The Excursions Near Pamplona
You probably have heard about Pamplona as an important city for the Spanish bullfighting tradition. It is true, the city is struggling to keep alive a tradition which is on the verge of dying, but it also has a wide range of other activities to keep you occupied and entertained throughout the entire period of your holiday. First of all, the Valleys found in the East of Pamplona represent an important place for a one day trip.
The Roncal and Salazar Valleys are the most renowned; they are both absolutely spectacular, because the green valleys are surrounded from all sides by high mountain peaks. Ochagavia is a traditional and very romantic village hosted by the beautiful Salazar Valley famous for a Basilica built in a Romanesque style in the 13th century. The medieval Javier Castle should also be a monument on your sightseeing list, because it is the place where Saint Francisco Javier was born.
The South of Pamplona
Tafalla is located just 35 kilometers from Pamplona and it is the place where tourists can visit the beautiful and luxurious palaces belonging to the Feria Marquis and to the Guendulain Count. The Bardenas Reales Natural Park is a destination for those who are in love with nature. The park will impress you with breathtaking and at the same time bizarre views of a desert like landscape which seems to spread on more than 400 square kilometers.
Estella
Estella is a very old town founded more than 900 years ago. Estella is of unimaginable historical importance for Spain and Spaniards, as it hosts the famous Palaces belonging to the Navarra Kings. History is not the only important aspect of Estella, because cuisine is as important as history, especially for tourists. The gourmet seeking tourists will feel like they are in heaven in Estella, because the range of traditional dishes is very wide.
Saint James’ Way
Of great importance for the religious tourists, Saint James’ Way attracts pilgrims from all the corners of the world and it does it every year. The medieval Chapel is an important attraction for the pilgrim way because it is a place where pilgrims who unfortunately died along the way from various causes are buried. Puente la Reina is the Spanish village which is thought to be among the most beautiful that the country has; the 11th century bridge is what you should not miss in Puente la Reina.