In the southeast of Navarra we are going to meet The Bardenas Reales. At first glance it is a semi-desert landscape that contrasts with the greener color of the Navarrese Pyrenees. Therefore, it is another of the essential points to take into account when we have a couple of days off.
Because, in general, it is a very special place. Where we find a landscape worth seeing and discovering everything it has for us. A parque natural where you will spend great moments. Therefore, you should not miss all this information that we offer you.
How to get to Las Bardenas Reales
One of the best and almost the only ways is that to get to the Bardenas, we need the car. This area has two parts, which we will now talk about. But if we go towards the so-called 'La Blanca', then you will have to take the N-134 road. At kilometer 15,1 you will see the entrance to this place. Follow it and it will take you to the visitor center. This road is the one that connects Tudela with Arguedas. The other part of the Bardenas called 'La Negra' is the one that is bordering Aragon. But without a doubt, the main area of ​​both is the first and as we have said, you can arrive with the car without problem.
What to see in Las Bardenas Reales
As we have mentioned, there are two areas. But 'La Blanca' is the main of the two. Within all the areas that make up Las Bardenas, we find certain places that we must take into account.
- The corner of Bú: It is a small area that is in the southern part, being declared a nature reserve since 1986.
- Landazuria: It is located at the foot of the hill of the well-known Virgen de Nuestra Señora del Yugo. There you will see drying and irrigated crops.
- Falls of the Black: As its name indicates, it is in 'La Bardena Negra'. It has a drop that reaches 270 meters. Numerous bushes and animals such as owls or vultures will be its main protagonists.
- The Vedado de Eguarás or Peñaflor: It has an area of ​​1200 hectares. Although it does not belong directly to the Bardenas, it is another point that we can visit and we will enjoy great vegetation in front of so much desert.
How to visit Las Bardenas Reales
All this natural park can be done in three different ways. On the one hand, you can explore it on foot, although there are also areas where you can do it by car and even by bicycle. Without a doubt, there are options for all tastes. You have to always be attentive, because there is a military area, which is the shooting range. You will see the signs so that you do not step where you should not.
Right at the top of the mountain there is a viewpoint, from where you can appreciate all the details of the place. The truth is that it has several but some of them will not let you see much unless it is accompanied by good binoculars. One of the most emblematic places is called head of Castildetierra. Nor can we forget the 'Castil de Tierra' or also known as Chimney of the fairies, since it is another of the most special points of the place.
It is a kind of hill, but of earth shaped like a chimney, hence its name. In this area you will find a little of everything. Since in addition to the numerous hills, which have very different sizes, you can enjoy river beds and even some ravines. Do not be surprised if you also come across some abandoned houses, or the remains of them.
When to go to Las Bardenas Reales
Thinking that it is a desert area and that temperatures can rise a lot during the summer, it is always better in the autumn time. From October to the end of May we can organize our walk for the place. Remember, anyway, that the tour can take you two or three hours. So we must always be well provided with what is necessary, whatever the month. If you go by car, better check the gas tank, bring water to hydrate and something to eat. You have to remember that if you finally opt for the car, you must maintain a series of rules. Among them, do not go more than 40 kilometers per hour and you can only stop in the areas enabled for it. Similarly, comfortable clothing is absolutely necessary in this case.
Our schedules
Being a natural park you can visit it comfortably from eight in the morning until dark. But the visitor center already has more specific hours. Therefore, from April to August it will be open in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. While in the afternoon from 16:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m. If you plan to go from September to March, then in the mornings you will find it open from 9:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. and in the afternoon, only from 15:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m.