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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Each season of the year offers a unique experience in the Irati Forest. In spring, the forest comes to life with the fresh green of new leaves and blooming flowers. The summer months invite walks along the winding paths and to cool off by the banks of the Irati and Urbeltza rivers. In autumn, the forest transforms into an amazing color spectacle. The leaves turn into red, yellow, and orange. Even in winter, the Irati Forest has its charm. The snowy landscapes create the perfect setting for winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Activities in the Forest of Irati

The Forest of Irati and its surroundings are the perfect place to enjoy nature. There are various routes available for hikers and (electric) mountain bikers. The mountain bikes can be rented on site, with the option for guided tours.

The routes in the Forest of Irati range from short distances of just 5 km, ideal for quiet family walks, to longer routes of up to 20 km for more experienced walkers and cyclists. For detailed route information, click here. In addition, there is a handy app available (Android/iOS) that provides all the necessary information about the hiking routes.

In addition to these routes, the area also offers opportunities for adventurous activities such as canyoning, rock climbing and horseback riding. For more information about this, click here.

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One of the park's striking features is its limestone subsurface, formed by sedimentation of marine organisms millions of years ago. The area was still under water at the time. This limestone has led to the formation of spectacular karst phenomena, such as caves, ravines and cliffs. These phenomena give the park's landscape a unique character.

Flora and fauna

The Urbasa-Andía Natural Park is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park's forests are composed mainly of deciduous trees, including beech, oak, maple and birch, which provide a colorful display during autumn. In addition, there are also grasslands and rocky areas with diverse plant life, such as wild flowers and herbs.

In terms of wildlife, the park is home to several animal species, including deer, wild boar, foxes, golden eagles and even some protected species such as the European mouflon. Bird watchers can enjoy observing various bird species, such as vultures, hawks and woodpeckers, found in the park.

What to see in the Urbasa-Andía Natural Park

Urbasa-Andía Nature Park has amazing views and is perfect for walking. Below, we will tell you about the most well-known places, but there are many more fascinating spots to discover in this area.

Nacedero del Urederra

One of the most spectacular places in the nature park is the Nacedero del Urederra (“Source of the Urederra River”), a natural spring with a striking turquoise water. Visitors can enjoy walks along well-marked trails that wind along the riverbank and provide beautiful views of the waterfalls and pools.

Balcon de Pilatos

Located 8 km from the source of the Urederra River is the Ubaba Viewpoint. This is also known as the Balcon de Pilatos (“Balcony of Pilatos”). This is a beautiful cliff overlooking the Amescoa Valley, with the town of Estella at the end. This place offers a special walk along the edge of the cliff, where you can admire the natural park. It is an easy walk that takes about 1 hour from the parking lot.

Bosque Encantado

Additionally, located 10 km away from the Balcón de Pilatos is the Bosque Encantado ("Enchanted Forest"). This forest is known for its unique geological formations and its beech trees. The walk through this lush Navarrese forest is easy and offers sites full of charm.

The origin of the name of this beech forest in Urbasa goes back to a folk tale told many years ago. This story claimed that giants terrorized the shepherds and residents of nearby villages. It is said that they actually did no harm, but simply lived with nature. One stormy night, out of fear, the people invaded the forest to deal with those creatures. The father giant hid his young son in the deepest recesses of the forest, hoping to save him from that human horde. Unfortunately, when it was all over and he returned to look for him, he was no longer there.

Monastery of Iranzu

In the area, there is also the Monasterio de Iranzu (“Monastery of Iranzu”) among the rocky mountains of Yerri, close to the town of Estella. The monastery was founded by Benedictine monks. In 1176 the Cistercian reform took place thanks to a donation from the Bishop of Pamplona to his brother.

The construction of the monastery, which took place from 1176 to the early 14th century, shows Cistercian and Romanesque-Gothic styles. In 1942, a large-scale restoration of the monastery was carried out.

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The stroll

Visitors can enjoy walks along well-marked trails that wind along the riverbank. These trails also offer beautiful views of the waterfalls and pools. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, hikers and photographers who are looking for peace and the natural beauty of the area.

