The Navarra region is defined by a rugged yet picturesque landscape, with the Pyrenees mountains bordering France to the east, and fertile zones along the Ebro river which is considered a lifeline to the many farms along its banks. 

The population of Navarra is around 650,000 people, with the majority of the population living in the capital city of Pamplona. The region is home to a diverse range of people, with a mix of Spanish, Basque, and French cultures, which is evident in many of the dishes from Navarra. 

This Navarra foodie guide will explore the most popular dishes from this region in the north of Spain, plus look at famous produce from the region, drinks, desserts, and wines. We’ll also cover how to get to the Navarra region, and what is not to be missed once you are there! 

Table of Contents;

• Geography and Landscape
• Popular sights and attractions
• Popular Dishes in Navarra
• Tapas and Pintxos in the Navarra region
• Navarra Desserts
• Drinks From Navarra
• Produce From Navarra
• Navarra – The Route of the Camino De Santiago
• How to Get to the Region of Navarra

Geography and Landscape

Navarra is located in northern Spain between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Ebro River, making it a diverse and beautiful region with plenty to offer everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to foodies. 

The Pyrenees mountain range runs along Navarra’s northern border with France, offering spectacular views and a range of outdoor activities. The region is also home to Bardenas Reales, a desert-like area characterized by its rugged and barren landscape. This natural park is a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and nature watching.

Navarra is also known for its picturesque medieval towns and cities, such as Pamplona (the capital of the region and a major stop along the Camino de Santiago), Estella, and Olite. These towns are home to lots of historic buildings and monuments, such as the Palacio Real de Olite, a 15th-century Gothic castle.

Popular Sights and Attractions

Pamplona’s Old Town

The heart of Navarra, Pamplona’s Old Town, is a historical treasure where you can stroll through picturesque alleys with plenty of excellent restaurants and eateries to sample the local cuisine. 

Wander through its charming streets and discover the unique blend of cultures that have left their mark on the identity of this fascinating corner of Spain. The historical architecture will transport you to another era, making Pamplona’s Old Town an essential stop.

San Fermín Festival

The festival of San Fermín is a week-long festival commencing 6th of July each year. It was made famous by Ernest Hemingway, and nowadays remains a cultural phenomenon that takes place annually in the city of Pamplona. Famed for the “Running of the Bulls,” you’ll find traditional ceremonies and can enjoy vibrant street performances. 

Bardenas Reales

Bardenas Reales, often called the “desert of Navarra,” is an otherworldly landscape that’s sure to captivate your senses. Explore its semi-desert environment with unique geological formations that seem almost extraterrestrial. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the wildlife that calls this area home.

Castle of Olite

Located around 40 km south of Pamplona in the town of Olite, you’ll find The Castle of Olite and take a step back in time to medieval splendor. It’s an easy day trip from the Pamplona and its majestic architecture is reminiscent of a fairytale. Explore the labyrinthine gardens and delve into the historical significance of this enchanting castle. 

Urederra Natural Park

Urederra Natural Park is around 1 hour’s drive west from Pamplona and is considered a pristine gem of natural beauty. The park offers some of the best hiking routes in the region of Navarra. The turquoise pools of the Urederra River are a breathtaking sight. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the well-marked trails that wind through the park, offering the chance to encounter diverse local flora and fauna.

Popular Dishes in Navarra

Navarra is known for its delicious cuisine, which is influenced by a mix of traditional Spanish dishes, Basque cuisine, and French-inspired dishes. With a cooler climate compared to other regions of Spain, Navarra cuisine is a blend of  time-honoured casseroles and stews, and delicious meat and seafood recipes. Some of the most popular dishes in Navarra include:

• Pochas con almejas – A white bean and clam stew.
• Piquillo Peppers Stuffed with Cod – Piquillo peppers, cod fillet, white sauce, onions, and garlic.
• Trucha a la Navarra – Stuffed trout with ham slices, pan-fried with garlic in olive oil.
• Pintxos – As found in the Basque Country, these are small bites served on slices of bread, often topped with ingredients such as cured ham, cheese, or seafood.
• Chistorra – A type of sausage made with pork, garlic, and paprika.
• Bacalao al pil-pil – A dish made with salt cod and garlic, cooked in olive oil.
• Cordero al chilindrón – A dish made with lamb, peppers, and onions.
• Txangurro a la donostiarra – A dish made with crab, onions, and tomatoes, baked with a breadcrumb topping.
• Espárragos de Navarra – Grilled asparagus, often served with a poached egg and cured ham.
• Marmitako – A fish stew made with tuna, potatoes, and peppers.

Tapas and Pintxos in the Navarra Region

The tradition of tapas (or ‘pincho/pintxo’ as it is most commonly referred) in Navarra is not just about food; it’s a way of life, a celebration of local ingredients, and a testament to the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. 

Navarra’s tapas & pintxos culture offers a unique way to experience the region’s culinary heritage and connect with its people. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a traveler seeking authentic cultural experiences, the tapas and pinchos culture of Navarra is a true reflection of the region’s soul. 

Tapas and Pintxos: What’s the difference? 

A ‘pintxo’ is a portion of food that is served (sometimes) with a cocktail stick as a small aperitif (“pincho” literally translates to “spike” in English). You will see a colorful display of pintxo on the countertops of many bars and restaurants. Pintxos usually cost a Euro or two and very in ingredients from one venue to the next. 

 A tapa is typically a smaller sized portion of a main dish and you’ll find this traditional type of dish served all over Spain. In some regions of Spain, a tapa will often be served alongside an alcoholic drink such as beer or wine and is often free, while some other cities offer tapas, although for a small fee.

