Navarra

Navarra, Asturias & Cantabria - Overview:

Whilst in Navarra you will have plenty of opportunity to soak up the traditional atmosphere of this delightful region and the locals are proud of their rich cultural heritage. Throughout Navarra you will feel the charm of the Middle Ages while visiting the Royal Palace, the churches of Santa Maria and San Pedro, and the medieval galleries.

Navarra, Asturias & Cantabria - History:

The region of Navarra is steeped in a rich history and the former Kingdom of Navarra has had a very turbulent past. The area used to be inhabited by the Vascons but they were driven northwards by the Moors and were the ancestors of the present day Basques.

Charlemagne drove out the Moors in 778, but later that year was driven back which is the subject of the twelfth century French epic The Song of Roland. France regained control later.

The three hundred years from 1234 were particularly turbulent as the Navarrese noblemen tried to regain independence. The French were finally defeated with the help of the King of Castile in 1512 when the region became part of Spain.

A castle was built by King Carlos III of Navarra in the early 1400s and this was his summer residence until his death in 1425. Later his grandson, the Prince of Viana, lived in the castle.

Navarra, Asturias & Cantabria - Gastronomy:

Olite town is the wine making capital of Navarra and it has seven separate commercial cellars. A visit to the 15th century Bodegas Carricas is highly recommended during your stay.

Navarra, Asturias & Cantabria - Fiestas:

At the beginning of July you can visit Pamplona and experience the bull-running festival of San Fermin. Other places of historical interest include the Ciudadela fortress and the walls of the Zumalacarregui gate. In Olite, the local festival is the Exaltacion de la Cruz which takes place on September 13th.

Navarra, Asturias & Cantabria - Activities:

The Pyrenees mountains are superb for outdoor sports including canyoning, gliding, climbing, walking, paragliding and rafting along a swift flowing mountain river.

Navarra - Our holiday accommodation and service:

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So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking or climbing in Northern Green Spain's mountains and countryside; exploring Asturias & Cantabria's fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities; enjoy bird watching nature, fancy a spot of surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great beaches; or you just want to simply escape the tourist masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Spain, ferry travel and holiday car hire.