Fitero: Monastery, Thermal Springs and Routes through the Landscape

The Monastery of Fitero was the first monastery established by the Cistercian Order on the Iberian Peninsula. It has been recognised as a national monument since 1931. Guided tours of the cloister of the Monastery of Fitero include the medieval kitchen, the lower cloister, the refectory and the chapter house.

Thermal history

The original thermal baths of Baños de Fitero date back to Roman times. The thermal water reservoir of Baños de Fitero emerges through two springs with similar physicochemical properties; they are associated with the Balneario Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and the Balneario Virrey Palafox.

Landscape and routes

Las Roscas is an erosion-formed conglomerate massif overlooking the Alhama river landscape. The Anillo Oeste de Fitero runs through a mid-mountain section between Fitero and Murchante and offers panoramic views of Moncayo and the Pyrenees. As a 49.8-kilometre cycle tourism route, the Anillo Oeste de Fitero can be started in Ablitas, Fitero or Murchante.

The route to the Atalaya de Olmiguete connects the built-up area of Fitero with the watchtower site and is designed as a 30.1-kilometre circular walking or cycling route. The Atalaya de Olmiguete preserves the remains of a circular Muslim watchtower of high archaeological value. An 8.2-kilometre excursion leads to the ruins of the Arab castle of Tudején, the monks' ice cistern and the Cueva de la Mora.

The different route lengths and modes of transport give you concrete points of comparison for planning your day.

Routes, skies and cultural traces

Fitero has a stargazing site that belongs to the Red de Parajes Starlight network. FiteBike offers guided or individually tailored walking and cycling routes in Fitero, as well as mountain bike rental. The Ruta Saludable y Cultural del Alhama is a 40-kilometre circular route on foot or by bicycle, starting in Fitero.

The Ruta de Bécquer includes the Cueva de la Mora, which inspired Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer to write his legend of the same name, and runs between the hotel at the Balneario named after the poet and the Monastery of Fitero. The Huellas de Palafox route leads to a hidden hermitage believed to be the birthplace of Blessed Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, who was a bishop and viceroy of New Spain in the 17th century.

The parish of Santa María la Real de Fitero houses a collection of early modern liturgical vestments from the monastery's historic holdings. The collection of the parish of Santa María la Real de Fitero also includes a 10th-century Islamic ivory casket from Halaf.

When comparing holiday apartments in Fitero, the respective offer pages, with their travel dates, stated room category and cancellation conditions, help you put the options into context. Check these fields in the same order for your personal planning when several options are displayed side by side.

For further orientation, you can also find Arbizu, Oskotz, Torres Del Río, Abárzuza, Erro, Burgui, Eslava and Villafranca.

Getting there and regional specialities

From Pamplona, Fitero can be reached via the AP-15 motorway, taking the exit towards Cintruénigo and then the road to Fitero.

Empanada de Fitero is associated with the Fiesta del Barranco festival, celebrated on the eve of the Feast of the Ascension. Local bakeries prepare Tejas de Fitero as one of the area's specialities in fine pastry making.

For the higher-level travel overview: Navarre.