Why Spain? » Navarre

Pamplona, the capital of the Kingdom of Navarre, world-famous for its Sanfermines, has one of the best congress centres and auditoriums in Spain for hosting top national and international events, located in the heart of the city's beautifully preserved historic centre. In addition, many of the city' hotels are equipped with function rooms and its world-renowned university and medical institutions have superlative meeting and conference facilities.

The cathedral, with its Gothic cloister, the city walls, and the Plaza del Castillo are just some of Pamplona's striking monuments. If one adds to this excellent cuisine, based on quality local produce, exquisite wines, and its location in a region with a rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage, it is not difficult to understand why Pamplona is such a popular MICE destination.

With its own airport – Noain-Pamplona – and the international airports of Bilbao and Biarritz located just over an hour away by car, along with modern motorway and rail networks – featuring the high-speed train link with Madrid and Barcelona – Navarre is extremely well-connected with the rest of Spain and France. In addition, the region has a wide range of well-appointed venues for corporate and private events, and a fine selection of convention and meeting hotels.

Comprising three deeply contrasting areas – the Pyrenees, central Navarre and the banks of the Ebro – the region has an inestimable natural heritage, encompassing high mountain peaks and wooded valleys in the north, rolling countryside in the centre where the capital is located, and irrigation farming land, together with the imposing desert of Bardena Reales, to the south.

Bird watching, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, horse trekking, golf, potholing, cross-country skiing, and 4x4 trails are just a few examples of the things to do in the breathtaking countryside of Navarre. Nevertheless, visitors should not miss the opportunity to visit the scenic villages of the Pyrenees, such as Roncal, Ochagavia, Ciga and Etxalar, the thick woods of Irati, Quinto Real and Bertiz, and the valleys of Roncal and Baztan. Other interesting natural areas include the gorges of Lumbier and Arbayun, the nesting place of a large colony of vultures, and the caves of Urdax, Zugarramurdi, and Mendukilo.

Besides its natural heritage, Navarre is traversed by the Way of St James, which has bequeathed a number of architectural jewels such as the collegiate church of the legendary Roncesvalles, and historic centres, like those of Pamplona, Estella, Viana and Sangüesa, impregnated with the pilgrim spirit. The beautiful monasteries of Iranzu, Iratxe, Fitero and Leyre – the latter famous for its Gregorian chants – are also well worth a visit. Likewise, the palaces and cathedral of Tudela, the "City of the Ebro", and the castles of Olite and Javier, close to Pamplona, are a must for all visitors.