{"id":10456,"date":"2026-09-15T10:56:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/?p=10456"},"modified":"2026-09-15T10:56:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:56:32","slug":"navarre-in-2-days-from-pamplona-to-the-bardenas-reales-desert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/en\/globe-trotter\/navarre-in-2-days-from-pamplona-to-the-bardenas-reales-desert\/","title":{"rendered":"Navarre in 2 Days: From Pamplona to the Bardenas Reales Desert"},"content":{"rendered":"

When plans change, there’s always a path to follow and new things to discover.<\/p>\n

This summer was supposed to be a little different. My boyfriend and I had planned to make a fresh start at the beginning of the year, both working as seasonal employees at a campground in the southern Landes region from March through September. But my colon cancer<\/a> put those plans on hold. <\/p>\n

Even so, my sweetheart decided to give this new life a try during July and August. As for me, after finding a hospital willing to continue my chemotherapy treatments, I was able to join him for the season and explore the entire coast. And we decided to take advantage of our two consecutive days off each week to turn them into little getaways. <\/p>\n

The campground\u2019s location, near the Basque Country, has a huge advantage: Spain is just a short drive away. In just a few hours by car, the northern part of the country offers an incredible playground. So, for these two days of freedom, let\u2019s head to Navarre.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Highlights include: Pamplona, the Bardenas Reales, Olite, and the Foz de Lumbier.<\/p>\n

In just two days, we discovered extremely diverse landscapes\u2014from Pamplona and its capital-city atmosphere to the desert-like landscapes of the Bardenas, passing through the medieval palace of Olite and the lush cliffs of the Foz de Lumbier. <\/strong>And in the end, that\u2019s what I loved most about this road trip: the feeling of completely changing scenery after traveling just a few dozen kilometers.<\/p>\n

So I\u2019d like to take you through our itinerary<\/strong> again , complete\u2014as always\u2014with our insider tips, practical advice, and recommended spots.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 1: Pamplona and the Bardenas Reales<\/h2>\n

Pamplona: Much More Than the San Ferm\u00edn Festival<\/h3>\n

We began our getaway in Pamplona, the capital of Navarre.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arriving here around lunchtime turned out to be a great way to start our exploration of the region: a few hours to stroll through the historic center, eat some pintxos (tapas), and take the time to soak up the atmosphere<\/strong> before hitting the road again.<\/p>\n

When you think of Pamplona, you inevitably think of the Sanfermines<\/em><\/strong>. And for good reason: this festival, which takes place every year from July 6 to 14, has become one of the most famous folk festivals in the world<\/strong>. Each year, nearly 1.5 million people take part in the various events of the Sanfermines. In 2025, the number even exceeded 1.6 million, and in 2024, the record surpassed 1.8 million participants. <\/p>\n

The famous encierro, where runners try to outrun the bulls through the city streets, is obviously the most recognizable image of these festivities<\/strong>. But the Sanfermines also consist of nine days of music, shows, parades, traditions, and celebrations that completely transform Pamplona. And you can\u2019t miss the dress code: white from head to toe, with the famous red scarf around the neck.<\/strong> <\/p>\n