Flavours Of Autumn In Navarre: An Invitation To Indulge In Tudela of Hotel Santamaría in Tudela. Official Website.
Flavours of Autumn in Navarre: An Invitation to Indulge in Tudela
Autumn bathes Navarre in warm colours and irresistible aromas. It’s the season of golden beech forests, young wines and comforting recipes that nourish both body and soul. At this time of year, Navarre’s gastronomy is brimming with seasonal produce and traditional dishes that speak of home, heritage and fertile land.
From Tudela —the heart of the Ribera and capital of Navarre’s vegetable-growing region— we invite you to discover some of the most authentic flavours of autumn.
Forest treasures: mushrooms and wild fungi
With the first rains, Navarre’s woodlands come to life — and with them, the eagerly awaited mushroom season. Níscalos, boletus, perretxikos and other wild mushrooms star in many local dishes: scrambled with eggs, sautéed with garlic and parsley, or served alongside meats and rice. In Tudela, it’s common to find restaurants in the old town combining forest mushrooms with local vegetables to create true culinary gems.
Seasonal vegetables: the garden in full glory
While spring is considered the peak of Tudela’s market gardens, autumn has its own delicious offerings: Swiss chard, borage, cardoons and early artichokes. Grown lovingly in the fertile lands along the River Ebro, these vegetables are the backbone of many traditional stews that preserve the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Game and hearty stews
This season brings with it the flavours of slow-cooked comfort: dishes made with wild rabbit, partridge, wild boar or venison — all simmered gently with red wine and vegetables from the Ribera. These warming recipes are best enjoyed with crusty bread and good company, especially after a brisk walk through Navarre’s countryside.
Wine and autumnal desserts
Autumn also marks the beginning of the new wine season. Local wineries celebrate the harvest, and Tudela’s wine bars offer tastings paired with regional delicacies. To end your meal, treat yourself to something sweet: traditional cuajada (set milk pudding) with honey, baked fruit, or a warm homemade apple tart — perfect comfort on a crisp autumn day.
Experience autumn in Tudela
Tudela is the ideal base for discovering the rich gastronomy of Navarre in autumn. Its welcoming atmosphere, abundance of local produce and proximity to natural landmarks such as the Bardenas Reales and Moncayo mountains make it an essential stop for seasonal travel. And if you're planning an autumn escape, the Hotel Santamaría de Tudela offers a charming haven after a day of flavours, walks and discoveries. With its unbeatable location in the city centre, comfortable rooms and warm hospitality, it's the perfect starting point for experiencing Navarre’s autumn in all its glory.
Book your stay at Hotel Santa María and let yourself savour the season — with all five senses.