Navarre Pintxo week (Semana de Pintxo)

The spring doesn’t only bring flowers. With it also comes Navarre Pintxo Week, a gastronomic event in which for 10 days numerous bars and restaurants from the entire region compete to make the best haute cuisine pintxo. 

If you’re passionate about gastronomy, finger food and a good atmosphere, this is for you. This special week is held in various Navarrese towns and villages although nowhere more than in the capital, Pamplona. The event usually occurs around the middle of March each year (check the official website for more details). 

Navarra Desserts

• Cuajada – A dessert made with curdled milk, sugar, and lemon zest. It is often served with honey or fruit compote.
• Canutillos – Pastry tubes filled with sweetened whipped cream or custard.
• Pantxineta – A puff pastry filled with almond cream and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Goxua – A layered dessert made with sponge cake, custard, and caramel.
• Arroz con leche – A classic Spanish dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Torrijas – Another traditional Spanish dessert, but it’s similar to French toast, made with bread soaked in milk or wine, then fried and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
• Pastel Vasco – A cake made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with a sweetened almond cream.
• Rosquillas – A type of doughnut often flavored with anise and lemon zest.
• Tarta de queso – A creamy cheesecake often flavored with lemon or orange zest.

Drinks From Navarra

Navarra is known for producing a variety of different types of wines. Some of the most common include:

• Red wines – Navarra is known for its rich and full-bodied red wines, which are typically made from the Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties.
• Rosé wines – Navarra produces a large amount of rosé wine, which is often made from a blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes.
• White wines – Navarra produces a smaller amount of white wine, but the region’s Chardonnay and Viura grape varieties are highly regarded.

Some of the most well-known wineries in Navarra include Bodegas Chivite, Bodegas Julian Chivite, and Bodegas Ochoa. These wineries produce a range of high-quality wines that are enjoyed both within Spain and around the world.

In addition, Navarra also proudly presents Pacharan, a reddish-brown liqueur made from sloe berries, coffee beans, and vanilla pods. This sweet-tart spirit is not just a delightful sip but is deeply rooted in Navarra’s traditions.

Produce From Navarra

With its diverse climate and terrain, comes a wide variety of produce. The region’s varied landscapes, from the lush green foothills of the Pyrenees to the fertile plains of the Ebro Valley, allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of food and produce. Here is a sample of the region’s highlights:

Vegetables

• Piquillo Peppers: Navarra is famous for its Piquillo peppers, which are red, sweet, and slightly spicy. They’re often roasted and stuffed.
• Asparagus: White asparagus from Navarra is renowned for its tenderness and flavor.
• Artichokes: These are predominantly grown in the Ribera region.
• Borage: This green vegetable, traditionally used in stews, is a Navarran specialty.

Leeks, onions, and beans are also significant crops in the region.

Fruits

• Olives: The region produces high-quality olives used for both table consumption and olive oil production.
• Stone Fruits: Thanks to its Mediterranean influence, Navarra grows an array of stone fruits including peaches, cherries, and plums.
• Grapes: As a notable wine region, it grows a range of grape varieties.

Figs and almonds are grown in the warmer parts of Navarra.

Dairy and Meat

Although not “grown”, it’s worth noting that the lush pastures support dairy farming, especially sheep farming, leading to the production of cheeses like “Roncal” and “Idiazabal.”

The region is also known for its high-quality lamb, which is not commonly found in many parts of Spain.

Herbs

Rosemary, thyme, and other aromatic herbs thrive in the region, and can be found growing wild. And while not a herb but a very tasty addition to meals, wild mushrooms and truffles can be found in the forests in the northern parts of Navarra.

Navarra – The Route of the Camino De Santiago

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Navarra is the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes that have been walked by millions of people over the centuries. The Camino passes through Navarra, and many pilgrims stop in the region’s towns and villages along the way. This is a popular journey for people in Spain as well as tourists. 

Other popular tourist activities in Navarra include:

• Outdoor sports – Including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and rafting.
• Festivals – Home to festivals like the San Fermin running of the bulls in Pamplona.
• Museums – Including the Museum of Navarra in Pamplona, which features a collection of local art and artifacts.
• Spa tourism – Navarra has hot springs and spas, which offer a range of wellness and relaxation treatments.

If you’re looking for food-related activities in Navarra, you can take part in wine tasting, cooking classes, and visits to local food markets. Of course, you can also sample the local dishes on offer in restaurants, enjoying each new meal one bite at a time. 

How to Get to The Region of Navarra 

Convinced you should visit this stunning region of Spain? We’re excited to guide you on how to reach this gem of Spain with ease. From convenient flights to scenic rail journeys and flexible road trips, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few travel options for getting around the Navarra region of Spain. 

By Air: Flying to Pamplona

The quickest way to reach Navarra is by flying to Pamplona Airport where connecting flights to smaller regional airports are available. 

By Train: Scenic Rail Journeys

If you prefer a leisurely journey, consider traveling by train to Navarra. Spain’s Renfe network offers extensive connections, and you can enjoy scenic routes that showcase the beauty of Spanish landscapes. 

• Madrid to Pamplona takes between 3-4 hours by train. 
• Barcelona to Pamplona takes between 4-6 hours by train. 
• Bilbao to Pamplona takes around 4 hours (with one change)

By Car: Flexible Road Trips

For the ultimate flexibility and the chance to explore at your own pace, consider a road trip to Navarra. Road conditions are good in most parts of the region, although it is always best to check with local authorities during the winter months as snow is common in the mountains. 

Rental cars are available in all major towns and cities in the the Navarra region, as well as at Pamplona airport.

Looking for more travel inspiration?

Check out our other Regional foodie guides from all over Spain!