Hotel Monasterio de Leyre

The surrounding area is beautiful, with hiking trails and lovely views. I even got to see a powerful evening thunderstorm roll over the mountains, a dramatic sight in that setting. This was the most memorable place I stayed during my monthlong bicycle tour across Spain. The hotel is simple and unpretentious, just as you’d expect at a monastery, but comfortable. The staff were friendly and helped me find a dry place to keep my bicycle on a rainy day.

It’s a uniquely beautiful place, and still worth a visit. The screaming kids running around can make it feel like a Disney type environment, though. That seems to be how things generally are in España, kids rule and parents only hear their own nonstop chatter. I’d try to avoid weekends and holidays if you can.

The facilities are limited if you want food or a drink. When we visited, the new(?) toilet block was closed, and the toilets in the bar were pretty basic. It’s an interesting old Abbaye up on the hill. The road up is narrow, but well made, and a bit smaller and longer than you might expect from the road.

The views are stunning, and there’s a small cafe with plenty of space to soak up the atmosphere. The buildings are great, though they don’t take long to explore. A really enjoyable place, and a good detour or short trip from Pamplona.