Las Bardenas Reales: What to see and do, where to eat and sleep

Tonight of January 4, ‘Off the Map’ it will make us enjoy with a new delivery. This time, Alberto Chicote enters the Bardenas Reales of Navarra with Cayetano Martínez de Irujo and you will be left wanting to visit it.

The Bardenas Reales natural park and biosphere reserve It is located in the center of the depression of the Ebro valley and has an area of almost 42,000 hectares, according to its official tourism page. This protected area borders 13 Navarrese municipalities and the autonomous community of Aragon. In the area you can find points of up to 659 meters of altitude.

The Bardenas Reales area was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2000, so you can find a space of great biological richness. It is for this reason and for its geographic rarity that this desert in Navarra draws the attention of its visitors.

Its fauna and flora seem typical of the African continent; This is confirmed by the official Navarra tourism portal. In this way, you can find eagles, vultures, owls, bustards, foxes, bobcats, genets, amphibians and reptiles camping among bushes, as well as other species in the area.

It has a large space through which to explore the park, hence you can go hiking and cycling without any problem. In addition, there is also the option of traveling by car along the marked paths or even by quad, segway or buggy, hiring the service at local companies.

Activities in the Bardenas Reales

To enjoy your trip to the Bardenas to the fullest and not miss anything, the tourist offices recommend taking a look at the activities organized by the different companies. In this way, you will know the history and the most incredible corners of the place. Learn about some of the activities and where to make the reservation, below.

Guided bike route

One of the options offered in the area is to get to know this corner of Navarra by electric bike with a tour guide. In this way, in addition to enjoying the landscape, the official Navarra tourism page ensures that you can discover their culture and traditions in a sustainable and adventurous way. The duration is half a day and you can make the reservation in the tourism portal.

4×4 route

You can also choose to go on a 4×4 route accompanied by an expert guide. This route will take you to know the Bardena Blanca Baja, the Bardena Blanca Alta and you will get to Castildetierra. They have several options and you can make a reservation of the vehicle for up to three hours.

4X4 route from north to south

This option offers you the opportunity to get to know the natural park in depth of the Bardenas Reales. It has an expert guide who will take you to know places that are outside the routes that most tourists travel. The path begins in the Oliva Monastery and goes through The Plane, La Bardena Blanca Alta, Baja, Piskerra Y Rallon until reaching Castildetierra. In this case, the reserve it’s noon.

Where to eat and sleep

In addition to enjoying the landscape and nature, another way to get closer to its culture and make your trip a unique experience is to know its gastronomy. Near the natural park you can find different restaurants, cider houses and grills where you can taste typical Navarrese dishes such as the migas bardeneras, the asparagus from navarra The the peppers stuffed with cod.

In addition, if you are passionate about wine and want to know how it is made here in Navarra, you have the option of delving into the Navarra Wine Route, where you can get to know the interior of the wineries and do a tasting with an expert guide.

But rest is also very important and in the Bardenas you can find options that not all towns can offer you. We are talking about Bubbles, the transparent inflatable bubbles where you can spend the night and gaze at the stars. Probably one of the best options to enjoy this environment and its nature.

You can also find hotels, campsites The hostels near the park. On the official tourism website you can find a list with accommodations recommended.