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Nature of Navarra. Photo: Tourism of Navarra - F. Vaquero.

Landscapes along the Pilgrim’s Way through Navarra

The first Autonomous Community that cross the Way of Saint James is Navarra. During seven stages, the pilgrim crosses its territories from east to west. Along the route, the Pyrenean mountain landscape gives way to extensive valleys accompanied by numerous rivers and streams.

From the second stage onwards, the pilgrim enters the Esteribar Valley. The villages in the area are known for the bridges that the pilgrim must cross the river Arga. It is one of the great rivers of the region, and after flowing into the River Aragon, its waters become part of the Ebro.

On the way to Zubiri, the capital of the Esteribar Valley, pilgrims can take a slight detour from the traditional route and take a path that runs through the Sorginaritzaga Forest. Legend has it that several women accused of being witches were burnt on the stake in its beech woods.

The Pilgrim’s Way continues to Pamplona, the first major city on the Pilgrim’s Way. Here, pilgrims can visit the Citadel. A pentagonal Renaissance fortification began to be built in 1571. It lost its military character in the sixties of the last century. Nowadays, it forms part of the great green lung of the city.

Ciudadela de Pamplona

Ciudadela de Pamplona. Foto; Turismo de Navarra – F. Vaquero.

On the way to Puente la Reina, the pilgrim faces the climb to the Alto de la Sierra del Perdón. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of Pamplona and the Pyrenean mountains to the north and large fields of cereals to the south. From the top, you can appreciate the orographic variety of Navarra.

Flora and Fauna of Navarra

The Autonomous Community of Navarra has a very diverse geography that allows us to find great variety and natural diversity. After leaving the Pyrenees mountains behind, the pilgrim advances through large forests, in which the beech tree is the main protagonist.

In the autumn months, orange colours predominate in the area, completely transforming the landscape. However, evergreen trees are also present. The oaks, gall oaks, boxwoods and blue jonquils allow Navarra to boast that 64 per cent of its territory is covered in woodland.

As for the fauna, the nocturnal birds of prey such as the long-eared owl and the tawny owl find their home in the forests. In addition, during the day, other birds such as blackbirds, booted eagles and red kites can be seen.

Small rodents, wild boar, deer, roe deer and foxes also find their habitat in the woods. In addition, other mammals such as rabbits, hares and squirrels can surprise the pilgrim during his walk.

Beyond the Way

Pilgrims who have enough time to deviate from the route to Santiago de Compostela can take advantage of their journey to discover the Bardenas Reales. This mountain desert is in the southeast of Navarra. It has the designation of Nature Reserve and Biosphere Reserve.

It is known for the figures that erosion has left on its stones and is home to a great diversity of animals. The wild cat is a protected species that finds its home in the Bardenas. This feline is catalogued as a “Species of Special Interest” due to its danger of extinction.

35 kilometres from Pamplona is the Foz de Lumbier. It is a canyon excavated by the erosion of the river Irati. The Foz is considered a Nature Reserve due to the colony of birds of prey that live in the area. It is the best place to see griffon vultures and Egyptian vultures.

In the west of Navarra is the Urbasa-Andia Nature Reserve. This protected natural area is form by the Urbasa and Andía mountain ranges. It has extensive meadows and leafy beech forests. One thing that stands out is the absence of rivers in the Park.

The limestone terrain allows the waters to flow underground, surprising at specific points in the form of large waterfalls. It is worth visiting the source of the river Urederra in Urbasa and the one of the river Ubagua in Andía.

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