Navarra is one of Spain's most surprising regions for motorhoming: in a very small space you go from the green, damp forests of the Pyrenees to a desert straight out of a film, with medieval villages, historic towns and top-notch gastronomy along the way. It's a varied destination that's still not overly crowded. Here are some ideas for touring it.
The green north: the Pyrenees and the forests
Damp, green Navarra: the Irati Forest (one of Europe's largest beech-fir forests, spectacular in autumn), the Pyrenean valleys (Roncal, Salazar, Baztán), the Lumbier and Arbaiun gorges. Nature, hiking and stone villages.
The south: the Bardenas Reales
Total contrast: the Bardenas Reales, a semi-arid desert of lunar landscapes (you'll have seen them in films and series), declared a biosphere reserve. Touring the Bardenas feels like another planet. Respect the natural park's access points and rules.
Towns and villages
Pamplona (with its walls and, in July, the San Fermín festival), Olite and its storybook castle, Estella, Ujué... and the Camino de Santiago crossing the region (see the Camino by motorhome).
The gastronomy
The vegetables of the Ribera (asparagus, artichokes, piquillo peppers), the wines (Navarra and nearby Rioja Alavesa), Roncal cheese, pochas beans. A pantry of pure luxury.
Practical tips
- Spectacular in autumn at Irati; spring and summer for the Bardenas (with heat).
- Respect the natural parks (Bardenas, Irati) and their access rules.
- Combine the green north with the desert south for the contrast.
In summary
Navarra offers a unique contrast: from the green of the Pyrenees and the Irati Forest to the desert of the Bardenas, with medieval villages and great gastronomy. The step to take today: plan a route that combines the green north (Irati, the valleys) with the desert south (the Bardenas); that contrast within a few kilometres is what makes Navarra special. Combine it with routes through Spain.