Bardenas Reales – a Spanish semi-desert that will surprise you!

Are you looking for a place that really stands out on the map of Spain?Bardenas Realesin the La Ribera region (south-east of Navarre) is one of Europe's most remarkable natural parks – full of rugged, almost lunar landscapes, wildlife and a history dating back hundreds of years.

A landscape that takes you to another world

On an area of over 41,000 hectares, you will find here:

• vast semi-desert plains(the most famous Bardena Blanca, with characteristic whitish shades of gypsum substrate),
• colorful cliffs, deep gorges, lonely hills,
• natural reserves (m.in. Vedado de Eguaras or Caídas de la Negra),
• places that are deceptively reminiscent of the outdoors of the Wild West.

Nature has modeled Bardenas for thousands of years – torrential rains have washed away the soil, leaving spectacular rock formations and deep canyons. The highest hills reach 600 meters, and the deepest crevices even 270 meters!

Nature and wildlife

It is an area of exceptional biodiversity:

• Birds of prey:golden eagles, eagle owls, falcons, griffon vultures – there are as many as 24 species of them here!
• Steppe birds:m.in. Great bustard and various species of larks.
• Mammals:more than 28 species, including the lesser shrew, Moorish mouse, hares, foxes.
• Reptiles and amphibians:lizards, leper turtles, frogs, newts, as well as the characteristic ladder snake.
• In the park you will also find forests with Aleppo pine, juniper and rosemary bushes – especially in the Bardena Negra part.

Who is this place for?

Bardenas Reales is a must-see for:

• lovers of nature and non-obvious landscapes,
• photography fans (sunsets and rock formations look amazing here!),
• cyclists and walkers (marked trekking and cycling routes, both easy and for advanced),
• families with children looking for adventures,
• people who want to see "Spanish Arizona" and feel like they are on the set of an adventure movie.

Practical tips for visitors

• Best time to visit:spring and autumn (it can be very hot in summer, frequent winds and mud in winter).
• How to get there:
• It is best to go by car – the park stretches between the towns of Tudela, Arguedas, Valtierra, Villafranca.The most popular entrance leads from the side of Arguedas (you will find a parking lot and an information center here).
• Sightseeing:
• Some of the routes are available for cars, but it is worth going on a hiking or cycling trail (you can rent bikes in Arguedas or Tudela). Admission to the park isFree, but remember not to deviate from the designated paths – this is a protected area.
• What to bring:
• Water, headgear, sunscreen (practically no shade!), camera, binoculars, good shoes.
• For children:
• The area is very open, kids can admire the rock formations and look out for animals, but pay attention to the paths and don't get too close to the edge of the gorges.
• Accommodation:
• The nearest hotels and campsites can be found in Tudela, Arguedas and the surrounding area – a good starting point for a day trip.

What to see?

• Castildetierra– the most recognizable rock formation (symbol Bardenas Reales).
• Caídas de la Negra– deep crevices and cliffs with amazing views.
• Vedado de Eguaras– a reserve with unique vegetation.
• Rincón de Bú– a nesting place for eagle owls and eagles.

Trivia

• It was here that scenes for "Game of Thrones", films and automotive commercials were filmed.
• The park does not belong to one municipality – as many as 19 cities and two monasteries have the right to use it!
• Bardenas Reales is recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

Summary

Bardenas Reales is one of those places that, once seen, stays in your memory forever. If you feel like going to an unusual "semi-desert" atmosphere and contact with wildlife, this is an absolute must-see on your map of travel in Spain!