Muruarte de Reta lies on the western foothills of the Orráun and Alaiz mountain ranges. Two different hikes lead to and from Muruarte: the blue Murugain Route, a circular trail, and a hiking trail towards Valdizarbe. The town’s history also includes the construction of the parish church of San Esteban and its connections with pilgrims. This lets you plan your trip to Tiebas-Muruarte de Reta around specific interests, rather than combining different routes and historical topics into a single tour.
Hiking around Murugain
The blue Murugain Route is an 8.25-kilometre circular hike to Muruarte de Reta. The loop is listed as having 155 metres of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Its length, elevation gain, and estimated time provide a practical reference for planning your day; the duration is an estimate. The approach to Muruarte follows agricultural tracks, crossing the AP-15 and N-121 via underpasses. Check the crossings and trail conditions locally, as they may change.
The hiking trail from Muruarte de Reta towards Valdizarbe first leads to Olcoz and then to Tirapu. Its highest point is Alto de Murugain. From there, you can enjoy views across Valdizarbe, with Montejurra, MonjardĂn, and Yoar in the background. The two routes are described in different ways: the blue loop has a listed distance, elevation gain, and estimated duration, while the route towards Valdizarbe is described by its sequence of towns and its viewpoint. Check the route and local conditions before setting out on a hike.
The Way of St. James and the town’s pilgrim history
The official section of the Way of St. James from Monreal to Puente la Reina passes through Muruarte de Reta and then continues to Olcoz along a local road. If you plan to include this section, check the route in advance. The town’s history is also connected with pilgrims: a document dated 20 September 1432 records a hospital and its associated brotherhood in Muruarte de Reta. The hospital probably served as a resting place for pilgrims travelling from Monreal to Puente la Reina.
San Esteban and Santo Cristo
The parish church of San Esteban is a Gothic stone building dating from the 13th century. Its Romanesque-style main altarpiece was created between 1634 and 1638 by Domingo de Lussa, Pablo González, and Juan de Bengoechea. The church building and altarpiece therefore belong to different periods: the Gothic building dates from the 13th century, and the main altarpiece from the 17th century. It features scenes from the Passion of Christ and the life of the church’s patron saint, San Esteban.
In the church atrium stands a Gothic cross dating from the 17th century, with a cylindrical shaft and four concentric steps. Another place connected with the town’s religious history is the Santo Cristo hermitage, located in Muruarte de Reta. The recorded dates for the pilgrimage there are 14 September and 3 May. If you want to plan your trip around these dates, check in advance whether the pilgrimage takes place then.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Eslava, Viana, Zizur Mayor, Orikain, Galbarra, Baztan, Abárzuza, Luzaide / Valcarlos.
Go to the main travel overview: Navarra.
