel in the center of Pamplona.

From Pamplona to Puente la Reina

After visiting the capital, the Camino continues to Puente la Reina (24 km). Puente la Reina is a charming medieval village with one of the most recognizable symbols of the Camino. This village owes its name to the famous bridge over the Arga River. In Spanish, Puente la Reina means Bridge of the Queen.

Legend has it that this bridge was built in the 11th century by an anonymous queen. Its purpose was to facilitate the departure of pilgrims from the village. 

In the past, Puente la Reina was also home to important military orders that were responsible for protecting pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. One of these orders was one of the most famous, the Knights Templar. They had their main temple a few kilometres from Puente la Reina. This was the temple of Santa Maria de Eunate.

The theory that has received the most attention about the origins of this temple is that it was built as a pilgrim hospital. This was built on behalf of Sancho VI, also called "the Wise", at the request of his wife.

In Eunate, there is an ancient ritual where pilgrims arriving at the site walk three times around the church before entering its center. They do this to absorb the unique energy of this place. Eunate, with its mysterious octagonal shape and location amidst the silence of the landscape, has been regarded for generations as a place of special power and profound significance.

Our recommendation for staying overnight in Puente la Reina is Albergue Jakue, which offers a delicious breakfast buffet. 

Estella and Los Arcos

The last two stages in Navarre along the Camino Francés are Puente la Reina-Estella (22 km) and Estella-Los Arcos (21 km). Estella is a small medieval town with a lot of Romanesque architecture. Many pilgrims visit the church San Pedro de la Rúa. This was built in the middle of the 13th century and dedicated to St. Andrew, the patron saint of Estella. To stay overnight in Estella we recommend the Hostal La Rúa , a simple but very hospitable hostel.

The last destination of the Camino in Navarre is Los Arcos. This village has always been an area where there was a lot of fighting, first between Muslims and Christians, and later between the Navarrese and the Castilians. On top of the hill there was a castle and a wall around the old center. Nowadays there is not much left to see of this busy past. Only three gates of the old wall, which give the village its name, remain as a reminder of that time. For an overnight stay is Pension Los Arcos a nice choice. It is simple but cozy, with a warm atmosphere that fits perfectly with the tranquility of the Camino.

After Los Arcos, pilgrims leave Navarre towards Logroño (28 km), in the province of La Rioja. Here the Camino ends in Navarre, with as final destination Santiago. The Camino de Santiago in Navarre leaves a lasting impression on every pilgrim thanks to the beautiful landscapes, the rich history visible in the ancient buildings, the delicious gastronomy and the warm hospitality of the locals.

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This beautiful waterfall is located on the Iñarbegi River, a tributary of the Bidasoa. It has a height of about 4 meters and is surrounded by lush vegetation. It offers not only a visual spectacle, but also a refreshing experience. After a relaxing walk, it is allowed to swim in the cool, crystal clear waters below the waterfall.

The stroll

The walk to the Xorroxin waterfall is about 7 kilometers round trip. It starts from the small village of Erratzu, where you can also park your car. In summer, you need to reserve your parking spot, which can be booked for free here.

Even though the route is circular, on hot days it is recommended to return via the same path, as the way back does not pass through the forest. Where it is unclear where the route continues, there are signs with “Xorroxin” on them. You can see the route below:

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This region takes its name from the Baztán River, which flows past numerous small villages. These picturesque villages, with their typical white houses with flower-filled balconies, evoke the essence of traditional Northern Navarrese architecture. Baztán was also the setting for the gripping suspense saga “Baztan Trilogy”, which can be seen on Netflix.

A beautiful viewpoint on the Baztán valley is located near the village of Zigaurre. It is located along the NA-2540 road and offers views of the villages of Zigaurre, Irurita, Gartzain, Ariztegi and Elizondo.

Villages in Baztan

In the Baztán region there are several villages worth a visit. The villages in this region are characterized by their typical white houses.

Elizondo

One of the nicest villages in the Baztán region is Elizondo, which is also the capital of the area. Elizondo has those charming streets with the typical white houses you see around here. The Bidasoa River runs through the village, giving it a calm vibe. Stone bridges connect the riverbanks, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful walk along the river.

