A land of shepherds, placid nature and walks along the Rail Trail

This area in north-east Navarre is highly recommendable if you come in search of walks through natural landscapes with centuries of history. Not only because, with the Plazaola Rail Trail at hand, it couldn’t be easier, but also because Sierra de Aralar has a lot going for it. It has mountain-bike routes and hiking trails for all levels, attractive possibilities for budding potholers and caves like those of Mendukilo, which are truly first class.

There are also cultural attractions such as the Romanesque Sanctuary of San Miguel de Aralar, which is reached after a drive through beautiful scenery and is well worth the trouble to admire both the sanctuary itself and the landscape around it. There is a viewpoint, a restaurant and sometimes even local products on sale.

And when in Aralar, don’t forget that shepherding is very much part of the local culture, and that means cheese and dairy desserts to take your breath away. Ever heard of Idiazabal cheese? Well, this is where you’ll find it.

 

  • Cyclists along the Plazaola Greenway

    Plazaola Rail Trail

    The Plazaola Nature/Rail Trail is a very accessible path that you can enjoy both on foot and by bike.

    It used to be the route of the narrow-gauge railway track whose 85 kilometres joined Pamplona and San Sebastián between 1914 and 1953. Now a rail trail, almost 70 kilometres are practicable, of which about two-thirds are in Navarre.

    The scenery, the sounds of nature and the feeling of peace that you’ll experience on the path are an absolute joy. So put on your walking shoes and don’t think twice!

    More information about Navarre’s Rail Trails
  • A group with their baskets prepares to collect mushrooms in the Ultzama

    And what can we say about the Ultzama Valley?

    Well for starters, it's one of those valleys with gentle hills and picturesque villages that are a pleasure to see. It lies between Pamplona and the Baztan Valley, and has a bit of everything: very accessible hiking trails just about everywhere, the most established golf club in Navarre and loads of things to do.

    If you come with kids, you can visit the Ultzama school farm and have a great time amidst donkeys, cows, ponies and piglets, each one cuter than the next, and try the slow-food menu they offer there. Or walk through the age-old Orgi oak woods. Or why not get the whole family to try their hand at golf at the Pitch & Putt? You’re going to have a great day!

    You can also visit the mycological park — at the right time of the year —, a paradise for mushroom hunters, or the curious Honey Museum in Eltso-Gerendiain, where tradition and sweetness come together.

     

    More information about the Ultzama Valley

Gastronomy of Aralar and Ultzama

In Aralar, try a cider house menu: choricicos cooked in cider, cod omelette, cod loins, rib-eye steak, cheese with walnuts and quince jelly, and all the cider you want. You can also try the black beans, charcoal-grilled meat and, of course, D.O. Idiazabal cheese. And dairy-based desserts are a must. Here and in the nearby Ultzama valley, the highlights for food lovers are the pastry horns filled with confectioner’s custard, cheesecake and the star of local desserts, junket.

 

In Aralar, try a cider house menu: choricicos cooked in cider, cod omelette, cod loins, rib-eye steak, cheese with walnuts and quince jelly, and all the cider you want. You can also try the black beans, charcoal-grilled meat and, of course, D.O. Idiazabal cheese. And dairy-based desserts are a must. Here and in the nearby Ultzama valley, the highlights for food lovers are the pastry horns filled with confectioner’s custard, cheesecake and the star of local desserts, junket.

See things to do in Aralar and Ultzama