Perhaps because it shares its borders with France, the Basque country and Aragon, the small mountainous province of Navarra has managed to absorb a little bit of all its three neighbours into its own pleasing mix.
For such a small region it also impresses in its variety and great beauty. To the north you have the high Pyrenees with their soaring peaks, deep valleys, rivers and streams. To the south the fine wine region of the Ebro valley. Westwards there stretches a landscape of green valleys, meadows and woods, whereas the countryside to the east becomes wilder as it runs right up into the Pyrenees. Navarra can even boast its own mini desert - Las Bárdenas.
The people, customs and architecture are no less diverse. There is a plethora of old towns, palaces and mansions, cathedrals and monasteries, in part a legacy of its historical importance as a great pilgrimage route on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
As different as its landscapes is the choice of beautiful places to stay. From mountain retreats high up in the Pyrenees of Navarra, charming guesthouses with fine restaurants to boutique hotels or bed & breakfasts in Pamplona, whatever your taste, we’ll help you find that perfect getaway.
Pamplona - Undoubtedly the most emblematic celebration and world famous event in
Navarra is the festival of San Fermín, which takes place every year from
the 6th to the 14th of July. For eight heady days, the streets of
Pamplona come alive with the running of the bulls.
Every morning, courageous (or fool hardy, depending on your point of
view) young men run in front of the bulls to make for a unique
spectacle. Unlike bull fighting proper, here it is the animals that have
the upper hand. Anyone can join in, though they better be fast.
Celebrations are not just about the bulls, though. The city itself is
taken over by non-stop and wild dancing, merriment and parades. Not to
be missed if at all possible. Handicrafts Navarrese craftsmanship is a
combination of time-honoured traditions and techniques. Examples of this
can be seen in the making of wooden objects, such as chests and
"kaikus", and in the production of the famous leather wine bottles.
Nevertheless, present-day designs can always be found in the constantly
updated works of potters and tapestry makers.
Gastronomy Influenced in equal measures by the cuisine of France, Aragon and the Basque country, the gastronomy of Navarra is rightly praised for its wide-ranging quality and freshness. Certainly in Navarra, traditional and “nouveau” cuisine are able to live harmoniously side-by-side to create mouth-watering dishes such as la trucha a la navarra (fried trout with ham) and menestra (made with artichokes, asparagus, green beans and peas).
Meat dishes include el cochifrit Navarro (small pieces of deep fried lamb) and the emblematic dish of la chistorra, a sausage prepared over burning coal. Feathered game, such as quail, turtledove and wood pigeon takes pride of place in Navarra.
In September, when the bird is at its fattest, quail is roasted in fig leaves. Turtledove is roasted with herbs on the grill and laced with red wine and vinegar, amongst other ingredients. The result is a feast for the taste buds.
The cheeses of Navarra are also amongst the best in the country, Roncal being a fine example. After enjoying such delights, why not wash all it down with Pacharan, a special liqueur of bilberries and anise.
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