Mélida: Nature, Trails and Cultural History

Mélida is home to the Pinar de Santa Águeda, a Aleppo pine forest on the Bardenas plateau above the Aragón Valley. Its vegetation includes shrubs and aromatic plants such as juniper, thyme, lavender and rosemary.

When comparing holiday apartments in Mélida, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions may be relevant offer details. Nature, trails and cultural events are presented as separate themes for planning your own trip.

Further destinations to discover: Erratzu, Armañanzas, Cadreita, Garde, Olazagutía, Ardaitz and Valtierra.

Nature

Within the municipality of Mélida, the Aragón offers areas classified by the Government of Navarre as natural enclaves. Mélida is also one of 22 villages with communal usage rights in the Bardenas Reales.

The lower reaches of the Arga and Aragón rivers form part of a Natura 2000 site of Community importance. The area contains gallery forests as well as poplar and willow stands; the species mentioned include the European mink, otter and night heron.

Hiking and Trails

The Bardenas Reales has several routes that can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or in an off-road vehicle. These activities are subject to the regulations of the nature park.

One specific route is Ruta 13 Carrizo y Lalandas. The 7.5 km circular trail starts at the esplanade in front of the school and municipal pelota court in Mélida and takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Ruta 13 passes through agricultural fields, follows the Lalandas stream and crosses the Aragón's riverside forests before climbing to a viewpoint with panoramic views. It also passes the Nogal de Mélida, which was declared a natural monument of Navarre in 2009.

The various route formats, the approximate duration of the circular trail and the events scheduled for specific dates can be considered separate focuses when planning your own trip.

Culture and History

The medieval fortifications of Mélida were built around 1200; the surviving sections of wall are considered part of the town's cultural heritage. From the mid-14th century onward, Mélida was a fief of La Oliva Monastery.

Mélida's recurring festival calendar includes the Fiestas Patronales in July, the Fiestas Grandes in August and the Exaltación de la Cruz in September. On 15 May, San Isidro includes a procession in which farmers carry the image of their patron saint through the town, followed by a communal meal.

Near Mélida, the walled site of Rada preserves the ruins of a medieval fortification, the base of the castle tower and the restored Romanesque chapel of San Nicolás; it can be reached by car.

The Iglesia de Santa María has a four-section bell tower, a pointed-arch entrance, ribbed vaults and a Renaissance high altar.

For the broader travel overview: Navarre.