Here you can also admire historical buildings, such as the Town Hall and the Church of Santiago, which reflect centuries of architecture. In the village there are also mansions and palaces that once belonged to the aristocracy and which show the grandeur of the past.

Amaiur-Maya

Another lovely village to visit is Amaiur-Maya. This little village played a very important role in the fight for the independence of the Kingdom of Navarre. In 1512, the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon conquered much of Navarre with the goal of annexing the Kingdom of Navarre to their territory, which led to Navarre losing its independence.

However, in Amaiur-Maya there was a big castle, where Navarrese troops were entrenched. Here there was fierce fighting against the invaders until Navarre became independent again in 1522. Another castle that played an important role during this time is the Castle of Javier.

The remains of the castle can be visited today, with a monolith in the center, which was built in 1922 as a tribute to the fallen troops who fought for Navarre's independence.

What else to visit in the Baztán region

In addition to Elizondo and Amaiur-Maya, Baztán is home to the well-known waterfall of Xorroxin. The walk up to the waterfall is perfect for relaxing with the whole family.

Close to the border with France is also the village of Zurragamurdi, known for legends of covens and witchcraft. Just 400 meters from this village, after a pleasant walk through the forest in which it is located, you will find access to the cave of Zugarramurdi. The dimensions of this cave are impressive: a 120 meter long natural tunnel with heights of up to 12 meters and two elevated galleries.

Also located in Zugarramurdi is the Museum of the Brujas (“Witches Museum”), which explores the socio-cultural origins of the legends of witchcraft. It is recommended to explore this museum before visiting the cave, as it helps to better understand what the cave meant to the inhabitants of Zugarramurdi. In addition to Spanish and Basque explanations, the museum also offers explanations in English and French. Here you can buy entrance tickets for both the cave and the museum.

3 kilometers from Zugarramurdi is another cave, the Urdazubi/Urdax cave. This cave is completely different from that of Zugarramurdi. The Urdazubi/Urdax cave is closed off from sunlight, unlike the Zugarramurdi cave, and here you'll find a stunning collection of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over thousands and thousands of years. For more information about the Urdazubi/Urdax cave and to purchase tickets, click here.

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Starlight certification

The Starlight certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation, is aimed at small villages with their own identity and predominantly rural character, which wish to diversify their economy through the development of astrotourism, with the goal of promoting sustainable economic growth in the area and preventing depopulation. In addition, a Starlight destination must be an ideal place to view the starry sky.

What to see in Lerin

Besides a beautiful starry sky, this small village has several decorated and some noble houses. Among them, the parish house stands out, a baroque building from the mid-18th century with rococo shields on the Plaza de los Fueros. On Larramendi Street, there is another interesting building: a country house with prints from the 18th century.

The Fuerte Cazorla is the only historical building, apart from the church, that has been preserved in Lerín. Although its construction is relatively recent (1875), it is a good example of Navarre's historic military architecture. In addition, it is also the highest point of Lerín, from which the entire village can be admired.

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Originally, this wall consisted of 17 towers, of which 9 are still standing. It served as protection for the Kingdom of Navarre against numerous annexation attempts by Castile. The Kingdom of Castile was one of the most important kingdoms in Spain during the Middle Ages. Furthermore, this wall helped Artajona become an independent kingdom between 1153 and 1158.

What to see in Artajona

Artajona houses besides the Cerco and the winding medieval streets several other notable buildings. One of these notable structures is the Church of San Saturnino, which was built in the 18th century. This church is unique because it is the only one in the world where the bells are rung backwards. Since 1896 it has also been a tradition in Navarre that all the bell-ringers of Navarre have once rang the bells of Artajona.

The church is located at the highest point of the village and offers views over the whole village. From the Church of San Saturnino, the other church in the village is visible, namely the Church of San Pedro.

Just outside Artajona, in the northern part of the city near the Church of San Saturnino, is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Jerusalén (“Basilica of Our Lady of Jerusalem”), built between 1709 and 1714. Entering the basilica, you can admire a Romanesque statue of the Virgin of Jerusalem. This virgin is the patron saint of Artajona. This statue is striking because of its modest size. To visit the statue of the patron saint of Artajona, the monks who live in an adjacent building usually grant the key to access this basilica.

