If you want to get lost in the territory of Navarre's natural and historic nooks, Echalar or Etxalar in Basque is the ideal place. This town was first mentioned in 1280 and boasts a unique combination of nature, heritage, and culture worth exploring.
This place borders France to the north and Lesaka to the west, making it part of the Cinco Villas region and allowing you to enjoy tourism in Echalar. You will see some Basque and French cultural influences, so prepare to be awe-struck.
The municipality was awarded the National Tourism Prize for the conservation of its popular architecture and for the beauty of its surroundings. Imagine the many things you can do and see in this place!
Let us talk about the natural surroundings. We recommend taking a stroll around Etxalar, including the famous Paseo Circular route. This will take you through the village's history and allow you to see the oldest houses and walk along its original bridges and mills, which create a picture postcard-worthy scene.
Another easy route to do in Etxalar is the Molino del Infierno (Hell's Mill), ideal for children, as you can enjoy the magic of this forest where it is said that gnomes live, and where you can walk through the Enchanted Forest of Etxalar in about half an hour. It is a real fairytale route for all the family.
Putting nature aside and focusing on the town's history, we recommend visiting the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. You can see important items like the 18th-century baptismal font and the 20th-century organ. This makes this church one of the must-see destinations.
A trip around the church vicinity provides a fantastic picture of iconic architecture, with elements including the Gaztelua Palace and the Casa de la Cultura, which was previously the Town Hall.
After completing this route, you will most likely be hungry and seeking for a restaurant in Etxalar where you may sample the local cuisine. There are a variety of restaurants where you can experience homemade cuisine with the main ingredients, which in this case are game birds, notably pigeons, always supplemented by local products like vegetables or mushrooms.
Its principal product, the pigeon, is the consequence of one of Etxalar's most famous traditions, the Palomeras, a hunting system that dates back to the 15th century and is still practiced today in the only spot in our country. In fact, the system has been designated as a Cultural Asset. In addition, the legendary Hunting Gastronomic Days are celebrated in November, where residents and visitors can sample meals with an undeniable protagonist: the pigeon.
We would also like to point out that the grandfather of former President Aznar was born in Echalar and is a well-known figure in the area.
Finally, if you are looking for a place to stay in Etxalar (Navarre), we recommend looking through the area's rural houses. You will discover one that meets your needs and allows you to have a truly authentic rural tourist experience.
