After an energizing breakfast you will depart from Cirauqui and begin your walk through Navarra’s rich agricultural fields of olives, grapes, almonds and fruit trees. Today’s stage takes us from Puente la Reina to Estella.
This wine producing region is located mainly in the centre and eastern part of Navarra. Although this region is not as known as other wine regions in Spain, like Galicia, it has a long history of winemaking dating back to Roman times. Traditionally, the production of red wines was dominant in the region, but in recent years, rosé wines (known locally as “Rosado”) have gained significant popularity and recognition. Indeed, this may be one of the few regions in Spain where rosés are as popular as reds and whites. Like many reds in Spain, the Tempranillo grape variety is the most common in the region. However, wines are also produced using Garnacha and even Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Don’t forget to try them all!
After a few miles we will soon find yourself along ancient Roman roads and a bridge that leads into Lorca, and eventually you will arrive to the town of Estella, once an important merchant hub in the eleventh century. Wandering through the narrow streets of Estella is almost like an outdoor museum where we can admire churches, palaces, and buildings that date back to different periods. Amongst these are the 12th century Palace of the Kings of Navarre, the Romanesque churches of San Pedro de la Rúa and San Miguel with their outstanding sculptures, and the somewhat weathered but still impressive Church of the Holy Sepulcher dating back to the 12th century.
