If our vacations consist of small getaways we must know that close to home we can find really beautiful places. This time we will talk about Nacedero del Urederra, a natural area located in Navarra. Its name comes from the Basque, ure-derra, which means beautiful water, so we can get an idea of what we are going to find.
This natural zone is a protected park In which you can take a great route to appreciate the natural water lagoons that can compete with the best beaches in terms of crystal clear blue waters. This is a great getaway to do as a couple, with friends or family, to fully enjoy the dreamy natural places that we have very close.
How to get to the Nacedero del Urederra
This natural park is located at the entrance of the Urbasa-Andía natural park. From the town of Estella by the road that goes to Logroño, the A-18, you reach the town of Baquedano by the NA-718. At the entrance of the town and on a descent is the parking lot of the natural park. Normally you have to pay a small price to leave the car in the parking lot. It is not a large sum and it must be taken into account that natural parks need maintenance, so it is normal to charge for some things such as leaving the car in the parking lot. Keep in mind that it is charged per car and not per person, which makes things easier for us.
Tips to do the route
This route is quite long so it is recommended for families with children who can already walk long distances. Otherwise it is possible to enjoy some areas near the car park but don't do the whole route. It is important to walk through the indicated area and not go out so as not to spoil the natural spaces, especially in the protected areas with fences. Nor can waste or coins be thrown into the water areas as they harm nature. You cannot take plants or rocks or any other element. These are basic rules of any natural park but we must remember them especially if we go with children. Together, we must take care of these areas so that everyone can enjoy them.
Source of the Urederra
This park was declared nature reserve in 1987 and you start from the town of Baquedano to do the hiking trails. You have to know that it has a limited capacity of 450 people. It is better to visit the reserve during spring, both because of the temperatures and the landscapes, which are much more beautiful. The waters during winter are those of the thaw of snowy areas and the color is not as beautiful and crystalline as during spring or summer, and that is not to mention the low temperatures of the place. Against us we have the fact that during these months the influx of people is much greater. If we go in high season we can reserve our tickets on the website of the natural park.
The Nacedero route lasts more or less an hour and a half uphillas it takes longer, although the climb is not particularly difficult. A person with a normal physical shape can do it perfectly and even families. As it is a long journey in the natural park, they have been far-sighted and have placed some areas to rest with feeders. You have to collect everything when you leave, you always have to be clear about that. That is why it is an ideal route to start in the morning and stop for lunch at a picnic area. On the way you can enjoy a natural space with views of the mountains and various lagoons that, yes, have very cold water, so it is better to avoid the temptation to put your feet in them. The return trip is downhill so it will take an hour. We must always bear in mind that it is not a circular route, that we will have to leave time to turn around. We say this because the park closes at 17:30 p.m. and we must be back.
The surroundings
As it closes quite early, this source can be a getaway in which to take the opportunity to see the surroundings or stop at a restaurant to try the rich Navarrese cuisine. The Asador Alai Taberna is located in Eulate and in it you can have delicious dishes of meat and grilled fish. Another place to stop would be the Asador Astarriaga in Estella or the Mendipe restaurant in Galdeano. As for accommodation in the surroundings there is a bit of everything, from simple hostels to beautiful hotels. The Palacio dos Olivos is a great place surrounded by gardens and there are others like the Hotel Yerri that offer great amenities. The Chapitel Inn is a traditional style place to enjoy a space with style.