Navarra Cuisine:
The cuisine of Navarra has an excellent reputation and is extremely varied thanks to the characteristics of its landscapes. Specialties from the mountain-ranges are several preparations of game, usually in tasty sauces, as well as salmon and trout. An original recipe is trout filled with cured ham.
Pochas de Sanguesa, is a very delicious type of bean and is the base for many typical dishes.
The region of Tierra de Estela is famous for its dishes of lamb and goat: Asados de Cordero, Cabrito and Cordero en Chilindron. Ribera has delicious vegetables, like the mild Pimientos del Piquillo (red pepper) and Asparagus, as well as an original preparation of fish in a sauce of garlic and paprika, called Ajoarriero.
Combining beautifully with the dishes mentioned above are the well-known wines of the region, D.O. Navarra.
About the Area
Near Pamplona you can enjoy sights of great natural beauty. To the west is the Urbasa and Andía Nature Reserve. To the north, the villages and valleys of the Pyrenees in Navarre provide some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire province.
In the Atlantic Pyrenees, at the western-most end, are major natural spaces, such as the Bertiz Nature Reserve.
One of the most important valleys is Baztán, which is surrounded by mountains and contains villages such as Berroeta, Aniz, Ziga, etc., all of which have a great many medieval towers and palaces. Fine examples of ancient construction can be found in the capital of the valley, Elizondo, from where you can visit Urdax and Zugarramurdi, these last villages famous for their caves and for being the old site of sorcerers' covens.
In the Eastern Pyrenees the main feature is the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela. Coming down from France, it enters the lands of Navarre until arriving at Roncesvalles, a town established as a sanctuary and hospital in 1132 and a first staging post for pilgrims.
Following the chain of mountains eastwards is the Selva de Irati, a unique natural area which boasts one of the largest beechwoods in the south of Europe.
Attractions
Catedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda - Constructed on top of an earlier Romanesque church, the current cathedral is famous for its broad naves and twin towers. It also has vaulting from the 1400s, although the baroque facade dates from 1742. Inside, visitors can see its 1762 Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, built in an octagonal shape with rococo adornments. The cathedral is open daily from 8am to 1pm and 6 to 8:30pm. Located on Plaza del Mercado.
Iglesia de Santa Maria de Palacio - This 12th Century palace was once part of a royal palace, and dates back to 1130, when Alfonso VII offered his residence to the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Most of what he left is long gone, but there is still a pyramid-shaped spire from the 13th Century. The palace is located on Marques de San Nicolas.
Wine Harvest Festival - This is a special event that should not be missed, if you find yourself in this region, during the month of September. About a third of all Rioja wine production comes from the Najerilla River valley. From September 20 to September 26, the Harvest Festival takes place throughout the region of La Rioja. Barefoot locals stomp upon grapes spilling from oak casks, and area vineyards showcase their wares. Other activities include dances, parades, music and bullfights.
Palacio Real - Located in the town of Olite, the tower and lookouts make visiting the palace an adventure. In the 15th Century, the Gothic town of Olite, was a favourite residence for the Kings of Navarre. Charles III put Olite on the map, ordering that the palace be built in 1406. This is an interesting sightseeing activity for visitors of all ages. The establishment is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and admission is 2.10 adults, 1.20 children and students. The palace is located on Plaza Carlos III el Noble.
Monasterio de la Oliva - Visitors who have access to a car, might also check out this location 34km south of Olite. It was founded by King Garcia Ramirez in 1164 and is an excellent example of Cistercian architecture. This monastery was one of the first to be constructed by French monks outside France. It once had great influence, and presently the most notable feature is its 14th Century Gothic cloisters. The late 12th Century church is even more impressive. It has a delicately rendered portal and two rose windows. Pillars and pointed arches fill its interior. The monastery is open daily from 9:30am to 1:30pm and 3:30 to 6:30pm.
Navarra 
Pamplona 
Pamplona
