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Nature park · Tudela, Navarra
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.
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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About Bardenas Reales (Bardenas Reales Natural Park)
The Bardenas Reales cover about 42,000 hectares in southeastern Navarre, between Tudela and the border with Aragon. They are lands of clay, gypsum and sandstone that water and wind have worn away over thousands of years, forming ravines, plateaus and isolated towers called cabezos.
The area was declared a Natural Park by the government of Navarre and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Despite the aridity, it hosts steppe and raptor birds, and the vegetation is adapted to low rainfall. The lands are communal property of the neighboring municipalities, which maintain traditional grazing.
The most visited area is the Bardena Blanca, where Castildetierra stands — a clay chimney topped by a cap of sandstone that has become the park’s best-known image. The marked dirt tracks can be traveled by car, bicycle or on foot, always staying within the permitted routes.
The information center near Arguedas explains circulation rules and routes. Part of the park is used as a military area, with zones closed to the public. Bring water, sun protection and fuel: there are no services inside the park.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day, to tour the Bardena Blanca with stops.
Best time
In spring and autumn, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light enhances the colors of the terrain and the heat is lower. The park is closed at night and may close sections after rain; check before you go.
How to get there
By car, leaving Tudela toward Arguedas, where the access to the information center is located, about 20 km away. There are guided tours departing from Tudela and Arguedas.
Tip
Stop at the information center before entering: there you’ll find updated maps of open tracks and restricted zones.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bardenas Reales (Bardenas Reales Natural Park)
How can you visit the Bardenas Reales?
By car, bicycle or on foot along the marked dirt tracks, or on a guided tour departing from Tudela and Arguedas. Start at the information center.
What is Castildetierra?
A clay chimney topped by a layer of sandstone in the Bardena Blanca. It is the park’s most famous formation.
Are there services inside the Bardenas Reales?
No. Bring water, food, sun protection and fuel, and respect areas closed to the public.
Are the Bardenas Reales a Biosphere Reserve?
Yes. The natural park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.