Aire de Bardenas

Activities

• If you like hanging out at cool hotels in the middle of nowhere, you’ll love it here. You can catch some sun by the big pool while staring out onto a distant ridge where wind turbines stand like candles on a birthday cake. Have lunch on the terrace, cool drinks at the bar, or rent a bike to explore. And don’t forget your lovely daybed for siestas
  
  
• If you want something more active, you’ll find it on your doorstep in the Bardenas Reales National Park, known for its beautiful sandstone hills. Guided walks can be arranged; there are mountain bike trails, too. You can even segway through desert valleys. Those who do may spot peregrine falcons, booted eagles and griffon vultures
  
  
• Tudela, the region’s capital, was founded by Romans, taken by Moors, reclaimed by Christians. Its pleasant streets reflect the prosperity that farming has brought to the area. You can climb a hill to the north, where a statue of Christ overlooks the town, then roll back down and check out the 12th-century cathedral. There are a number of good cafés and bars in the centre. They get very busy during the fiesta of Santa Ana, which starts on 24 July. They run bulls in the central square to celebrate
  
  
• The wine fields of Rioja Baja stretch into the west of Navarre. You’ll find them a mere 20 minutes away by car. The olive groves here are equally important, their oil much prized in Spain. Visit both for tastings and take-homes
  
  
• Pamplona, a beautiful old Spanish city, is 1 hour north; Logroño, capital of La Rioja, is 100km northwest. Both are well worth the journey