Navarra is a land of legends. Its low population density and a great respect for nature have allowed it to preserve a nature of diverse and well cared for landscapes.

 

Diverse because, despite its small extension, in Navarra you can find both high snowy peaks and arid deserts. Care because almost 50% of its territory is protected; a hundred spaces, among which its three Natural Parks stand out: the Bárdenas Reales, the Sierras de Urbasa and Andía and the Señorío de Bertiz.

 

With this panorama, it is not surprising that a large number of ecotourists choose to practice activities in nature in Navarre.

 

There are many and diverse; but one of the best to know the territory is hiking. In addition to the roads present in the Natural Parks (the Urederra River in the Raso de Urbasa is a good example), you will find many others scattered throughout Navarre. The so-called Route of Landscapes offers 20 viewpoints connected by 15 trails closely linked to water.

It is also possible to travel these roads on horseback, one of the most demanded nature activities in Navarra. There are many possibilities to ride. Some examples are the route to the Xorroxin waterfall, in the Baztán Valley, the Wine Route or the Ablitas paths, which run between olive trees.

 

If you like more to move vertically than horizontally, you can go to the Media Zone of Navarra to dedicate yourself to climbing. There are many well-conditioned walls for this sport, which can also be done throughout the year. Some of the most attractive schools are in the municipalities of Estella, Irurzun and Lesaca.

 

Another exciting activity usual in Navarra is speleology. Throughout its geography are hidden caves and grottos that can be explored, that is, better with the company of a guide. Although there are many examples, the most noteworthy are found in the mountains of Aralar or Urbasa; as well as in the Larra massif, where the San Martín cave stands out, which, with 1,300 meters of depth, is one of the largest in Europe.

 

For those who prefer to explore the skies, there are some places suitable for the practice of paragliding and hang gliding in the Middle Zone. They emphasize, for example, the valley of Belagua, the mountain range of Leire and, again, the mountain range of Aralar. Regarding water, some reservoirs that allow the practice of sports such as windsurfing, sailing or paddle surfing are the Yesa reservoir and the Alloz reservoir.