2026 Estella Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

The City of Stars - Estella-Lizarra is a historic medieval city rich in artistic treasures and one of the most important towns on the Camino de Santiago. It has a beautiful nickname, "Beautiful Estella." Because it has not undergone large-scale modern development, the medieval old town is almost completely preserved, which is its greatest asset today. The city is filled with Romanesque and Gothic churches, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, far exceeding what one would expect from a town of just over 20,000 people. The Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra is one of the few purely Romanesque civil royal palaces still preserved in Spain. Most Romanesque buildings in Europe are churches, and very few secular royal palaces have survived to this day, making it extremely valuable. The Gateway to the Pyrenees - Roncesvalles, located on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees at an altitude of about 950 meters, today has only a few dozen permanent residents and is a very quiet small village. Although called a "village," it is more like a religious settlement formed around a monastery, surrounded by large beech and oak forests. After crossing the Pyrenees, the first major stop is Roncesvalles. It almost brings together the three most important cultures of Navarra: Basque culture, European pilgrimage culture, and knightly legend culture. Therefore, it holds an important place in European literature, religion, and history. Many visitors come here not just to see the buildings but to experience a peaceful atmosphere that feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. The Capital of Romanesque Art - Sangüesa is so named because it has Navarra's most outstanding group of Romanesque buildings, especially the main entrance of the Church of Santa María la Real, which is considered one of Spain's finest 12th-century Romanesque sculptures. Unlike many French Romanesque churches that emphasize only the Last Judgment, this entrance integrates the Old Testament, New Testament, mythical animals, pagan symbols, and the final judgment all into one. For pilgrims, this door is a "Bible" carved in stone and a lesson on the history of salvation.

Spanish Pilgrimage Journey|DAY 08 Discovering the true essence of life in a square without screens 📍Estella 0 km 📍Ayegui 1.6 km 📍Irache 4 km 📍Azqueta 7.2 km 📍Villamayor de Monjardín 9.2 km 📍Los Arcos 21.4 km Today's distance: 21.4 km Total accumulated distance: 133.4 km Accommodation: Albergue Municipal "Isaac Santiago" Leaving Estella early in the morning, the sky was as clear as if it had been freshly washed. Today's route wasn't particularly challenging, but it carried a lightness unique to weekends. Passing through Ayegui, I soon arrived at Irache. The monastery stood quietly, a reminder of the countless pilgrims the Camino de Santiago has accompanied over centuries. Vineyards shimmered under the sunlight, and the wind carried the scent of soil and ripe fruits from the fields. Walking through Azqueta and Villamayor de Monjardín, stone houses intertwined with slopes. The distant wheat fields resembled a golden sea, swaying with the wind. My steps were steady and rhythmic, as if my body had reached a certain harmony with this pace. By afternoon, I arrived at Los Arcos. It was livelier than I had imagined. Today marked the first weekend of the pilgrimage, and the town square was brimming with the essence of life. On the open space in front of the shelter, children chased after a soccer ball, their laughter echoing between the stone walls. Adults gathered under the arcade of a small tavern, sipping beer and chatting away. Some laughed heartily while patting shoulders, others slowly savored their coffee, as if time had intentionally slowed down. What surprised me the most was— Looking around, almost no one was staring at their phones. No constant notifications, no cold glow of screens. Only genuine eye contact and attentive listening. At that moment, I suddenly realized that this journey was not only changing my steps but also adjusting my focus. Walking the Camino every day, I concentrated on my breathing, the sound of the wind, the texture of the stones beneath my feet. I admired the contours of the hills, felt the warmth of the sun on my back, and listened to the distant church bells ringing slowly. It turns out, when life is simplified to just walking, eating, sleeping, and conversing, the mind becomes extraordinarily clear. This is my first grand journey in life. Not the kind of rushed, checklist-style travel, nor a meticulously planned sightseeing trip, but a real, slow journey that requires sweat and patience. 133.4 kilometers. Every step grounded in the present. As night fell, the town's lights softly illuminated the surroundings. The square remained lively, but the liveliness was not noisy—it was a gentle companionship. Sitting on a bench, I watched the children finish their last game, the adults raise their glasses in farewell, and a profound sense of peace filled my heart. Perhaps, a grand journey is never about proving courage, but about rediscovering focus. Today's reflection: When you're willing to put down the screen, the world will return its true scenery to you.

A Journey to the Pyrenees in Spain – Navarre Autonomous Community This building, also known as the Palace of the Kings of Navarre, is a prime example of Romanesque civil architecture, constructed in the 12th century. The old entrance of the building once featured four large semicircular arches. On the first floor, there are four large windows adorned with capitals decorated with plant and animal motifs. The capitals on the main façade depict the scene of Roland battling the giant Ferragut. After being restored by architect Miguel A. Alonso del Val, the building reopened in 1991. It now houses the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum, which showcases most of his plastic and graphic works, primarily focusing on female figures, portraits, still lifes, and landscapes.

A journey through the Spanish Pyrenees ~ Navarre Autonomous Community This sanctuary, constructed in the late 12th century, still stands strong today. It features three naves, built around the 13th century. The Church of San Andrés showcases Baroque architecture and a Rococo-style altarpiece. At the base of the church, there are Baroque-style seating and a baptismal font. The exterior cloister is square-shaped, adorned with capitals depicting the lives of saints and Christ, as well as carvings of plants and animals.

