Discover Iza: Nature, Trails and History

Iza combines wetlands, historic routes, cycling trails and remarkable buildings to create a diverse destination in Navarre. This character is particularly striking at the Poza de Iza and along the paths that cross the municipality.

Nature and Wetland

The Poza de Iza, a small wetland, lies between Zuasti, Iza and neighbouring Loza. Its vegetation is arranged concentrically: reeds grow in the centre, while rushes and meadows lie around the outside. This flood meadow is unique in Navarre due to these characteristics.

The Poza de Iza is also an important refuge for numerous species of migratory birds and is home to amphibians, including green frogs and toads. In spring, large parts of the flood meadow are covered with irises. These include Iris pseudacorus, Iris graminea and Iris spurea sp. maritima; later, they are replaced by marsh mallow (Althea officinalis).

At the ponds of Iza, visitors can observe migratory animal species in a protected natural environment. Tourist information signs in Iza, Erice and Gulina allow travellers to learn about interesting places in the three areas.

Historic Routes and Cycle Paths

On its section through the Cendea, the Plazaola narrow-gauge railway ran parallel and immediately alongside the N-240, connecting Pamplona with San Sebastián. The third stage of EuroVelo 1 and the Plazaola cycle path also run through the municipality of Iza.

The Sarasa–Pamplona section of the Plazaola cycle path is 9.68 kilometres long, is designated as a gravel route, has 114 metres of elevation gain and is rated as low difficulty. Shortly before Erice de Iza, the route includes a short but steep climb of around 300 metres with a gradient of 13 percent. The Gulina Viaduct on the route through Iza consists of 17 stone arches.

The historic route from Pamplona to the sea at Oyarzun passed through Iza/Gulina. In the Oskia area along the Arakil River, an important route has marked the connection between the Pamplona Basin and the Arakil area since prehistoric times.

At the beginning of the 11th century, many pilgrims took a detour through the Iza/Gulina area. Larumbe served as a landmark before they continued via Lecumberri to Vitoria.

Other places: Cascante, Artariáin, Azuelo, Dicastillo, Eraul, Ollo, Dorrao and Fitero.

Culture, Festivals and Walks

The Monastery of Santa María de Yarte in Lete is a 12th-century complex designated as a Site of Cultural Interest. It preserves the memory of its connection with Irache Monastery until the confiscation of its property. The parish church of San Vicente de Larumbe marks the transition to the Gothic period and has a sculpture-filled porch built on a Romanesque foundation.

In the Itza Valley, Cendea Day is organised every Sunday in summer by a different local council in rotation. The village’s patron saint’s festival takes place on 15 May in honour of San Isidro. Traditional walks in the region include routes to Trinidad de Erga and the chapel of Osquía.

The palaces of Cabo de Armería are examples of representative civic architecture, with towers and ashlar stone buildings in Atondo, Iza, Lete, Ochovi, Sarasa and Zuasti.

To the main travel overview: Navarre.