21 feb, 2023

5 ideas to enjoy Bardenas Reales in spring

Did you know that there’s a desert in Navarre which is a famous backdrop for series, films and commercials? It’s Bardenas Reales, whose magical shapes will make you feel like you’re on another planet. There you can find places where pure silence is only occasionally punctuated by the wind.

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Spring is a perfect time to visit. Not only will you be able to enjoy an ideal temperature, but you’ll have the chance to discover its greener face, which remains hidden the rest of the year.

You can explore its unusual landscapes on your own by following the circular track around part of La Bardena Blanca, but to truly understand the peculiarities of this amazing terrain, we recommend you hire a local guide.

Here are all the ways you can tour the park so you can choose the one that most appeals to you.

1. Discover Bardenas Reales by Segway or buggy

Getting around on a Segway is a unique way to come into direct contact with the nature and setting of Bardenas Reales. A terrain shaped by water and air with sparse vegetation makes this lightweight means of transport the perfect way to see the desert. It doesn’t take long to travel any of the routes and reach the most unique spots. And if you’d rather something more exciting, discover the desert in a buggy. The fun is guaranteed!

2. Barranco de las Cortinas with the family

Passionate about hiking and visiting Bardenas Reales as a family? Then we recommend the route to Barranco de las Cortinas. You’ll enjoy an easy walk with amazing scenery. Young or old, there’s nothing stopping you from imagining that you’re living a thrilling adventure as you follow the course of the ravine.

3. 4x4 adventure

If comfort and seeing as much of the Nature Reserve as possible is what you’re after, don't think twice: get a 4x4 with guides who can explain every detail of this spectacular environment.

You’ll discover very special spots and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of this inhospitable-looking desert. Not only will you discover true natural treasures but also a culture and way of life related to you by people who know this place like the palm of their hand.

4. Guided bike tours

They say that the freedom you feel on a bike is incomparable. And breathing that freedom in a landscape as staggering as Bardenas Reales is an experience hard to forget. Whether you're travelling with your own bike or prefer to rent one, there’s no excuse for not going as far as your pedals will take you.

5. Treat yourself to a sunset in Bardenas Reales

The sunset is a magical moment in many places around the world and especially where nature gifts us with such unique silhouettes, formations and colours as Bardenas Reales does. The light playing on this landscape will leave you speechless...

Hire a local nature guide to take you to the best places to enjoy the spectacle that is Bardenas Reales, both during the day and at sunset. If you’re into photography, get ready because you won't want to miss a second of this magical, ephemeral moment. And if you’re not, just soak in the moment!

If you want to go on your own, visit the Bardenas Reales Information Point and remember that the park closes one hour before nightfall.

Now you know how you can visit this beautiful desert, here are a few more experiences to round off your break.

​​​​​​​Take note!

Unique accommodation

If you’ve decided to discover a spot in nature so different from what you’re used to, why not prolong the adventure and spend the night somewhere a bit out of the ordinary as well? Here are three places less than 20 minutes away from Bardenas Reales where you can stay:

  • Sleep in a cave house: ideal for a family that wants to live in troglodyte style. These are houses built in the cliff face with whitewashed rooms and in which the temperature is constant all year round: 20 degrees centigrade that don’t change in winter and summer. Strange, right?

More information about the Valtierra caves

  • Sleep in a bubble with views of the desert: an exclusive plan, ideal for couples who need to switch off a bit and enjoy a special moment. Can you think of anything more romantic than watching the moon and falling asleep under a starry sky in a real bubble?

More information about Hotel Aire de Bardenas

  • ​​​​​​​Sleep in a tower house set amidst vineyards: this option is ideal for those looking for that very special boutique hotel and offers an impressive terrace and a true gastronomic experience paired with the winery’s own wines.

More information about Hotel Pago de Cirsus

* Here are some more places where you can stay in the Bardenas Reales area

Have a wild time at Sendaviva

If you're visiting with the family, Sendaviva is the perfect place to complete the weekend! And it's just a stone's throw from Bardenas Reales.  

At this nature theme park, you can see more than 1,000 animals from all over the world, enjoy some thirty attractions suitable for everyone and marvel at the amazing bird of prey display. And much more!

There is also themed accommodation right at the entrance to the park, Villa Sendaviva, with 19 family rooms with access to a communal kitchen.

But remember that Sendaviva only opens in season.

​​​​​​​Book your tickets

Tudela, the capital of La Ribera

And, seeing as how it’s so close, we have to tell you about Tudela, Navarre’s second largest city and capital of the south of Navarre, known as La Ribera region.

​​​​​​​A very pleasant and interesting city, it invites you to stroll through its old Jewish quarter and narrow streets. Don’t miss the fine details on its Baroque palaces, visit the beautiful Plaza de los Fueros and see the magnificent cathedral with its Romanesque doorway and cloister.

​​​​​​​More information about Tudela

Land of outstanding vegetables, try them!

Another of the highlights of Tudela, and La Ribera in general, are its vegetables, praised by none other than Spanish star chef Ferran Adrià.

Borage, cardoon, artichokes, Piquillo peppers, asparagus... Grown on the floodplains of the Ebro, they all have one thing in common: they’re all tasty, local products of the highest quality.

​​​​​​​Try traditional dishes such as the rich vegetable stew or any of the more innovative proposals on offer in the local restaurants.

And now we’ve told you some of the ways you can enjoy Navarre’s La Ribera region, it's up to you to decide! Come on, you won’t regret it!

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