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Navarra The building is in Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the transition is clearly visible inside. This is a simple church. The north door is richly decorated in Romanesque style and is considered one of the finest Romanesque doors in Navarre. Its most interesting features are the reliefs on either side of the doorway, depicting scenes from the Resurrection and the struggle of the Archangel Michael. Inside the church there is a Gothic altarpiece painted on stucco. This is the burial place of Marquis Muruzabal and Marquis Aegea. Sculptures on the altar include the 17th-century St. Crispin. #AprilDestinations2025#SpainTravel

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Navarra It is one of the oldest churches in Estella. Construction began at the end of the 12th century in Romanesque style. Originally, the church was built on a Latin cross plan with three naves, of which only the Evangelical nave (the one closest to the road) still stands, with a semicircular apse on top and a Gothic doorway on the side. Throughout the 14th century work began on a new apse with two polygonal apses, one in the central nave and the other in the epistle nave. However, the work was never fully completed, which ultimately paralyzed the work on the church in the 16th century. In the early 19th century, the temple was threatened with destruction, so the central nave and one of the side naves were demolished, leaving only the Gospel Nave. In 1881, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre ceased to be a parish, closed its doors, and parishioners moved to the nearby Church of San Pedro de la Rua. The most striking feature of this church is the 14th-century Gothic doorway. It is a doorway consisting of a pointed arch flaring outwards, with twelve simple arches and angels on the keys. The arches are supported by simple columns with continuous capitals decorated with plant motifs. The tympanum is divided into three sections and has interesting historical decorations. The lower body represents the Last Supper, with the table in perspective so the cutlery and food can be seen. The upper body depicts the Passion of Jesus, surrounded by the Virgin Mary and Saint John, while the middle body depicts scenes from the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are two sculptures on the outside of the column, namely the patron saint Santiago and Saint Martin of Tours. Supporting the lintel are two corbels with two Jewish faces on them. At the top of the main facade, there are six niches with pointed arches on each side of the doorway, in which sculptures of the Twelve Apostles can be seen. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not open to the public and you cannot visit its interior. Of its three naves, only two still have foundations, and only the Gospel Nave still stands. However, the church is worth visiting if only to see one of the most beautiful Gothic porches in Navarre, which is also in a good state of conservation. #AprilGoodDestinations2025

A Journey to the Pyrenees in Spain - Navarre Autonomous Community If you visit the charming city of Navarre, Estella, the Basilica of Our Lady of Puy is a must-see destination. Not only is it a site of significant religious and cultural importance, but it also offers a spectacular panoramic experience as a natural viewpoint, showcasing breathtaking views of Estella and its surrounding areas. Located atop a hill, this basilica seamlessly blends spirituality with natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for meditation and enjoying the scenery.

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Navarra The collection includes works by the Victorian painter Gustavo de Maeztu, who spent the last years of his life in Estrella, and covers a wide range of themes such as the female figure, portraits, the Civil War, still lifes, landscapes… In addition, there are many drawings and sketches by the artist, as well as some self-portraits. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel

Spanish Pyrenees Adventure ~ Navarre Autonomous Community This is a very interesting and well-preserved Carlist history museum, which is an integral part of Spanish history itself. It showcases the history of Carlism from the early 19th century to the transition period of the 1970s. Highly recommended! Unfortunately, taking photos of the exhibits is not allowed, but you can take pictures of the courtyard. The prices are affordable, and discounts are available for different groups. The facilities are well-maintained and thoughtfully arranged.

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Navarra Connects the San Pedro de la Rúa neighborhood to the Old Town. The bridge you see today is a single-arch bridge that was built in the late 19th century. XIX, replaced the medieval old bridge of the 12th century, destroyed in 1873 during the Carlist Wars, and rebuilt on the previous model. It is also known as Picudo Bridge due to its appearance. After visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this is the only way to enter the Jewish Quarter, where you can also enjoy the scenery surrounded by various houses on both sides of the Ega River. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Navarra The Estella Bus Station is a key point for public transportation in the city, providing connections to various destinations within Navarra and outside the community. However, its infrastructure is fairly basic, leaving room for significant improvement. The building is utilitarian in design, with a small waiting room which, while adequate for normal traffic, may be somewhat restrictive during periods of high traffic. The services provided are minimal: some benches, vending machines and a timetable. Despite its simplicity, the station performs its primary function effectively. One of the advantages is its central location, which makes it more accessible to both residents and tourists of Estella. In addition, the proximity to historical and commercial areas also brings convenience to people who are stopping over or waiting. Overall, it’s a serviceable station, although I would like it to be modernised to provide more amenities for passengers, such as better toilet facilities, a larger covered space and additional service options. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel

A journey to the Pyrenees in Spain ~ Navarre Autonomous Community The Church of San Juan Bautista de Estella reflects centuries of history. Located at the heart of Plaza de los Fueros, it stands as one of the city's most iconic religious buildings. Its origins date back to the 12th century, although it has undergone various modifications, resulting in a structure that combines Romanesque, Gothic, and later elements. Particularly noteworthy are its ornate Gothic façade and interior, where visitors can find several chapels featuring fascinating altarpieces. One of the most striking aspects of the church is its sturdy tower, which contributes to its robust appearance. Additionally, this church has played a significant role in the city's life, serving as the headquarters of one of Estella's oldest parishes. The surroundings add to its charm: the lively Plaza de los Fueros, where the church is situated, offers a perfect spot to relax and peacefully admire its architecture.