Luxury hotel holidays to Navarre and Aragon

Highlights of Navarre and Aragon

The Gothic cathedral in Pamplona (Iruña), a major stop on the Way of St James pilgrimage route through northern Spain, as well as the opulent Palacio del Gobierno de Navarra. The town of Tudela with its 13th century bridge across the River Ebro and beautiful old town, in addition to the otherworldly landscape of the nearby Bardenas Reales National Park. The charming town of Sos del Rey Católico, birthplace of Fernando of Aragón, with the grand Palacio de Sada and Church of San Esteban. The riverside Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, the second largest church in Spain, celebrated for its eleven brightly coloured domes and elegant Baroque façade. Classic examples of Mudéjar architecture which combines Gothic and Islamic elements, some of the best examples of which are in the high-altitude town of Teruel in southern Aragón. Tranquil religious houses including the Cistercian Monastery de la Olivia and isolated Monastery of San Salvador de Leyre. Perhaps the most unique of these buildings is the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña in Aragón; set under an overhanging rock, this monastery was a supposed guardian of the Holy Grail. Formidable castles such as the Castillo de Loarre where visitors can explore the ramparts, dungeons and keep. The medieval old town of Huesca topped with its impressive gothic cathedral and nearby Castle of Montearagón. The stunning landscape of Ordesa National Park draws guests with its well-marked hiking trails, native wildlife and scenic “Horse’s Tail” waterfall. The small village of Torla is the gateway to the park and is a popular stopping point for visitors. Historic towns and villages, unspoilt by mass tourism, such as Estella (Lizarra), Olite, Albarracín, Ujué and Calahorra.

Festivals in Navarre and Aragon

January: Festive processions on the 5 January, marking the arrival of the Three Kings with huge floats. February: Festival of Santa Águeda in Alsasua. February/March: Carnivals celebrating the start of Lent, one of the best is in the town of Bielsa. March/April: Easter celebrations such as Las Tamborradas in the Aragonese town of Hijar and El Volatín in Tudela. Festival of Dance with performances throughout spring weekends in Pamplona. April: Traditional pilgrimage of San Marcos in Ujué on 25 April. July: San Fermín, the famous bull-running festival in Pamplona. International music festival of Navarre and also another in the medieval castle at Aínsa. Traditional Romero pilgrimage in Yebra de Basa. Tudela’s festival in honour of their patron saint, Santa Ana. July/August: Pyrenean Folk Festival in Jaca. Pyrenees South International Festival of Cultures in Huesca. Classical Theatre Festival in Olite. August: Medieval festival in Olite with market and historical demonstrations of trade and fashion. September: La Morisma, a re-enactment of an 8th century battle between Christians and Moors in Aínsa. October: Fiestas de Pilar in Zaragoza, a week-long celebration in honour of the city’s patron saint. November: Cinema Festival in Pamplona. December: El Olentzero - Christmas Eve celebrations across Pamplona and Navarre include this traditional Basque character who comes late at night to drop off presents for children.

Gastronomy in Navarre and Aragon

Cuisine across these regions is varied with tastes to suit everyone’s palate, thanks to the vast landscape and products grown here. Whilst there is no coastline, there is great choice with plentiful meat and game, locally grown crops and vegetables and fresh-water fish. Cuisine is based on traditional recipes which have been handed down through generations and modernised. In Aragón you will find menus featuring stews, ternasco (roasted lamb) and jamón from Teruel. Not all Aragonese cooking is based on meat with river-caught fish like trout and eel also used. Try local olive oil from Empeltre, asparagus from the banks of the Ebro and sweet onions from Fuentes. Fruits grown in Aragón include pears, apples, cherries and plums and are exported throughout Spain. The gastronomy in neighbouring Navarre is not dissimilar yet offers additional treats such as black truffles from the Allín valley and woods of the Lóquiz mountains. Dining out in Pamplona is a treat with restaurants to match all budgets and styles, from local bars to Michelin-starred destinations. Whatever your choice, be sure to try the local wines as well as the Navarran spirit pacharán, made with sloe berries and anise.

Climate in Navarre and Aragon

This part of Spain has a mixed climate which is inextricably linked with the contrasting landscape. The northern areas are amongst the coldest in Spain with the winter months of November to April often bringing freezing temperatures, snow and making mountain roads impassable. On the other hand, the arid plains of southern Aragón can be very hot in the summer months with residents and visitors alike spending the warmest hours relaxing inside. Rain falls throughout the year in the northern areas, although with less frequency throughout the summer. We recommend speaking to one of our Personal Travel Specialists about your interests in order to suggest the best time for your visit.