Get into nature!

One of the most iconic natural areas in Navarre and the Pyrenees. And we're not just saying it, it's really true! Irati is one of the largest and best-preserved beech and fir forests in Europe.

It's a place to take your breath away and comfort your soul at any time of year. Its more than 17,000 hectares of almost virgin nature offer a host of sport and leisure options, including rambling among meadows, beech trees or alongside the Irabia reservoir, trail riding on your MTB or painting a picture with the autumn colours.

This was the first place to be declared a Natural Park in Navarre. Over the centuries, the Atlantic has had a marked influence on this area, to create this wood full of beeches, cypress oaks and oaks.

Take a stroll through the park and botanical gardens, which are a showcase for biodiversity, with species from all over the world. Admire its ponds and pools and visit the palace.

What's more, its Interpretation Centre will give you an insight into this beautiful place.

Majestic trees, some are hundreds while others are thousands of years old. Their strange shapes create mysterious atmospheres and their incredible size is simply jaw-dropping. The following are well worth a visit:

    - Orgi wood in the Ultzama Valley.

    - Monumental oak trees in Jauntsarats in Basaburua

    - Thousand-year old oaks in Etxarri Aranatz. This trail can be extended to include the dolmen trail.

    - Oak grove of Altsasu/Alsasua

We're aware that the beech woods of the Irati Forest are the most sought-after, but make no mistake, all beech woods convey an aura of peace and tranquillity. To mention but a few:

The Mountaineers Itinerary and the enchanted beech woods of Urbasa

Iturburua in Bertiz

Dronda- Mata de Haya in Belagua

Basajaunberro woodlands in Orreaga/Roncesvalles

Tres Hayas Trail, which is one of the bunker trails at Auritz/Burguete

Quinto Real Forest

Mainly populated by beech and oak trees, although meadows and bracken are abundant, as are various conifer types.

But there's more to Leitzalarrea than nature alone. The megaliths scattered around the land demonstrate that humans have been in this area since time immemorial. Mining was also important for centuries and there are still many vestiges and remains of the former foundries.

Make a visit and check out the information panels showing the different trails and walks.

One of the wonders of Navarre in sight!

This river source is a natural outlet for the aquifer formed in the Urbasa-Andía Natual Park and the exceptional colour of its waters led it to be named Urederra which means "beautiful water" in the Basque language.

To check this out for yourself, simply follow the 7 kilometre path running alongside the river to get some colourful views: the turquoise of the waters, the greens and russets of the vegetation, the azure of the sky... An easy-to-walk trail that will take you, following the pools, to one of the most luxuriant spots in Navarre.

Pay attention! Because you're looking at one of the most impressive natural phenomena: the gorges in the Navarre Pyrenees.

And the fact is that, here in Navarre, these canyons or ravines are called gorges; it has taken the rivers millions of years to carve out these narrow valleys in the limestone. The result is an extraordinary landscape, with narrow corridors and currents of air that give us a really unique ecosystem which is a haven for numerous birds of prey.

The most well-known gorges are the Gorge of Lumbier, carved by the river Irati and now a greenway, and the Gorge of Arbaiun, whose panoramic views from the Iso pass should not be missed.

Amid the woodlands in the Atlantic area of Navarre, these mountain lakes emerge as an attractive surprise. Surrounded by beech woods, they look like they've been taken out of a fairytale. Along their easy-to-walk trails, you'll be able to see the uses, fauna and flora in the area and, what's more there's a picnic site that makes this natural area an ideal spot for families.

Very close to Estella-Lizarra, you'll find this reservoir with calm, turquoise waters surrounded by gall oaks, thickets and pine trees. It's the perfect place for water sports or to take a dip in summer. It's ideal for getting started in sailing or paddle surf with no worries about currents. While, if you're after something relaxing, you can hire a water pedal boat, canoe or book a boat trip. Picnic areas, toilets, shade, car parks and bathing areas are all there. Everything ready to enjoy a sweet day on a freshwater beach!

Navarre is a land whose striking landscapes captivate everyone who comes into contact with them and water plays a leading role in many. Its long rivers and streams crisscross the geography of the region and stunning waterfalls couple majestic mountainous heights with thick woodland. These nature spots are so compelling you won't be able to resist photographing them.

Are you one of those people who likes to dive straight in or do you prefer to enjoy the gradual contrast of temperatures? In Navarre’s rivers, reservoirs and wild river pools, you have the perfect opportunity to live a refreshing experience like no other.

Take the plunge and discover three wild swimming spots that will take your breath away, and find out the best things to do in the area. It's time to enjoy water and nature in its purest state in spectacular settings!