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Here you will find the must-see places and recommendations for activities and experiences to make sure you get the very most out of your trip to Navarre.
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The Urbasa mountain range constitutes a large flat mountain, some 1000 metres of altitude, which leads to a dramatic drop over the south edge, creating a spectacular natural viewpoint. Pierced with as many holes as a piece of Gruyere cheese, here we find chasms and caves, as well as expansive meadows where sheep and horses graze peacefully, enchanted beech forests and calm turquoise waters, such as the Urederra Source. If we walk along its trails we will discover megalithic remains, old fountains and shepherd shelters, and a visit to the beautiful monastery of Irantzu and the unique Truffle Museum are highly recommended. We suggest a route that crosses the mountain range from north to south.
Estimated duration of the route: 1 day, not including the alternatives marked with an a
Throughout spring and summer, the flat part of Urbasa is filled with animals grazing peacefully in complete freedom, which you can observe and approach easily.
The Natural Park of Urbasa-Andía constitutes an area of transition between the Mountains and the Middle Zone of western Navarre. There are two access points: on the northern side, from Olazti/Olazagutía, and on the southern side, from Zudaire.
Within the park there are recreational areas and signposted trails that go past sites that were once used by hunters, shepherds, loggers and coal men. (read more)
The river Urederra is the natural and main water source of the Urbasa aquifer. An easy route starts in Baquedano which mainly follows the course of the river, past turquoise pools and waterfalls, taking us up to the rocky amphitheatre where the first waterfall gushes forth. (read more)
To the south of Urbasa, the valley of Metauten is home to the Truffle Museum, where you can stimulate all your senses and discover the richness of the “black gold” of gastronomy, and enjoy interesting experiences. (read more)
AfternoonThis grandiose Cistern abbey, hidden in the valley of Yerri and located near Abárzuza, was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Its Gothic cloister is both elegant and austere, and its peaceful surroundings make this the ideal setting for enjoying the peace and tranquillity. (read more) It has a picnic area and pleasant trails start from there, such as the one that follows the River Iranzu canyon.
After visiting the monastery, there are 3 pleasant options within a 20 kilometre radius:
. The natural option is the Alloz Reservoir, located in Lerate, 15 min from Estella-Lizarra. It is a sea of turquoise blue surrounded by gall-oaks, grazing land, shrub land and pine forest. Take a dip in the water, go horse riding, rent a kayak or take a trip on a sail-boat. (read more).
. The artistic choice is the Monastery of Iratxe, located in Ayegui, in the heart of the Santiago Way. Hidden inside is a Romanesque church (12th century), a plateresque cloister, a Herreran-style tower and other buildings constructed between the 16th and 19th centuries. Next to the monastery is a tempting fountain that quenches the thirst of the pilgrim, spouting water from one side and wine from the other. (read more)
. And the historical option is the Roman Villa of the Muses , which we can discover following the covered route of the modern Arellano archaeological museum. Discover the magnificent wine cellar, its splendid mosaics and the mysterious ritual of the Taurobolio.
The villages that form a part of this route have known how to keep hold of their traditional flavours. The star products is the D.O. Idiazábal sheep’s cheese, though the valley is also home to mushrooms; remember to try the perretxikos if you visit in spring. Beans, chickpeas, suckling pig, curds and other artisan products form a part of the rich local gastronomy, washed down with wine from its well-known wine cellars. And after-dinner drinks have to include a good quality Pacharán.
Urbasa y Andía son zonas idóneas para la práctica de senderismo, BTT y espeleología. Podrás también pasar un rato divertido en las tirolinas del Parque Urbasa Aventura de Larraona, jugar al paintball, lanzarte en parapente o realizar actividades acuáticas en el embalse de Alloz. El contrapunto cultural lo ponen las visitas guiadas a las bodegas y monasterios de la zona. Consulta además el extenso programa desarrollado en Tierras de Iranzu (continuar leyendo)
