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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This fort can be visited inside. An audio guide is also available to learn about the history of this fort.

Devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Ujué

Within this fort lies the valuable treasure of both the inhabitants of Ujué and many people from Navarra: the sculpture of the Holy Virgin of Ujué. This statue is one of the most beautiful, oldest, and most respected examples of Romanesque sculpture in Navarra, dating back to 1190. Every year, several pilgrimages are held in honor of the Holy Virgin of Ujué. Hundreds of people walk from different nearby villages to Ujué, some of which are over 25 kilometers away. This tradition has been taking place since the year 1043, usually at the end of April or beginning of May.

What to do in Ujué

If the Navarrese village of Ujué is known for something, besides being one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, it is for its delicious Migas del Pastor (“Breadcrumbs of the Shepherd”). Migas is one traditional dish with humble origins. In its most basic form, they were made with ingredients accessible to any shepherd. These ingredients are stale bread, lamb fat, garlic, water and salt.

Nowadays, more ingredients are used, such as tomato, serrano ham and mushrooms, achieving a perfect combination of flavors, colors and aromas. These migas can be found in many restaurants in Navarra, but for the authentic experience you have to go to Ujué.

These migas are so special to the people of Ujué that they even have a special day have in honor of this dish. The “Day of the Migas” is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of September. On this day, Ujué transforms into a lively and busy village with various craft stalls. Visitors can also enjoy other typical products from Ujué, such as almendras garrapinadas (“caramelized almonds”), which are also very popular.

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Royal Palace of Olite

Other places of interest in Olite

In addition to exploring the palace, Olite has more wonderful experiences to offer. Walking through the medieval alleys of the old town or visiting beautiful churches are some examples. One of these churches is the Church of Santa María, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, and is one of the most important Gothic churches in Navarre. The impressive facade is framed by arches that house sculptures of the apostles.

Things to do in Olite

Olite is also known as the wine capital from Navarre. The big party, the Fiesta de la Vendimia (“Wine Harvest Festival”), place. A tradition during this festival is that some young people stomp grapes with their feet to make wine, after which there is the opportunity to taste different types of wines. In addition, Olite is home to the Museo de la Vina y el Vino (Vineyard and Wine Museum) of Navarra, housed in an old palace from the 17th century.

During the second weekend of August the Medieval Feasts place, where the city goes back in time to the Middle Ages. Numerous activities, musical performances and performances take place, along with a medieval market. In addition, many people dress in all kinds of medieval attire. Similar to these celebrations, a similar event will take place in the nearby village at the end of August Artajona.

Wineries

Due to the fact that Olite is the wine capital of Navarra, there are numerous wineries. For wine lovers (or those interested), there is the opportunity to visit and taste different types of wine, also known as wine tourism. Some of the wineries that offer tours in English are:

• Bodegas Marco Real produces a solid, modern and complementary range of wines through the blend of the different varieties grown in its more than 200 hectares of its own vineyard.
• Bodegas Ochoa is a family winery with traditional practices together with new production techniques. In addition, they always work with grapes that come from their own vines, planted, pruned and harvested by the same winery.
• Bodegas Piedemonte has built up an authentic love for wine over the years, giving it a presence in 22 international markets as well as numerous awards and recognitions.
• Bodegas Vega del Castillo has been around since 1911 and its wines stand out for their freshness, fruit and finesse.
• Bodegas Unsi aims to restore mountain garnacha vineyards to produce quality wines of unique character, valuing a sometimes forgotten autochthonous variety.

Village fair

Every year, from 13 to 19 September, the village festivities take place. During this week, the inhabitants dress in white with red accessories, often with a traditional red scarf. Numerous activities are organised for both adults and children.

The village comes to life, especially in the afternoon, with concerts, inflatables for the kids and a great atmosphere. There is also street music, sometimes a round of bingo and always a good time to get together with a drink. The festivities often last until late at night. It is a week of joy, music, adventure and above all being together.

From September 14th, every morning there is an encierro, the famous running of the bulls. In the evening there is another encierro, followed by the Torico de Fuego (“Bull of Fire”), a special version for children. They run ahead of the bull and have the greatest fun.

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