What to do in Artajona

In addition to historic buildings, this village offers a free escape room for entertainment with the whole family called El secreto de Artajona (“The Secret of Artajona”). This escape room can be played via your smartphone. This game takes you through the most important places and sights of Artajona. It starts at the bottom of the village, after which it takes you through the most important streets and buildings. The disadvantage is that this escape room is only available in Spanish. Therefore, it is necessary that someone can understand Spanish to participate.

At the end of August, Artajona organizes a unique event that brings the village back to the Middle Ages. The inhabitants dress in clothing that was worn in the Middle Ages. There are various activities to do during this event. For example, visitors can taste all kinds of typical Navarrese products in the craft markets. There are also falconry shows, an exhibition with knights on horseback carrying medieval lances and various guided tours.

Dolmens

At just 4 kilometers from Artajona, there are the dolmens of Portillo de Eneriz and of Mina de Faranagortea. These are two rare prehistoric examples of Bronze Age gallery tombs with perforated doors, a specific funerary architecture characteristic of several regions around the western Mediterranean.

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Pamplona offers many beautiful places and buildings that can be visited in one day. Below you will see the things you must visit when you are in Pamplona.

Old Town district

A stroll through the Old Town is enough to experience the historical and cultural wealth of the capital of Navarre. Along the narrow medieval streets are many monumental buildings and iconic places of this city. Churches like San Nicolás, beautiful and characteristic parks such as the Jardines de la Taconera, the town hall, the cathedral of Santa Maria la Real, the square Plaza del Castillo and many more.

The Old Town of Pamplona is filled with bars where you can enjoy the diverse gastronomy of Navarre in small portions. These are the so-called pinchos/pintxos ("small bites"). It is recommended to pair these pintxos with a delicious local wine. Many of these bars are along the route of the encierro (bull running), which takes place during the San Fermín festivals. One of the most famous streets where the bulls run is Calle Estafeta.

City Hall

In the center and the old town of Pamplona is the town hall, with the square in front of it called Plaza Consistorial. During the San Fermín festivals, this location is of great importance, as the chupinazo takes place here. During the chupinazo, a firework rocket is set off from the town hall balcony, marking the start of the celebrations. Thousands of people gather in the square to celebrate this moment.

The current town hall was inaugurated in 1953, but retains the Baroque facade of the previous building from 1760.

Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real

The beautiful cathedral of Santa María la Real is just a 4-minute walk from the town hall Santa Maria la Real. This cathedral was built during the 14th and 15th centuries on the site of the ancient forum of Pompaelo, the name of the city during the Roman era. The northern tower of the cathedral houses María, the the largest church bell of Spain. Inside the cathedral is also one of the best Gothic cloisters in Europe.

Behind this cathedral stands Caballo Blanco (“White Horse”), one of the most charming spots in the city. From here, you’ll enjoy the best views of the city, where you can admire the neighborhoods of Rochapea, Chantrea, and San Jorge, with the mountain of San Cristóbal and its abandoned fort at the top in the background.

The San Fermín celebrations

The San Fermín celebrations, also known as the Sanfermines, are an annual festival that takes place in Pamplona. These festivities are held in honor of San Fermín (Saint Firminus of Amiens), one of the two patron saints of Navarre. The other patron saint is San Francisco Javier, whose birthplace, a beautiful castle in the village of Javier (40 minutes drive from Pamplona), which can be visited today.

The festivities begin every year on July 6 at 12 noon with the chupinazo. These continue until July 14, ending with the song Pobre de mí (“Poor me”) at midnight. At that moment everyone gathers on the square in front of the town hall, singing with a candle in their hands.

The San Fermín festivals are best known for the non-stop partying, where people party both during the night and during the day. It is traditional to wear white and red clothing during these parties, with most people wearing a white shirt and pants with red accessories.

Encierros

Besides partying, San Fermín is also known for its encierros (“running of the bulls”). These take place in the narrow streets of Pamplona and end in the Plaza de Toros (“the arena”), where the bullfighting takes place in the afternoon. The encierros are held every day except the first day, and start at 8am. Both locals and brave tourists take part in this bull running, but it is crucial to be well informed about the risks. Bull running is a serious matter and should only be practiced by those who are familiar with the dangers and are well prepared. A somewhat less dangerous experience is to learn the history of these encierros with the Running of the Bulls Tour.

