Spain: Navarre (Navarra)

Overview

Navarre (population around 585,000) is located in the north of Spain, bordering France. It’s a region and a province covering an area of 10,421km2 (4,024mi2). Navarre is an ancient medieval kingdom and despite being the battleground of invading armies throughout history, has managed to preserve its own government and identity. Unlike most provinces, it chose to keep its old name rather than use the name of its capital city, Pamplona. Pamplona (population 180,000) is a historic university town (named after the Roman general Pompey) with a fine cathedral, although it’s most famous for the running of the bulls during the Feast of San Fermín in July. Other important towns include Aoiz, Estella, Tafalla and Tudella.

The Pyrenees extend along the region’s northern border, which includes some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pyrenees, notably the Toncal and Salazar Valleys. The main industries of Navarre include dairy and livestock farming, fruit and vegetables, forestry and a few other minor industries. It’s also a prominent wine-producing region famous for its rosé wines, widely considered to be the best in the world. The climate is a mixture of Continental and Mediterranean, with cold winters and warm summers. In winter, it snows heavily in the north, while the south is milder and drier. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant. Navarre has good road and rail connections with the rest of Spain and there’s an airport at Pamplona (served by domestic flights only). The region is ignored by most foreign homebuyers, although it may appeal to keen hikers, climbers and skiers.

© Survival Books Limited 2005

“Buying a Home in Spain 2006” 5th Edition, David Hampshire.

Reproduced with the permission of Survival Books Limited.

Further information on this topic can be found in “Buying a Home in Spain 2006” 5th edition, by David Hampshire.

For extensive, annually updated information about buying a property in Spain, you can purchase this book at www.survivalbooks.net