If you have ever thought of travelling to a dream-like place in Navarre, this is your chance to enjoy rural tourism in Ochagavia, a small mountain village in the heart of the Salazar Valley that will not disappoint you.
Get your camera ready because there are plenty of sights you will want to immortalise, and there is a reason why this town has made it onto the list of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain. A weekend or a whole week will be enough to make you want to stay in Otsagabia, which is the town’s name in Basque.
Its scenery is delimited by the presence of the rivers Zatoia and Anduña, and it is also next to the famous Irati Forest. With these coordinates, who wouldn't want to visit Ochagavia?
There are plenty of reasons to enjoy this area, but if you still have any doubts about when to travel to it, its perfect combination of traditional architecture and surprising nature will make you decide.
As far as monuments are concerned, we would highlight the church of San Juan Evangelista and the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Muskilda, the patron saint of Ochagavia. The latter is in an elevated area and is surrounded by a wall. It is undoubtedly one of the places not to be missed.
Walking through its walls, you will come across several palaces and emblazoned houses that give this perfect holiday destination a stately and historic air. In addition, the houses with doorways and coats of arms on their façades are the hallmark of this town. Perhaps the most representative view is that of the Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge) over the Anduña river. A picture that you can't forget to take.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful village in Navarre, this area has made tourism its economic driving force, and is particularly popular among nature lovers and hikers, who can walk along the different paths up to Ochagavía, at an altitude of over 700 metres above sea level.
And if all that walking whets your appetite, you are in luck, as the gastronomy is full of contrasts and flavours that are the result of a heritage and tradition of agricultural essence. One of the most famous dishes in the valley is migas, a recipe consisting in fried breadcrumbs that was historically enjoyed by shepherds and which you now have the chance to try.
Other dishes include lamb and veal, and the star of the fish dishes is trout. Don't forget to try the famous perretxicos, a variety of mushroom that grows in the valleys. To top off your traditional gastronomic day in Ochagavia, a cuajada (junket), a sip of patxarán or snack with some Roncal D.O. cheese, a real treat for your palate!
If you like to discover folklore from its most entertaining side, on 8th September you have an appointment with the patron saint's festivites of the Virgen de Muskilda. You'll love its starting signal: a chupinazo (fireworks display) released from the Town Hall.
In honour of its patron saint, you can also participate in the pilgrimage that takes place during the festivities of Santa Ana, at the end of July, while at the end of the year, on the 27th, together with the festivities of San Juan Evangelista and the arrival of the Olentzero, one of the most charismatic characters of Christmas, awaited in Navarre every winter season.
Enjoy Ochagavia!