The hike starts in the charming village of Baquedano and the trail is well marked for the entire 6.2 kilometers round trip. This walk is not too challenging, making it suitable for the whole family. Dogs are also allowed, provided they are kept on a leash.

Usually the walk takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, including time spent capturing beautiful photos of the surroundings. Currently, the last part of the access to the source is closed for environmental reasons. However, the closed access to the source does not detract from the beauty of the location. This place still offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who explores this route.

To visit this fantastic area, it is mandatory to book in advance (with paid parking). To book, click here. Unfortunately, the website is only available in Spanish. Sometimes the website does not work optimally. If this is the case, please contact nacederodelurederra@gmail.com.

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A few kilometers further on, the Salazar River joins the Irati River, forming the Foz de Lumbier. The Irati River originates in the Irati Forest, the second largest and best preserved beech and pine forest in Europe, after the Black Forest in Germany.

Both gorges have a rich fauna and flora. The Foz of Arbayún has the largest colony of griffon vultures in Spain, which can almost always be seen. In addition to the large number of griffon vultures, there are also badgers, wild boars, foxes, deer, martens and wild cats in the area.

Foz de Arbayun

The beauty of the Foz de Arbayún can be admired from various places. The most accessible location to view the greatness of this area is from the Iso lookout. This point is easily accessible by car as it is located along the road. The view from this lookout can be seen in the image above.

Another option is to view the Foz from the Bigüezal bridge. This option is especially recommended in summer, as it is possible to swim in the river. For the more adventurous types, there is also the option to jump into the water from the bridge, where the river is deep enough for a safe jump. Locals often enjoy a picnic on the riverbank and then go for a swim.

To get here, you first have to park at the village of Usún and then walk 1.6 kilometers to the bridge. In addition to swimming and relaxing, it is also possible to follow a hiking route. This one has a moderate level of difficulty and is not recommended for people with a fear of heights. At some points the path becomes narrower with a drop off at the side and you have to hold on to a steel rope. However, it is less challenging than it seems at first glance.

Foz de Lumbier

Although the Foz de Lumbier is less spectacular than the Foz de Arbayún, it is more popular. The reason for this is that Spain's first electric train ran along this route between 1911 and 1955. This trajectory connected Pamplona, the capital, with Sangüesa and was 58 km long. The development of new train routes led to the closure of this route, but the remains are still visible in the so-called Via Verde (“Green Way”).

The Foz de Lumbier can be reached from the parking lot 2 km from the village of Lumbier. Visitors must follow the Via Verde, an easy walk of about 1 hour. Along the route are the two tunnels through which the train used to pass.

At the end of the route are the remains of the Puente del Diablo (“Bridge of the Devil”). Built in the 16th century, it was destroyed by the French in 1812, during the War of Independence. This bridge owes its name to the legend in which the builder asked the devil for help to build it.

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The most famous rock formations in the Bardenas Reales are Castildetierra and Pisquerra. It is the result and best example of the erosion process that this site has undergone for millions of years. Castildetierra is located northwest of the Bardenas, in the center of the area known as La Blanca Baja. To visit the most special rock formations in the Bardenas Reales, it is recommended to take a tour to learn more about the story behind the Bardenas Reales.

Activities in the Bardenas Reales

The Bardenas has over 700 kilometers of back roads for the enjoyment of nature lovers. There are many companies that offer guided tours of this magical place, with the possibility of visiting the Bardenas by segway, 4×4 all-terrain vehicles, buggies or quads, and even by horse. These companies also offer the option of renting (electric) mountain bikes and 4×4 off-road vehicles.

However, you can also explore the Bardenas with your own car or bicycle. Due to the vastness of the area (42,500 hectares), there are several access points. Access to the Natural Park is mainly from the village of Arguedas, although it can also be reached via other secondary entrances. Below you find the route by car from Arguedas to the two most famous rock formations:

For more information about the access points, click here.

The Bardenas is also located nearby Senda Viva, a theme park with a combination of attractions and various (exotic) animal species. It is the largest family recreation park in Spain. Some examples of attractions in this park include a bobsleigh track, free fall and a 650 meter long zip line. In addition, several shows are performed and there are many activities, especially for children. The park also focuses on the protection of endangered species, with the care of these species being one of the objectives.

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