Got a bank holiday or a long weekend coming up and looking for a family trip that combines nature, fun and good food? The Ribera of Navarre has it all within half an hour: a desert straight out of a film, Navarre's biggest family park and the best vegetables in Spain. This is the itinerary we recommend to families staying at Casa Bardena Negra.
Day 1: arriving in Fustiñana and a first taste of the Bardenas
- Arrival afternoon: the house is ready from 16:00. Unpack, let the children explore the garden and head out to stretch your legs.
- Walk to the fossil footprints: just 1 km away, Fustiñana has more than 800 footprints left by a distant relative of the hippo some 19 million years ago. A short walk that children love.
- Sunset in the Bardena Negra: from the village, you'll reach the edge of the park in about 10 minutes. The late-evening light is spectacular.
- Dinner: your first barbecue in the garden.
Day 2: Sendaviva
Spend the whole day at the park, about 30 minutes from the house.
- Before you go: check the official calendar and buy your tickets online in advance (the earlier you buy them, the bigger the discount).
- Arrive at opening time to park nearby and beat the queues for the most popular rides.
- Don't miss the birds of prey display, and in summer bring swimwear and water shoes for the water rides.
- Lunch: there are restaurants inside; if you'd rather have a picnic, there's an outdoor eating area and you can get back in with a hand stamp.
You'll find all the details in our guide to Sendaviva with kids.
Day 3: Bardena Blanca and Tudela
- Morning in the Bardena Blanca: go in via Arguedas, stop at the Information Centre and drive the perimeter track with short stops along the way. A photo at Castildetierra is a must, and the Barranco de las Cortinas is a flat 1 km walk that's perfect for children.
- Lunch in Tudela: menestra (the local vegetable stew), artichokes or cogollos (lettuce hearts) in the old town, about 15 minutes from the house.
- An easy last day: a restful afternoon, board games or one last stroll around the village before you leave the next day.
Tips to make it all go smoothly
- Heat: in summer, do the Bardenas first thing in the morning and save the middle of the day for a siesta back at the house, with air conditioning in every room.
- Always bring water and a cap: there are no drinking fountains or facilities inside the Bardenas.
- Cot and high chair: if you need them, let us know when you book and we'll have them ready for you.
Tempted? Request a no-obligation quote: book direct and you're guaranteed the best price.