Puente De La Reina is a lively town set in the picturesque Basque countryside. The name translates to “Bridge of the Queen”, a reference to the beautiful Romanesque bridge that spans across the River Arga. Explore the atmospheric town centre, walk in the footsteps of Camino de Santiago pilgrims and enjoy mouthwatering cuisine from the Basque region.
Things to do in Puente La Reina
Stroll across Romanico de Puente la Reina, the beautiful stone bridge that gave the town its name. It dates back to the 12th century and is a feat of medieval engineering. As you walk across the six-arched bridge, you’ll be retracing the footsteps of pilgrims travelling along the famous Camino de Santiago route.
The Church of Santiago towers over Puente la Reina and has welcomed pilgrims to the town for centuries. Like the landmark bridge, the church dates back to the 12th century. Enter through the magnificent monumental doorway decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Puente De La Reina is an excellent base for hikes in the Basque countryside. Follow trails through sun-dappled beech forests and past leafy vineyards. The town is an important stop of the famous Camino de Santiago, which stretches more than 800 kilometres through France and Spain. Tackle bite-sized day walks or set off on a multi-day hike.
Dine at local restaurants and try delicious cuisine from the Basque region. The area has a rich culinary heritage and champions fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sip wine at local tapas bars and snack on “pintxos” finger food. Dishes like “bacalao a la vizcaina” Basque-style codfish and “marmitako” fish casserole showcase local flavours. Finish with a slice of creamy Basque cheesecake with a caramelised top layer.
Getting around Puente La Reina
Puente De La Reina is compact and pedestrian-friendly, while local buses and taxis are a good option for longer journeys. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Puente De La Reina and explore the Basque region at your own pace. Pamplona Airport is a 30-minute drive away.