Isaba is a town and municipality in the Roncal-Salazar region in the Autonomous Community of Navarre. It is a lively village, with a great deal of tradition and a beauty that captivates all those who visit it.
It is located less than 100 kilometres from Pamplona, but this part of the Merindad de Sangüesa feels far more remote. The landscape is dominated by the Roncal Valley, which lies between the high peaks of the Pyrenees, near the French border.
The history of Isaba, also known as Izaba in Basque, is told through its heritage and the different points of interest to be discovered.
What to see in Isaba? Since ancient times, the municipality has been inhabited by different communities. Proof of this storied history is found in the remains of the dolmens of Sakulo and Arrako, of Neolithic origin.
The town is made up of six neighbourhoods in which Pyrenean architecture is perfectly represented. One of its key elements is the fortress church of San Cipriano, which dates from the 16th century and is one of the most important churches in the area, together with the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Idoya at less than a kilometre from the town.
Another of the historical monuments is the castle. Hardly anything remains today but its location on the highest point in the town makes the ruins worth visiting, as you’ll enjoy expansive views of the surroundings.
Near the church we find the Casa de la Memoria, a museum where you can discover a little more about the history of the area as well as some of its main customs and traditions. Also worth discovering is the Town Hall area, the Uturrotx fountain and the sculpture of the Shepherd, which depicts one of the main aspects of the area's history.
In the centre of the village you can enjoy the best in regional gastronomy, as there are plenty of restaurants where you can eat typical dishes.
If you want the full experience, nothing beats a visit during the festive season in late July. But any season has its charm, with hot summers contrasting with cold, snowy winters. The best thing to do is to book a holiday cottage in Isaba that allows you to enjoy the Roncal Valley in depth and at your own pace. There are also apartments on offer among the wide range accommodation options for visitors.
If we talk about the natural landscape, what is there to see in the Roncal Valley? There are many interesting things to see and plenty of hiking routes in the area that allow you to get to know the terrain in depth. Many villages near Isaba in the valley, such as Uztárroz, Urzainqui, Roncal, Burui, Garde and Vidángoz are also worth a visit.
You can also take advantage of your visit to see Ochagavía. This is another recommended place to base yourself and to visit the famous Irati Forest.
