History of a Kingdom

Eastern Navarre is home some iconic places in the Kingdom’s history, such as the castle of Javier, the birthplace of Navarre’s patron saint, Saint Francis Xabier, the monastery of Leyre, Gallipienzo or Sangüesa, where this cycling route starts.

On the way, you’ll ride along one of the banks of the Yesa reservoir, also known as the “Pyrenean sea”. That is where the short (just 3 km) but intense (8% gradient) climb to the monastery of Leyre begins. The reward, some spectacular views. After riding few kilometres along the old road to Liédena, you then face the hardest part of the route; first, climbing a tough slope on the road heading towards Lumbier and then, after reaching La Venta de Judas, climbing the second mountain pass of the day, Alto de Aibar.

This is where the easiest part of the route, through the Aragón valley, begins. If you like, you can ride up to Gallipienzo to enjoy the spectacular views from this wonderful hilltop village.