In addition to the exciting encierros, the Sanfermines also offer a wide range of other, more relaxed activities. During the day, people often head to local bars with friends or family to enjoy the atmosphere, drinks, and delicious pintxos. There are various music concerts every day, and in the evening, around 11 p.m., a spectacular fireworks show is held. People often gather on a grass field near the Pamplona bus station, from where the best view of the show can be seen.

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History

The construction of this castle, of Romanesque origin, started only with the tower Homenaje de San Miguel (the tallest tower of the castle) at the end of the 10th century. The castle is close to the border between Navarre and Aragon, which used to be two kingdoms (now they are provinces). Therefore, this castle had a strategic importance, which led to the construction of the rest of the castle. For years it served as defense from Navarre.

After the conquest of Navarre by the Kingdom of Castile, the castle got new owners. These were before the independence of the Kingdom of Navarre. For this reason Cardinal Cisneros, from Castile, ordered the complete demolition of the castle in 1516.

Nevertheless, this was only partially successful. Among other things, the entire wall surrounding the castle was demolished, the moat was filled in, and the drawbridge was torn down. In the 19th century, the Basilica of Javier was built on the left, where the Palacio Nuevo ("New Palace") once stood. In this Palacio Nuevo, San Francisco Javier was born. At the end of the 19th century, the castle was restored.

San Francisco Javier

In this castle, San Francisco Javier (“Saint Francis Xavier”) was born on April 7, 1506. He lived in the castle until he was 19 years old. Then he went to Paris to study. There he met Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and together they founded the Society of Jesus. Xavier became a missionary and visited many villages and cities in Africa and Asia until his death on December 3, 1552. In 1622, San Francisco Javier was canonized by Pope Gregory XV.

He was later appointed patron saint of Navarre, and to this day, he holds this title along with the first bishop of Pamplona, San Fermín (“Saint Fermin”). Since 1985, December 3rd, the day of his death, has been Navarra Day.

Activities in Javier and surroundings

The castle of Javier can be visited from the inside with a guided tour or on your own. During a visit to the castle you can see the different rooms such as the main room, which was a place of reception, or the bedroom of San Francisco Javier.

There is also a museum inside with objects from the old castle and three-dimensional exhibits about the life of San Francisco Javier. To book, click here. There is also the option to visit the castle virtual .

Since the prayers to San Francisco Javier helped overcome a cholera epidemic in Navarre in 1886, annual pilgrimages are held by thousands of people from all over Navarre. These are usually held on the first two weekends of March and are also known as Javieradas.

Monasterio de Leyre

Next to the impressive Javier Castle is the Monasterio de Leyre (“Monastery of Leyre”) definitely worth a visit. The monastery has existed since the 9th century, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Europe. It is a peaceful, spiritual place with a rich history. You can visit the monastery with a guided tour (in Spanish), but you can also look around independently. For more information, click here .

The monastery is still inhabited by Benedictine monks and offers a stunning view of the turquoise Embalse de Yesa (“Yesa Reservoir”). For those seeking a unique overnight stay, the monastery also offers accommodation*. It is a great place for those who wish to stay in a historic and peaceful building. *Currently, overnight stays are not possible due to renovation.

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The Plaza de Francisco de Navarra is the city's central square and serves as a meeting place and stage for Tafalla's main events. The fountain, which is the symbol of the city, can also be admired in this square. In addition, this square houses the city hall, which can be seen behind the fountain.

This square was part of it Royal Palace of Tafalla, which was built in the 15th century under King Charles III, also known as "the Noble". Today, this palace has completely disappeared. Through one of the gates in this square you reach one of Tafalla's liveliest spots, the popular Placeta de las Pulgas (“Square of the Fleas”). There are several terraces here and it is particularly lively on Thursdays and weekends, especially in the summer.

On summer Thursday evenings, the Juevintxo takes place. "Juev" comes from jueves (“Thursday”) and "intxo" from pintxo (“small tapa”). Many bars in the center of Tafalla offer a glass of wine or beer with a pintxo at a reduced price (€2-4) during these days.

