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Tudela and Bardenas Reales

Navarra · Spain

Tudela and Bardenas Reales

The capital of Ribera de Navarra, with a cathedral built over the former mosque, market gardens on the banks of the Ebro, and the semi-desert of the Bardenas Reales next door.

North

In the photo: Castildetierra, Bardenas Reales

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Tudela is the second city of Navarra and the capital of the Ribera, the Ebro river plain in the southern part of the region. It is about 95 km from Pamplona and a similar distance from Zaragoza and Logroño, at a crossroads of roads and rail lines.

The city was founded during the Muslim period and for centuries Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together in its neighborhoods. The Cathedral of Santa María was built over the old main mosque, and Tudela is part of the Red de Juderías de España. The Plaza de los Fueros, dating from the late 17th century, links the old quarter to the new town.

Around the city are the market gardens of the Ribera, which supply the region’s cuisine with asparagus, artichokes, broad beans and peas. This is the origin of the menestra de verduras, and the city celebrates the vegetable gardens every spring during the Fiestas de la Verdura.

A few kilometers away begins the Bardenas Reales Natural Park, a semi-desert landscape of clay, gypsum and sandstone shaped by erosion, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Tudela is the natural base for exploring it.

This destination brings together 1 city: Tudela.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Tudela and Bardenas Reales is
Tudela

Outlines: IGN/CNIG, unidades administrativas, CC BY 4.0. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Tudela and Bardenas Reales

✈ Aeropuerto de Pamplona (PNA), in Noáin · 90 km to Tudela

✈ Aeropuerto de Zaragoza (ZAZ), in Saragoça · 90 km to Tudela

Tudela de Navarra station is near the center and receives long-distance and regional trains on the Ebro line. The nearest airports are Pamplona and Zaragoza, both about 90 km away. By car, Tudela is next to the AP-68 and the AP-15 motorways.

The local experience

Things to do in Tudela and Bardenas Reales

Cathedral of Tudela (Cathedral of Santa María de Tudela)
Tudela · Navarra · Cathedral

Cathedral of Tudela (Cathedral of Santa María de Tudela)

Cathedral of Santa María, built from the 12th century over the former main mosque, with a Romanesque plan and Gothic elevation. The Door of Judgment and the Romanesque cloister are the best-known features. Declared a National Monument in 1884.

Plaza de los Fueros
Tudela · Navarra · Square

Plaza de los Fueros

Tudela’s main square, built between 1687 and 1691 over the bed of the Queiles River. It has the Casa del Reloj, a bandstand in the center, and balconies decorated with bullfighting scenes from when the square served as an arena.

Bardenas Reales (Bardenas Reales Natural Park)
Tudela · Navarra · Nature park

Bardenas Reales (Bardenas Reales Natural Park)

A semi-desert natural park north of Tudela, with clay, gypsum and sandstone formations carved by erosion, such as the Castildetierra formation. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and can be explored by car, bicycle or on foot along marked tracks.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) usually have mild temperatures for both the Bardenas and the city. The Fiestas de la Verdura take place in spring. Summer is very hot and dry in the semi-desert, and winter has cold, windy days.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days allow you to see Tudela’s historic center and spend a morning or an afternoon in the Bardenas Reales. With three days, you can visit other towns in the Ribera and return to the Bardenas at a different time.

Which city to stay in

Tudela’s center, between the Plaza de los Fueros and the cathedral, puts monuments and tapas bars within walking distance. For those driving to the Bardenas, the city’s northern exit facilitates access to the park. Arguedas, closer to the park’s main entrance, has rural accommodation.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Tudela and Bardenas Reales

How to get from Pamplona to Tudela?

By train or bus, with several departures per day, or by car via the AP-15; it is about 95 km. Check schedules before you go.

How many days to stay in Tudela?

Two days cover the historic center and a visit to the Bardenas Reales. With three days, there’s time for other towns in the Ribera.

What is the best time to visit the Bardenas Reales?

Spring and autumn usually have mild temperatures. In summer the heat is intense and there is little shade; in winter, cold and wind.

Do I need a car to go to the Bardenas Reales?

Yes, or you must book a guided tour. There is no public transport inside the park, and the internal tracks are dirt roads.

Is it possible to do a day trip from Zaragoza to Tudela?

Yes. It is about 90 km, by train or road. To include the Bardenas on the same day, a car is necessary.

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