Navarre is at its finest in autumn

Did you know that Navarre has the second largest beech forest in Europe? The Irati Forest. Just picture the show it puts on in autumn. But that’s not all, there are other, lesser-known forests that are equally spectacular at this time of year: the Urbasa Nature Reserve, Basajaun Forest in Orreaga/Roncesvalles, Mata de Haya in Belagua, Quinto Real, Orgi in Ultzama, the Altsasu/Alsasua oak forest, the monumental oaks of Jauntsarats in Basaburua, the thousand-year-old oak trees in Etxarri Aranatz or those of the Señorío de Bertiz Nature Reserve. Another seasonal secret hiding in the forests of Navarre is its precious wild mushrooms, so appreciated in the cooking of Navarre. They are protagonists of the autumn kitchen, combined with other seasonal products, like the famous piquillo peppers from Lodosa that are also harvested around this time. And all paired with some of the best regional wines that you can sample on a tour of some of Navarre’s wineries during the wine harvest season, which happens in the autumn too!

You have to visit some of the emblematic places surrounded by powerful nature, such as Roncesvalles Collegiate Church, the San Miguel de Aralar Sanctuary, the Muskilda hermitage in Otsagabia and the Monasteries of Irantzu or Leyre. You can also find castles that could star in films (and actually have done on several occasions): the Royal Palace in Olite, Javier castle and the great middle age fortress Cerco de Artajona, which will transport you back to the Middle Ages.  If you prefer urban getaways, they you have to visit Pamplona, with its City Walls, Cathedral and famous festivities, which you can learn all about as you stroll around the perimeter, and then finish the day enjoying some of the tasty pintxos and great atmosphere of the terrace bars and restaurants.  If rural tourism is what you are seeking, one weekend just won’t be enough: Elizondo, Amayur/Maya, Lizaso, Eugi, Auritz/Burguete, Ochagavía, Aribe, Puente La Reina, Estella, San Martín de Unx, Ujué, Gallipienzo, Viana, Roncal… and these are just to start with.