Churches in Tafalla

In Tafalla there are two large churches: Santa María and San Pedro. The Church of Santa María is located in the highest part of the town. It is Romanesque in style, built in the 13th century with the name San Salvador and after a reform in 1556 it was renamed Santa María. In 1730 a reform was also carried out which was accompanied by an extension.

The church of San Pedro is the oldest in the city. Inside is the altarpiece of the Visitación of Gothic style, as well as others in Baroque style. There is also an altarpiece from the 16th century that was previously in the Convent of the Concepcionistas Recoletas (also in Tafalla).

Other sights

The neighborhood of La Peña , also known as Barrio Alto (“High Neighborhood”), is the oldest part of Tafalla and has been restored in recent years. According to Arab chroniclers from the 10th century, the first inhabitants of Tafalla settled here. Walking up the streets from the church of Santa María, we reach the hill of Santa Lucía. This is where the original castle stood, which stood until the 16th century.

It later served as a stone quarry, was converted into a fortress in the 19th century and destroyed after several wars. Today it is the perfect place for a pleasant walk through the pine forest with the best panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Close to the town centre and along the main road is one of Tafalla’s most famous buildings. The Convent of the Concepcionistas Recoletas was built in 1674 and is connected to the Palacio de los Mencos (“Palace of the Mencos (Family)”) by a monumental arch over the road. This palace was also built in the 17th century and is owned by the Mencos family, one of the most important families in Tafalla who first settled here in 1420.

For groups of 6 to 14 people, there is the possibility to have a guided tour of the palace in English, including a tasting of 3 local wines in the wine cellar. The cost is 10 euros per person. For more information, click here .

Activities in Tafalla

Every year the Tafalla celebrations start on August 14 and last until August 20. They start with the so-called chupinazo, during which a flare will be shot from the balcony of City Hall. This is followed by music, elaborate festivities and (many) drinks. Moreover, there are people on the streets throughout the day (and night).

From August 15, there will be one every morning encierro (“running of the bulls”), which attracts many people from the region and even from far beyond. During the day there is music on the streets again and plenty of festivities. Some people go to the bullfight in the late afternoon, but this is not recommended for sensitive people.

After the bullfight, vaquillas ("cows") are let loose in the bull arena every day. In the process, youngsters try to avoid these cows, sometimes by doing beautiful somersaults over them. In the evening, the Torico de Fuego ("Bull of Fire") takes place, a version of the encierro but with a fake bull. This activity is for children who run in front of the "bull". This is followed by another big party in the streets and bars of Tafalla. The Torico de Fuego is a Navarrese tradition held in several villages during village festivals, such as in Olite.

On August 17th or 18th, alongside all the festivities, the concurso de recortadores takes place. This is a competition where several professionals perform jumps and movements to avoid the bulls. It is a non-violent alternative to bullfights, where no harm is done to the bull.

During these festivities, people traditionally wear white and red clothing, as is customary in Navarra. One could consider this as a smaller-scale version of San Fermín, the biggest festival in Navarra, which takes place in Pamplona.

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History

Around the year 195 BC, the Roman army came across a fortress located on top of a steep hill, which later became known as Santa Criz. When Emperor Augustus came to power, the city underwent a transformation in its appearance.

Forum

It was the principal public building erected at that time forum. This was a large open square built on a wide terrace on the hill. In addition, there were several other buildings that provided excellent examples of Roman public architecture in the region. The southern part of the square must have housed the basilica. This was an administrative and judicial building with two naves, decorated with pillars and capitals.

Necropolis

To the south of the city and far from the urban core lie the well-preserved remains of a necropolis, which literally means ‘city of the dead’, an extensive burial site. Members of important families from that time, such as the Calpurnii, Aemilia Vafra, or the Picula, were buried here. Offerings have been discovered within this burial site, including seeds, ceramic fragments, dice, and other everyday objects. These artifacts give us insight into the burial rituals that took place between the 1st and 4th centuries AD when this necropolis was in use.

Exhibition

The village of Eslava is home to an exhibition featuring some of the most representative objects discovered during the excavations. Eslava is just an 8-minute drive from the Roman town. This exhibition can be visited on Saturdays and Sundays. To visit the exhibition, advance booking is required. In addition, there is the possibility of buying a "pack", where a tour includes both the ruins and the exhibition. For more information, click here.

Some objects from this exhibition can also be seen in it virtual museum.

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