The Foral Community of Navarra is a northern territory in Spain whose villages are characterized by their connection with nature and their present life without leaving behind the traditions and heritage of the past. In this article, I will tell you which are the most beautiful villages in Navarra based on my experience visiting the area.

Deciding which are the most beautiful villages in Navarra is not an easy task and, without a doubt, it is subjective, as each person has different tastes. Therefore, I encourage you to consider this list as a reference, and not as an absolute truth, so that you can get to know Navarra for yourself and decide which are your favorites.

10. Bera

Next to the Bidasoa River is Bera, a small town where you can observe houses with traditional Navarran architecture. In my opinion, the most beautiful spot in Bera is Herriko Etxeko square, where the Church of San Esteban and the Town Hall, a baroque building with paintings on its facade, are located. Also, in Bera, in a more secluded area, next to a stream, is Casa Itzea, where Pío Baroja, a relevant Spanish writer, lived with his family.

If you are traveling by camper, you might be interested to know that there is a free motorhome area here with clean water and gray and black water emptying facilities.

9. Tudela

We are going to a much larger town, which could actually be considered a city (in fact, it’s the second-largest in Navarre after Pamplona). But the beauty of its old town is such that I wanted to include it on the list.

Around its impressive Plaza de los Fueros, you will find the Cathedral of Santa María La Mayor, as well as large palaces and other temples, such as the Church of Santa María Magdalena.

8. Olague

Olague is not a well-known village or one with outstanding constructions; in fact, it is a town with just over 200 inhabitants. But that’s precisely why I loved it.

It’s where we stayed during our trip to Navarra, and its calm and surroundings amazed me. It is a luxury to stroll through its silent streets, observe the flocks of sheep, and chat with its welcoming neighbors.

7. Olite

Olite is one of the most well-known and visited villages in Navarra. The main reason: its spectacular castle, which is actually the Royal Palace. This fortified complex with seven towers and a wall was built at the beginning of the 15th century.

On the outside, it has a style similar to French Gothic, while inside, the Mudéjar aesthetic stands out. By the way, there is also a motorhome area here (I’m increasingly keen to take a campervan getaway through Navarre).

6. Sangüesa

With the number of churches and historic buildings in Sangüesa, its old town is a true gem. Among them is the Palace of Viana, which has its own moat, as well as the Ongay-Vallesantoro Palace and the Añués Palace. But if there is one essential building, it is the Romanesque Church of Santa María La Real, whose facade, which you can observe for hours, left me speechless.

5. Estella

We are now entering the TOP 5 of the most beautiful villages in Navarra with Estella, a stop on the Camino de Santiago with a spectacular old town. The town is divided in two by the Egea River, and on both sides, there are important points to visit. On one side, there is the colorful Inmaculada square and the Church of San Miguel.

On the other side, crossing the river, we find a spectacular architectural complex that already from San Martín square leaves us with a beautiful postcard. It is also essential to walk along San Nicolás and Rua Kalea streets, as well as admire the Church of San Pedro de la Rúa and cross the Prison Bridge.

4. Elizondo

The capital of the Baztán Valley could not be missed. Elizondo preserves the essence and history of this beautiful valley in its streets. Starting from the Plaza de los Fueros (Fueros suqare) and walking along Jaime Urrutia street, we will admire imposing constructions such as the Arizkunene Palace and Arozarena House. Some of the most beautiful photos of Elizondo can be taken from the Txokoto bridge.

Before leaving the municipality, don’t forget to visit the Church of Santiago, which was rebuilt in its current location after the great flood of 1913. On our 5-day route through Navarra, we visited it on the same day as the next one, Amaiur, as they are only 8 km apart.

3. Amaiur

Amaiur or Maya is proof that beauty comes in small packages. This town of about 284 inhabitants is structured around practically a single street, the Major street, which is accessed through a small entrance arch.

If you feel up to it, I recommend climbing to the remains of Amaiur Castle, from where you have beautiful views of the village and its surroundings.

2. Etxalar

Etxalar is pure Navarran essence. Among its streets of large traditional houses, you will find the Church of the Assumption of Etxalar, in whose entrance patio you can observe discoidal stelae. I loved wandering aimlessly and leisurely through this town. (The cover image of the article is Etxalar).

1. Lesaka

Lesaka is the town in Navarra that I fell most in love with and, therefore, for me, it deserves the first position. The large number of traditional houses, the water channels that cross some streets, the Gothic Tower of Zabaleta, the Church of San Martín de Tours at the top… Not to mention that we had lunch wonderfully in one of Lesaka’s restaurants, Zantzonea.

Fortunately, Etxalar and Lesaka are only 8 km apart, so you can visit both in the same day and thus not give up on either of them.

There are towns that I still have pending and, therefore, I have not taken into account as I have not yet visited them, but which you can also consider for your trip to Navarre: Uxue, Otsagabia, and Viana, for example.

I hope you liked this TOP 10 of the most beautiful villages in Navarra. Again, I remind you that it is a totally subjective view and that, surely, each person would put a different order, or remove and add others. The important thing is that you admire these and other points of the area. Enjoy the beauty of Navarra!

Pictures are from my travel blog in Spanish, Meraviglia, so I own the rights to them.