Parque de los Sentidos

Parque de los Sentidos is a botanical garden in Noáin, the main town of the Valle de Elorz (Elortzibar) in Navarre, roughly 5 km from Pamplona. Spread over 25,000 m², the park was designed around a simple idea: exploring a garden with all five senses, not just sight.

What will you find inside?

The grounds are split into five zones, each built around a different sense — smell, hearing, touch, taste and sight. The scent zone is planted with aromatic species whose fragrance shifts through the seasons. The sound zone leans on running water and wind moving through leaves rather than any artificial soundscape. In the touch zone, the path runs between plants chosen specifically for contrasting leaf and bark textures you're meant to reach out and feel. The taste zone showcases edible and culinary herbs, while the sight zone plays with colour combinations and shape contrasts across the planting beds. A central pond ties all five areas together, acting as the visual and physical hinge of the whole layout.

More than 250 plant species and varieties grow across the park, chosen to keep the garden visually and sensorially varied throughout the year. Paths are paved and easy for family visits, and since opening in 2006 the park has hosted an estimated 7,000 guided visits for school groups and adults.

How do you get there?

The park sits in Noáin, the administrative capital of the Valle de Elorz, right by the town centre. From Pamplona it's a short drive or local bus ride, since Noáin is essentially part of the Navarre capital's metropolitan area. Entry is free, and walking through all five zones typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on pace.

When is the best time to visit?

The park is open year-round, but spring and early summer are when the scent and taste zones are at their best, with aromatic and edible plants in full growth. In summer, mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable, since tree shade and the sound of water from the pond offer natural relief from the heat.

Why is it worth a visit?

What sets Parque de los Sentidos apart from a typical municipal park is its multisensory design — an unusual approach for a public garden of this size in Spain. The project was recognised in the 2014 Dubai International Award for Best Practices, where it was rated GOOD, confirming it's more than a local curiosity — it's a genuine example of thoughtful public space design. The Noáin aqueduct is also nearby, making it easy to combine a walk through the park with a short historical detour through town.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, admission to Parque de los Sentidos is free and the park is open daily.

How much time should I set aside? A relaxed walk through all five zones usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how long you linger at each sensory installation.

Is it suitable for children? Yes — the touch and scent paths are especially engaging for younger visitors, and the park also runs guided educational visits for school groups.

How far is the park from Pamplona? Noáin is about 5 km from central Pamplona, so getting there by car or local transport usually takes only a few minutes.