Discover the charm of the cities of Navarre: Pamplona, Tudela and Estella
Nature, culture, gastronomy... Discover the endless reasons to fall in love with Navarre. Including the charm of three of its cities: Pamplona, Tudela and Estella-Lizarra. Discover what you can do in these destinations, perfect for enjoying a nice weekend city break.
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Pamplona
The city, known throughout the world for its famous San Fermín Festival, boasts a remarkably well-preserved historic quarter with a medieval layout. In its centre is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, right next to the Tourist Office, from where you can easily walk to the main monuments and points of interest. The Cathedral is a place you will enjoy visiting because, among other reasons, its Gothic cloister is one of the best of its kind in Europe; from the tower, you will get a unique panoramic view of the city; and if you are visiting with children, they will love the “children’s cathedral” and the chance to play a game of discovering the bells hidden within its panels. You can also visit the Museum of Navarre or, if you prefer contemporary art, head out of the old quarter to see the University of Navarre Museum.It’s worth setting aside some time to stroll along the Renaissance city walls, which stretch for five kilometres. The walk through the walled enclosure takes in such beautiful spots as the Rincón del Caballo Blanco viewpoint, skirts the old quarter and continues on to two of the city’s green areas: La Taconera Park – the oldest in Pamplona – and La Ciudadela Park, whose fortress has been converted into a centre for exhibitions and cultural activities. At lunchtime, you have to try the pinchos, delicious miniature morsels. In the downtown area, you’ll find plenty of options and a great atmosphere along the traditional streets of Estafeta, San Nicolás, Comedias and Mercaderes. The Plaza del Castillo is another perfect spot to savour the flavours of excellent Navarrese cuisine.
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Tudela
Located just half an hour’s drive from the semi-desert landscape of the Bardenas Reales, Tudela will surprise you with the wealth of monumental heritage to be found in such a small town. Its streets, churches, palaces and other buildings show the mixture of cultures that it has experienced throughout its history. A highlight is the Cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles, featuring a beautiful cloister and three imposing portals. You can also visit the finest Renaissance palace in Navarre - the Palace of the Marqués de San Adrián - or one of the most representative examples of Romanesque architecture in the region: the Church of La Magdalena. Strolling through the alleys of the Judería Nueva quarter or sitting outside the cafés at Plaza de los Fueros are other unmissable stops of a getaway to Tudela.If you are a fan of urban art, you are in luck: in Tudela, you can follow a route to discover large-scale murals and works by prominent graffiti artists. These pieces were created during various editions of the international Avant Garde Tudela festival, which have transformed several corners of the city. And when it’s time to sit down to eat, don’t hesitate – think of vegetable dishes: artichokes, asparagus, lettuce hearts, tomatoes, mixed vegetable stew… Did you know that the Tudela artichoke is a product with protected geographical indication status? Vegetables are the real gastronomic stars in Tudela, so much so that they even have their own dedicated festivals in the spring.
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Estella-Lizarra
Located just over 40 kilometres from Pamplona, the city is clearly shaped by the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims, churches, symbols, palaces, bridges... In Estella-Lizarra, the Jacobean atmosphere is everywhere and forms part of its charm. In San Martín Square, a key point on the route as it passes through the town, stand two of its most notable monuments, both dating from the 12th century: the church of San Pedro de la Rúa, with a Romanesque cloister notable for its rich sculptural decoration, and the Palace of the Kings of Navarre, which also houses the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum. Another Romanesque gem is the Church of San Miguel, which, in early September, serves as the venue for the city’s Early Music Festival. There is still plenty to see; examples include the façade of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of Santa María Jus del Castillo, on the site of the former synagogue. And if you take a quiet stroll, you will find beautiful palaces, houses and stately mansions. Also well worth a visit is the Los Llanos park, the city’s main green area. If all that walking works up an appetite, don’t worry, there are plenty of delicious dishes to choose from, such as seasonal vegetables, ajoarriero (cod and garlic stew), pochas (fresh white beans), or cordero al chilindrón (lamb in a pepper-based sauce). For dessert, you might enjoy some Idiazabal cheese or local sweets like alpargatas, rocas del Puy, or sanchicos - the perfect way to end on a delightful note.
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