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Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts, Les Collectionneurs (Chateaux), and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International, formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
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Exploring Navarra
Lorna Roberts is undoubtedly a Parador expert having explored every nook and cranny of Spain and visiting almost all of the Paradors throughout her experience as their Irish Agent and leading numerous escorted tours across Spain using these wonderful hotels.
Here she shares her knowledge of the peaceful region of Navarra and its Paradors:
NAVARRA is a former kingdom rich in history and contains many well-preserved buildings in the medieval villages and walled towns. The region stretches from the Pyrenees to La Rioja in the west, to Aragon in the east and Castilla in the south. It is divided into three very different areas:
- The Pyrenees – foothills rising to mountain ranges, rivers and trout streams and Pyrenean villages.
- La Zona Media – nature parks, canyons and most of the vineyards.
- La Riviera – plains and lagoons of the River Ebro in the south
Pamplona
PAMPLONA, a university city, in the centre of Navarra is the capital. Around the impressive Plaza del Castillo, the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, and numerous churches and museums is the city wall leading up to the Citadel which dates back to the 16th century. It is possible to walk around a large part of the wall. Pamplona is probably best known for the Festival of St Fermin in July when the bull running takes place in the narrow streets and the city also found fame as it was featured in many of Hemingway’s novels including “For whom the bells toll”.
Other historic towns are Sanguesa, Tudela, Artajona, Estella and Olite, the former seat of the Kings of Navarra and now a national monument with the castle and church of Santa Maria la Real and the 15th century palace which is now the Parador.
Roncesvalles, as well as being the starting point of the Camino de Santiago is also known for the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 when Charlemagne was defeated by the Basque tribes. The north-eastern part of Navarra considers itself to be part of the Basque country so many people speak the language as their mother tongue.
Navarra has many monasteries, convents, palaces and castles as reminders of its royal and religious past, notably the Castillo de Javier which was the birthplace of St Francisco Javier in 1506, the founder of the Jesuit missionaries and Patron Saint of Navarra, and the monasteries of La Oliva and San Salvador de Leyre.
Parador in the Heart of Navarra Region
The PARADOR DE OLITE is the only Parador in the region. It is part of the 5th century castle beside the Royal Palace and the church of Santa Maria La Real. All the furnishings and décor are in keeping with the Medieval building and surroundings.
AIRPORTS: There are no international airports in either region so the nearest are at Bilbao, Biarritz and Vitoria.
If you are interested in escorted tours to the Paradors, please contact us. Lorna can tell you virtually everything there is to know about the Paradors of Spain, and she will be very happy to arrange all your booking requirements.
