Salinas de Oro – Salt History, Hiking Trails and Views

Salinas de Oro combines landscapes, history and insights into traditional crafts.

Nature

The Sendero Esparaz is a 10.3-kilometre circular route with an elevation gain of 493 metres. It begins in Salinas de Oro and follows the Salado River. The route passes the millennia-old saltworks of Salinas de Oro, which have been active since Roman times and continue to produce organic gourmet salt. The Sendero also crosses a single-arch Romanesque bridge. At the Diapiro de Salinas de Oro y falla de Etxauri, Triassic Keuper materials such as clay, salt and gypsum, as well as ophites, limestone and dolomite, are exposed. The Diapiro de Salinas de Oro y falla de Etxauri is the source of the Salado River and has led to the creation of saltworks whose use forms part of the cultural heritage.

History

The Presa del Río Salado has been documented since the 11th century and was part of a system for the industrial use of salt water connected to the historic Muniavia mill. It can be visited year-round. From the centre of Salinas de Oro, follow the old path south-west towards the Muniavía mill and the Presa del Río Salado. The Castillo de Oro, which protected the settlement, is believed to have been built on Peña Grande or Peña de San Jerónimo; according to tradition, this site is associated with the Battle of Valdejunquera in 920. The Parroquia de San Miguel is a 16th-century building that was extensively remodelled during the Baroque period.

Experiences

Salinas Hermanos Girones organises guided tours of its saltworks for individuals and groups. The Salinas Hermanos Girones saltworks are located approximately 500 metres from the centre of Salinas de Oro. The Fiesta de la Sal includes staged tours of the historical heritage of Salinas de Oro and its organic saltworks. The festival also includes saltwater baths and a foot bath. For 2026, the Fiesta de la Sal in Salinas de Oro was announced for 27 to 28 June; a date for 2027 had not yet been set.

Food and Drink

Mielería Gorena offers an experience with an observation hive, allowing visitors to observe worker bees, drones and even the queen. At Mielería Gorena, the traditional process of extracting and processing honey is explained; at Casa Azkorena in Salinas de Oro, visitors can taste honey from different blossoms as well as sweets made with honey.

Trails and Views

The “Los 360º de la Peña Grande del Monte de Oro” route offers views of the Alloz Reservoir, Codés, the Sierra de Lóquiz, Trinidad de Iturgoien and Esparaz. The route runs from Salinas de Oro via the Ermita de San Jerónimo and the pass between Peña Grande and Chiquita, before returning to Salinas de Oro.

Accommodation

When comparing holiday apartments in Salinas de Oro, check the travel dates, accommodation category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. This information can be compared directly across different offers and assessed separately from the location details described.

Other places: Ollo, Ezkurra, Pamplona, Barañáin, Urdax, Aibar, Garaioa, Meoz

To the overarching travel overview: Navarre.