Arguedas

What do you think about visiting Arguedas this weekend?

Arguedas is a village located in the south of Navarre, in the Ribera region, bathed by the waters of the Ebro River. It has a diverse and contrasting environment. On the one hand, green irrigated fields, where rice covers large areas and also cereals, vegetables and fruit and vegetables from the fertile orchards of Navarre. On the other side, Las Bardenas, this semi-desert steppe ecosystem with its rugged beauty.

Naturalistic contrasts that, together with the orography, make it a place worth visiting and experiencing in an active way.

The origin of Arguedas is linked to its castle, the remains of which are preserved in what is popularly known as the Balconico de los Moros, located in an excellent panoramic view of the middle section of the Ebro Valley.

Of the town's architectural heritage, of particular note is the motley urban structure of its Old Quarter, the town hall (16th and 18th centuries) and the Muruzabal House (17th century) in the civil buildings; and in the religious buildings we find the Hermitage of the Virgen del Yugo (17th century), the church of San Esteban with its tower (16th and 17th centuries) and the Hermitage of San Miguel (16th century).

Another important element of its intangible heritage is Las Cuevas de Arguedas, which were used as a dwelling from the end of the 19th century until 1965. Today they are still open and form an important part of the urban landscape of Arguedas, a reflection of the landscape of the Bardenas, of land eroded by water and wind.

To the southeast, the flooded rice fields provide shelter for countless birds of passage, or storks, offering us some beautiful images, especially at dusk, when the lights of the sky find their mirror in the waters of the rice fields. A pleasant setting in which to enjoy a good walk or bike ride.

To the southwest, the Sotos del Ebro, rich in fields and orchards, with its poplar groves and the banks of the largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, with the Moncayo in the distance.

Arguedas has become an important tourist destination in Navarre. It is the main entrance to the Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and the Sendaviva Nature Park. You can also enjoy the network of local footpaths, the Nordic Walking Centre and the Ebro Nature Trail (GR-99) to enjoy the natural values and landscape. A strategic place to start your excursions around the Ribera de Navarra.

Let yourself be surprised by the landscape of Bardenas Desert, Mediterranean landscape, steppe, the moon or the American West? No, we are talking about the Bardenas Reales Nature Reserve. The Paradise of Light and the Kingdom of Silence, a land of contrasts that will surprise you with every visit.

Erosion is responsible for this spectacular landscape that has become one of the jewels of nature in Europe. It is a treasure that occupies more than 40,000 hectares that encloses a universe of its own and offers different landscapes in the same natural environment.

The "Bardena Blanca", with its capricious shapes sculpted over millions of years, offers the most characteristic and recognised landscape in all the guide books, a desert space with a lunar appearance that leaves no visitor indifferent and which has also been the setting for countless well-known films, series and advertising spots (Game of Thrones, OO7 The World Is Never Enough, Anacleto Secret Agent...). )

Who has not seen or visited Castilldetierra? It is undoubtedly the most representative landmark of Bardenas but the Bardena Blanca hides other treasures such as La Raya, El Rallón and Pisquerra, Sanchicorrota (a hill named after the famous bandit), the viewpoint of Juan Obispo or the Raso de la Junta as the most outstanding points.

The "Bardena Negra" is the eternal unknown, however, it offers a landscape of Mediterranean forest in total contrast with the Bardena Blanca. It is the area that offers the highest altitude, about 650 metres, so you can enjoy wonderful views, as well as more demanding itineraries for lovers of mountain biking. It is characterised by the greenery of its large plains and farmland, as well as its abundant fauna.

The "Plano", located in the far north, is an eminently agricultural and flat landscape with the Ferial reservoir as its main feature, but which also hides other treasures such as the Vedado de Eguaras Nature Reserve and the remains of Peñaflor Castle, in the municipality of Valtierra, whose legend tells that it was here that Doña Blanca de Navarra was imprisoned and where the bandit Sanchicorrota visited her.

And after an intense day visiting Arguedas and its surroundings, the best way to rest and relax is in the Dezerto Bardenas tourist accommodation, where Consuelo and her family will be waiting for you with open arms to offer you all the necessary comforts and services. Dezerto Bardenas is a unique building, with its own identity and signature, inspired by the strata, colours and textures of the Bardenas Reales de Navarra. A place where you can enjoy the natural environment, relax and rest, but very centrally located in a town that offers all the basic services. On the ground floor of the building, with the entrance on Calle Real, there is a shop on the ground floor with products from Navarre, wines with designation of origin from Navarre, handmade souvenirs and a tourist information point to make your stay even easier.

Now that Christmas is approaching, don't hesitate to enjoy this wonderful experience in this unique place!

More information and reservations to complete your trip:

Infoarguedas Photos courtesy of Emilio Floristán.

Arguedas Town Hall

Visit Bardenas

Royal Bardenas 

Navarre Wine Route

Accommodation and Dezerto Bardenas shop 

Activa Experience