What to do and see near Hostel La Huertica?

Enjoy Gastronomy

The region of the Ribera Navarra (where Valtierra is located) has a very varied gastronomic offer, with vegetables being the culinary king of the place. The lettuce hearts, the artichokes and the "ugly" tomato from Tudela are internationally famous, but the typical products of the orchard of the area also include other delicacies such as asparagus and olive oil. The wine from the Ribera Navarra also enjoys great prestige. All these products can be enjoyed in the various bars and restaurants scattered throughout the region.

Cultural Tourism

In the Ribera Navarra you can carry out a lot of cultural activities, including visiting the various architectural works of the old town of Tudela and of other towns in the area (for more information, see the section Places), as well as attending the various festive events that take place in said towns (for more information, see the section Events).

Trekking

The Ribera Navarra has a wide variety of natural areas where you can go hiking. In addition to the multiple possibilities offered in the Bardenas Reales (among which there are several routes that go through Castildetierra, Pisquerra, the Ride of the Ciervos and the Corner of the Bú), there are other hiking routes such as the Lagoon of Lor, the Track of the Villar, the Estanca, the Cardete raft or the Atalaya.

Bicycle, Buggy and Segway tours around the Bardenas Reales

In addition to hiking in the Bardenas Reales, you can also get to know this wonderful place by bike, buggy or segway.

Festivities

The best-known summer festivities in the area are those of the Ribera capital, Tudela, which celebrates its patron saint festivities, the festivities in honor of Santa Ana, every year between July 24 and 30. In these dates, the city is flooded with the passion of the citizens and the multiple visitors who enjoy the large number of events (highlighting among them the brass bands, processions and running of the bulls) that take place during those days.

However, in addition to the patron saint festivities of Tudela, all the municipalities in the area have their own patron saint festivities. These include the festivities of Valtierra in honor of San Ireneo (from August 17 to 24), the festivities of Arguedas in honor of San Esteban (from August 4 to 12), the festivities of Corella in honor of San Miguel (from September 23 to 30) and the festivities of Cintruénigo of the Virgin of the Paz (from September 7 to 13).

The Volatín in Tudela

Celebrated every year on Holy Saturday in the de los Fueros square, this tradition symbolizes the death of Judas Iscariot, who, represented on the spot by an articulated wooden doll dressed in suit and shoes and equipped with a cigar placed in his mouth, is, after the explosion of the cigar, made to turn abruptly until his clothes are in tatters. After that, as a celebration, a rain of candy and balls falls on those present.

The Descent of the Angel in Tudela

This ancient ceremony, which is celebrated every year on Easter Sunday, represents the moment when the angel Saint Gabriel appears to Mary to announce the resurrection of Jesus. The act, carried out in the de los Fueros square, has as its protagonist a child, who dressed as an angel, crosses the square from one end to the other through a system of ropes that keeps him several meters above ground level. This trip symbolizes the path taken by the angel Saint Gabriel from heaven to the encounter with Mary.

The May in Barillas

This ceremony, carried out every weekend before the day of San Isidro (May 15) begins with, once night falls, the search by the inhabitants of the municipality for the most robust poplar specimen they can find in the lands surrounding the town. When the tree has been chosen, it is planted in a hole in the town square and lifted with ropes that are later removed by the village's young men, who climb the tree for this purpose. After the ceremony, there is a tasting of traditional products.

The Day of the Cherry in Milagro

Contrary to many of the festivities celebrated in the Ribera area, the Day of the Cherry is relatively young, since it began to be celebrated in the year 2000. This festivities consist in the exaltation of the star product of the municipality of Milagro during a weekend in June in which tastings of local delicacies, dessert-making contests, and even sporting events are held.

The running of bulls of the Pilón in Falces

Carried out every day of those included in the patron saint festivities of the Virgin of Nieva (which begin the penultimate Sunday of August and last for nine days), this particular running of bulls runs down a mountain for 800 meters of route that meanders between the walls of the mountain on one side, and a cliff on the other side, which makes it one of the most spectacular bull runnings in Spain.

The Giant Pumpkin Fair in Valtierra

Held at the beginning of September, in this festival that has numerous activities (such as tasting of pumpkin tapas, a crafts fair and "Giant" dances), the king of the party is the impressive contest of giant pumpkins, for which pumpkins from all over the country are brought to Valtierra.

Bardenas Reales of Navarra

They are one of the most striking semi-desertic landscapes in the geography not only of Navarra but of the entire Iberian peninsula. Within the Bardenas Reales you can visit various places such as the Fall of the Negra, the corner of the Bú or the Preserve of Eguarás.

Valtierra Caves

The origin of these caves, although it has not been determined exactly, is prior to the 19th century, although it would not be until that century when their use spread among a large part of the local population. The creation and use of these caves were motivated by the level of poverty in which a good percentage of the inhabitants of the area were. Although from the 1960s their use as dwellings was abandoned (most of them are now relegated to perform the functions of mere storage rooms), their contemplation is still impressive.

Old City of Tudela

The capital of La Ribera, Tudela, has one of the most attractive old towns in the entire Autonomous Community of Navarra. In addition, there are many and varied constructions and places of interest, among them: the de los Fueros square, the Ebro bridge, the Cathedral of Santa María, the churches of San Jorge, the Enseñanza and the Magdalena, the palaces of the Marquis of Huarte, San Adrián and of Canal, the Monreal tower, the Castel-Ruiz building and the Tudela museum.

The Bocal

This place that runs parallel to the Ebro river constitutes the beginning of the Imperial Canal of Aragon. In the Bocal, in addition to seeing the Palace of Carlos V, the neoclassical church that is next to it and two dams (one dating from the sixteenth century and located behind the palace of Carlos V, and another, from the eighteenth century, located further up the river and built on the initiative of Ramón de Pignatelli), you can enjoy relaxing walks through the multiple gardens distributed around the place.