How to visit Bardenas Reales: a complete travel guide

Discover what to see in the Bardenas Reales, tips for your visit, and its best photography spots

Spain is much more than just beach & sun. Mountains, deep forests, and even deserts, like the Bardenas Reales. Famous for being one of Game of Thrones sets in Spain, Bardenas Reales is much more than a desert. A Natural Park, a set of unique rock formations standing in the middle of vast flat land. Even before appearing in the famous HBO TV series, it was a famous touristic spot. Nowadays, though, it has become one of the most visited attractions of Navarre, the area where it is located.

This article is divided into two differentiated parts. First, a set of tips and useful information you need to make the most out of your visit to the Bardenas Reales. The second part contains a detailed description of the most popular route within the Natural Park, as well as a list of its best photography spots.

Things you need to know before you visit las Bardenas Reales

How much does it cost to visit las Bardenas Reales?

Good news! Visiting las Bardenas Reales is completely free! There are no entry taxes, neither any hidden costs for entering the Natural Park. The only cost you need to consider is gas (unless you bike!).

How to get to las Bardenas Reales?

Between the tall mountains of the Pyrenees and the wild northern coast and the Basque Country, there is Navarre, Spain. It is there where Bardenas Reales is located.

The Natural Park of Bardenas Reales covers around 42.000 hectares. However, I would recommend starting at the Tourist Information Center, as they can tell you more about the route and closed roads (if any). When I visited some roads were under restoration. Reasons for roads closures can be many, such as bird nesting periods.

The best way to get there is by driving, either by car or bike (see below what is the best way to visit the Bardenas Reales). It takes around 1 hour from Pamplona and Zaragoza, 2h30′ from Bilbao, almost 4 hours from Madrid, and a bit more from Barcelona (4h15′).

What is the best way to visit las Bardenas Reales?

There are 3 main options when it comes to visiting the Natural Park. By car, by bike or by bicycle. The most common route is a circular one (34km) that covers most of the attractions of the Bardenas Reales. It can be done with any of the three vehicles mentioned. However, if you are planning to visit other areas, a bicycle might be the least recommended option, unless you are used to cycling long distances.

The main route (see below) is a 34km dusty road, shared by bikes, cars, and bicycles. Nonetheless, there are plenty of roads to reach other important viewpoints or attractions of the Bardenas Reales. Finally, there are some roads only for bicycles (and hikers). Visit the Information Center for updated and live information about possible routes.

When is the best time of the day to visit Bardenas Reales?

This is the most discouraging thing about the Bardenas Reales. Although they are free, the main circular route is located in a military area. Thus, there are limitations about when one can visit the Natural Park. Visitors are allowed from 8 am until one hour before sunset. Unfortunately, this means that it is not legal to see the area at what would be the best time of the day, sunset. Only during the winter months, when the sun rises late, it is possible to visit it at sunrise.

There have been reports of people fined for being caught at night in the park by the police/military so it is highly recommended to stick to the visiting times.

However, there is some good news. Even during the daytime Bardenas Reales are amazing. Yet, remember that it is a desert, with very high temperatures during summer, and cold ones in winter.

The best moment to visit the Bardenas Reales, both for tourism and photography is after a rainfall. Temperature drops and the landscape looks amazing.

Are there any rules I should take into account?

Besides the already mentioned time constraints, there are some other basic rules:

• Maximum driving speed inside the park area is of 40km/h
• It is forbidden to leave the signalled roads and paths (hiking routes included)
• Camping is prohibited. For the ones sleeping in caravans and similar vehicles, only in the indicated areas
• Do not take photos or stop near the military base
• Drones are not allowed (sadly) in the Natural Park area

For a more in-depth overview of the current legislation, check the official webpage: https://bardenasreales.es/turismo/normativa-de-uso-turistico/

The main circular route: attractions and photo spots

As mentioned before, las Bardenas Reales is a huge area of land. However, the most famous part, and therefore, the most visited one consists of a circular route that covers almost all main attractions in the Blanca Baja area. This route starts at the Information Centre, where they provide maps and additional information.

Along the 32km of route, there are multiple viewpoints, and places to park the car and admire the unique rock formations. It takes between 1-2h to cover by car/bike, depending on the number of stops and the average speed. If you choose the bicycle, it can take up to 2h-3h with stops. There are some steep (although short) slopes.

These are the main attractions and photo spots of the Blanca Baja area:

Bardena Blanca viewpoint

Just after leaving the Tourist Information Center, there is the Bardena Blanca Viewpoint. From there, it is possible to see all the areas that will be covered by the circular route. All the relevant rock formations, such as Castildetierra can be seen from this viewpoint.

Los tres hermanos (the three brothers)

Within a completely flat area, there are three large rock formations known as “los cabezos de los tres hermanos”, or the three brothers “heads” in English. These are clear examples of how erosion has modified the land of the Bardenas Reales.

The one at the left has a run at its base, as it was used for livestock farming. The one in the middle looks like the famous Castildetierra, with the characteristic rock hat. The third one (not depicted here) is the one where the military base is located.

Cabezo de Sanchicorrota

This is one of the formations that can be seen in the Rincón de Rallón and Rallas area. This area is especially important for the fauna of the Natural Park. During some months, this area is closed to vehicles because of the birds nesting season.

Moreover, it is said that many centuries ago (15th century), in this area it was common to find bandits, being Sancho de Rota the most famous one, giving the name to this small mountain.

Juan Obispo Viewpoint

Another singular spot, where at the end of a short steep climb, there is a small parking lot that offers a fantastic view over the area. Unlike the Bardena Blanca viewpoint, this one is located within the desertic area.

Be careful and don’t get to the edge of the mountain, as the rock is not very stable and it could break anytime.

Blanquizales de Pisquerra

Blanquizales could be translated into English as a white area. All over the route, but especially after the Juan Obispo viewpoint, there are plenty of short white rock formations. They have this color because of the high salt content the rock has. However, this also makes these rocks very fragile, so it is not recommended to stop on them or to climb them.

Huts and cabins

All over the route, there are small huts and cabins that used to belong to farmers. They are a fantastic photography element and merge perfectly with the landscape. Note that all of them are privately owned.

Castildetierra

Probably the most iconic spot of the Bardenas Reales. This lonely tall and thin rock formation is standing almost at the end of the route. It is such a photogenic element, with multiple photography opportunities. However, it is also the most crowded spot on the route, due to its popularity.

After reaching Castildetierra, the road heads to the Tourist Information Centre, where the route finishes. From there it is possible to take the main road and visit other areas of the park. Find the possible routes and roads on the map that you can get for free at the Information Centre.

This is my how-to visit the Bardenas Reales guide. If you are visiting this area, it is likely that you are also considering a trip to the Basque Country. Check some of the articles below to know more about this beautiful region. For more travel-related content make sure to follow me on Instagram (@aniolvisuals). For other inquiries, please message me at hello@aniolvisuals.com.

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