Let me share with you my favorite attractions in Navarra, one of the most unique regions to visit in Northern Spain.
- This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Top things to do in Navarra
Let me share with you some of my favorite attractions in Navarra, Spain. While Northern Spain consistently surprises me with its unique landmarks on each of my road trips, the autonomous community of Navarra holds a special place in my heart. Years ago, it was where I first lived in Spain during my study-abroad program. Therefore, it’s always a joy to return and take a nostalgic trip back to my student years in Pamplona. Whenever I have the chance, I can’t resist visiting the Navarra region and discovering more hidden gems along the way.
Where is Navarra
Navarra is an autonomous community located in the north of Spain, also known as Navarre in English (though the Spanish pronunciation “Navarra” sounds more natural to me). It borders the regions of Basque Country, La Rioja, and Aragón. The capital of the region is the city of Pamplona.

What is Navarra Known For
San Fermin
The autonomous community of Navarra is a stunning region in Spain, celebrated for its rich history, royal heritage, and many landmarks. While most international visitors come to Navarra with the primary aim of experiencing the Festival of San Fermín, one of Spain’s most famous events, there’s so much more to discover. Even those who have never been to Spain have likely heard of the festival, particularly the thrilling spectacle of people running in front of the bulls. Yes, that’s the one you’re thinking of! However, it would be an oversimplification to reduce the Festival of San Fermín to just the bull run. The festival has deep historical roots in the Navarra region, dating back to 1186 when it was first celebrated in October in honor of St. Fermin of Amiens, a Christian missionary. In 1591, the date was moved to July 7, and since then, the celebrations have taken place annually from July 6 to July 14. For many locals, especially the older generations and those living in rural, traditional parts of Spain, watching the encierro – the bull runs every morning during the festival remains a cherished custom. As I mentioned in my post about the almuerzo culture in Valencia, many local bars in Spain will have their TVs tuned in to broadcast the bull run, which typically begins around 8 a.m. It’s a key part of the daily rhythm of the festival, drawing locals and visitors alike into the vibrant atmosphere.
Hemingway
Navarra gained international fame in part due to Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises. The writer was a fan of Spanish culture, particularly the vibrant fiestas, thrilling bullfights, and renowned Spanish wines of La Rioja. His portrayal of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, along with the region’s rich traditions, captured the imagination of readers worldwide and contributed to the global allure of Navarra.
Royal Heritage
While Navarra is an autonomous community in Spain, it has historically been an independent kingdom. Surprisingly, despite its relatively small size, Navarra was not part of either its ally France or Spain. Although Ferdinand II of Aragon began the conquest of Navarra in 1512, it was not until 1839 that the region fully became a Spanish province, retaining special tax and administrative privileges.
Taxes
To this day, Navarra is known for having the lowest IRPX (income tax rate) in Spain, alongside the Basque Country. Spanish law considers both autonomous communities to be ‘historical territories’ with a special tax system. The Spanish Chamber of Commerce (or Cámara de Comercio in Spanish) ranks Navarra as one of the regions with the lowest tax burden in Europe.
The Way of Saint James
Navarra is located along the globally renowned El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James in English), making it one of the top Spain bucket list destinations. Four different routes of the Camino pass through Navarra: two branches of the French route, the Baztán route, and the Ebro route.

How to get to Navarra
While Pamplona has an airport (Noain), it primarily serves domestic flights, although there used to be a Lufthansa service to Frankfurt in the past. The most affordable flight options generally come from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga. However, if you’re looking for more choices, you can easily fly into nearby airports such as Bilbao (155 km) or Zaragoza (179 km). For bus or train travel, the greatest number of options typically originate from Madrid. Navarra is also conveniently located near France, just 80 km away, with iconic destinations like Biarritz, Bayonne, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Furthermore, you can easily reach Navarra by train from France, though you’ll usually need to change trains in Bayonne.
Top Attractions in Navarra
1. The city of Pamplona

The city of Pamplona is the heart of the Navarra region and its official capital. Pamplona hosts the Festival of San Fermín from July 6 to July 14. Although it’s one of the most exciting times to be there, it is also probably the worst time to visit due to overcrowding. As I’ve already mentioned, Pamplona was the first city in Spain I ever lived in (and at the time, I had no idea I would end up staying in Spain for the next 15 years). I still believe this city is very underrated, much like Cádiz or Soria.
First of all, Pamplona is one of the greenest cities in Spain. The city is rich in history, with roots dating back to the Roman Empire in Spain. Don’t miss the old city center, the central Plaza del Castillo, and the Entzierro Monument. You can also walk along Calle de la Estafeta (famous for the San Fermín bull run). This area is filled with local bars where you can taste wine and tapas (or pintxos – small bites often laid out in front of you, especially popular in San Sebastian and Bilbao). Other iconic landmarks in Pamplona include the Catedral de Santa María la Real and the Ciudadela de Pamplona. If you have some extra time for museums, don’t miss the Museo de Navarra, the Planetario de Pamplona, the Museo Catedral de Pamplona, and the Fundación Museo Jorge Oteiza.
2. The Castle of Olite

