Los Arcos

Los Arcos is a historic town in Tierra Estella located between Estella-Lizarra and Viana. It is one of the most iconic destinations on the French Way of St. James as it passes through Navarre. Its urban, economic, and cultural development has been closely linked to the flow of pilgrims, trade, and its status as a crossroads since medieval times. Today, it retains its character as a town on the Camino, offering a wide range of services, historic landmarks, and cultural and culinary experiences.

The historic district retains its medieval layout, with long streets running parallel to the Odrón River and squares such as Santa María and El Coso. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Los Arcos experienced a period of prosperity that left a significant mark on its civil and religious architecture, evident in its Baroque palaces, coats-of-arms-adorned houses, and public buildings, which give the town a distinctly stately character.

The town’s greatest heritage landmark is the Church of Santa María, one of the most monumental parish churches in Navarre, where styles ranging from Romanesque and Gothic to Plateresque and Baroque coexist harmoniously. Surrounding it are preserved defensive elements of the old walled town, such as the Portal de Castilla. Visitors can also explore chapels linked to the Camino de Santiago, notably the Romanesque Chapel of San Blas, a former pilgrims’ hospital and a site designated as part of Navarre’s Historical Heritage.

Beyond its historical heritage, Los Arcos is also a destination associated with wine, active tourism, and events. Several vineyards and wineries offer guided tours and a variety of experiences in the surrounding area. The Circuito de Navarra, a nationally and internationally renowned racetrack, is the epicenter of motorsports and 4x4 events. Traditions, patron saint festivals, fairs, pilgrimages, and a vibrant cultural life round out a town that combines history and experiences, whether for pilgrims or travelers exploring Tierra Estella.