Navarre: Mountain Forests to Desert Loop
Head north from Pamplona to the Irati Beech Forest, then south to the Royal Palace of Olite and the Bardenas Reales.
This five-day itinerary showcases the dramatic contrasts of Navarre: the old town, pilgrimage mountain passes, beech forests, canyon castles, and semi-desert. Daily driving times are short, but mountain roads are narrow and winding. The Baztan and Roncal valleys are excluded, as well as the long hikes in Irati, making this perfect for first-time self-driving visitors to Navarre.
Avoid the Running of the Bulls festival from Jul 6–14; Oct is the autumn foliage season in Irati, and parking is extremely tight.
Day by day
Day 1 · Pamplona Old Town Day
Pamplona（Plaza del Castillo、Pamplona City Hall、Calle Estafeta (Encierro Route)、Pamplona Cathedral、Walls of Pamplona & Portal de Francia、Citadel of Pamplona）
Spend the day exploring the old town and city walls on foot; most sights are within a 15-minute walk.
Stay: Casco Antiguo
Day 2 · Over the Mountains to Ochagavía
Drive from Pamplona to Roncesvalles (approx. 1 hour), then take the winding mountain road for about 39 km to Ochagavía.
Accommodation around Irati is limited; book well in advance for peak and autumn seasons.
Stay: Ochagavía
Day 3 · Irati Forest & Descent
Pamplona（Irati Forest、Monastery of Leyre）
Drive to Casas de Irati in the morning (approx. 40 minutes), then head south along the Salazar Valley to Sangüesa in the afternoon (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes).
Parking at Irati is paid; check if roads are open during the snowy season.
Stay: Sangüesa
Day 4 · Castles & Canyons to Olite
Pamplona（Castle of Javier、Foz de Lumbier、Ujué、Royal Palace of Olite）
Drive west via Javier, Lumbier, and Ujué to Olite, with a total driving time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Stay: Olite
Day 5 · Bardenas Reales & Return
Drive from Olite to the desert, about 51 km (approx. 45 minutes), complete the loop (approx. 2 hours), and return to Pamplona (approx. 1.5 hours).
The speed limit on dirt roads is 40 km/h, and they can be difficult to navigate after heavy rain; check the official website for road closures before setting off.