For those of you who love exploring dreamy medieval towns in Spain, set your sights on the Royal Palace of Olite (or Palacio Real in Spanish). It is undoubtedly one of the most unique castles in Spain. While it may not have the dramatic hilltop setting of Loarre in Huesca or Morella, its stunning interiors and panoramic city views more than make up for it. The Olite Castle was once home to the Court of Navarre until its union with Spanish Castile in 1512. The interiors still feel unique today. Although you won’t find much furniture or decoration inside, the walls themselves seem to whisper of the wealth that once filled this place. Every detail in Olite – from the towers and gardens to the window ornaments – exudes sophistication and highlights the significance of Navarra in European royal history.
3. Ujué

Fans of the secret small towns in Spain simply can’t miss the village of Ujue. I honestly didn’t expect it to be so charming. Ujue is a tiny medieval town, with cobbled streets, quaint old houses, and stunning lookouts, thanks to its hilltop setting. Although remnants of Roman buildings have been discovered during excavations in Ujue, the earliest historical records of the village date back to the 11th century, when the local castle and cathedral were built.
4. Bardenas Reales

While the Iberian Peninsula is home to many natural wonders, places like Bardenas Reales have gained more international attention after being featured as filming locations for Game of Thrones in Spain. The lunar landscapes of Bardenas Reales will transport you to a classic Hollywood Western, much like Almeria and its Las Tabernas Desert. In fact, it’s hard to believe these unique geological formations exist in Navarra, just 70 km from the Pyrenees. You can access the Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve by car and make several stops along the way to explore the stunning landscape.
5. Irati Forest
Those of you looking for epic hikes in Spain or unique fall foliage can’t miss Irati Forest (or Selva de Irati in Spanish). It is one of the largest and best-preserved beech and fir forests in Europe and is often listed among Spain’s magical forests. Selva de Irati is located between the Aezkoa and Salazar valleys of Navarra, as well as the French valleys of Cize and Soule. Start your visit at one of the local information points to get details about the trails and maps, such as Arrazola, Centro de Acogida Casas de Irati, or the Irati-Abodi Mountain Activities Centre. There is also an app for hiking in Irati Forest called Irati.
5. El Cerco de Artajona

Alongside Ujue, Artajona is an authentic medieval gem of the Navarra region. This small town is surrounded by 11th-century medieval walls. The fortification was originally called El Cerco de Artajona. It originally had 14 towers, but only 9 of them have survived to the present day. The walls were designed to protect the local cathedral, Iglesia-Fortaleza de San Saturnino, which was built on the remains of a Romanesque church by the canons of Toulouse, France.
6. The Castle of Xavier

Located 52 km from the city of Pamplona, the Castle of Javier is one of the most fairytale-like castles in all of Spain. It was originally built in the 10th century as a watchtower, but over time, it expanded into a full-fledged castle owned by the Azpilicueta family in the 14th century. Today, visitors can explore a variety of medieval artifacts and artworks within the castle’s elegant interiors. One of the most distinctive features of the Castle of Javier is the Chapel of the Holy Christ (Capilla del Santo Cristo), which is adorned with Danse Macabre paintings, also known as the Dance of Death. During the late Middle Ages, this was a popular artistic theme across Europe, meant to remind people of the fragility of life. However, very few examples of this art style remain in modern-day Spain.
7. The Monastery of Leyre

The Monastery of Leyre is one of the most significant monuments in Navarra. In addition to its beautiful architecture and serene natural surroundings, the most striking feature of the complex is its 11th-century crypt. The crypt, located beneath the Romanesque church, was designed to accommodate the uneven terrain of the steep slopes of the Sierra. Inside, the atmosphere feels surreal—silent and majestic. This is why I love visiting monasteries and cathedrals in Spain so much: the Catholic Church has somehow managed to preserve countless breathtaking works of art, ancient books, and hidden sculptures, despite the turmoil of European wars and revolutions. You can download a free interactive PDF on the official website.
8. Caves of Zugarramurdi


The Caves of Zugarramurdi are one of the most intriguing and mysterious places I visited during my 3 days in San Sebastián. Although they technically belong to Navarra, they are closer to San Sebastián in the Basque Country than Pamplona. Since the 12th century, Zugarramurdi has been known as a site for witch covens. As a result, the locals endured significant persecution during the Spanish Inquisition, and there is a fascinating witchcraft museum near the caves. The Caves of Zugarramurdi were also featured in the movie Las Brujas de Zugarramurdi by Spanish director Álex de la Iglesia.
To get a quick glimpse of the region right now – check out my IG and Tiktok videos from Navarra. You can find my full Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary in this post and the itinerary for the weekend in La Rioja and Navarra here.
Video from Navarra
Map of top places to visit in Navarra
Pin it:

For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
What a great place to visit and if I ever do the Camino I know I will see it.
I am visiting Spain this Spring and am now, based on your recommendations, am thinking about visiting Navarra. A few days in Navarra looks like a great side trip!
I have always wanted to visit Spain! Navarra looks beautiful. Great post!
Wow, what an amazing place to visit! My husband and I want to visit Spain in the next few years and I’m definitely adding Navarra to my list. What an other-worldly place!
I’ve never been to Navarra, but it sure does look beautiful!