Going to the coast to see the sea has just lost all meaning, because the most turquoise and calm ocean in Spain is hidden in the heart of Navarra, surrounded by mountains and with water so blue that it looks like the Caribbean. In this inland sea, saltpeter is exchanged for fresh water, because it is actually the enormous Yesa reservoir, better known as the 'Sea of the Pyrenees'.
This enormous body of water at the foot of the Leyre mountain range is surrounded by valleys, meadows and hills with pine and willow forests, becoming a vision for lovers of hiking and water sports. Yes, the Yesa reservoir is navigable and ideal for canoeing, paddle surfing and even swimming in summer.
The water is so calm that it becomes a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains. To discover this beautiful postcard, there is nothing better than a hiking route and here is the best: the Aragonese Camino de Santiago surrounds the reservoir along an old Roman road. In addition, the Roncaleses Bridge, the ruins of an ancient Roman crossing, offer almost fantasy photographs.
Next to the reservoir and on top of a cliff is the town of Yesa, which still maintains its medieval layout of labyrinthine streets and stone facades. Right in the center stands the Romanesque church of San Estebán, in the highest part of the town. Therefore, from it we will have the most beautiful panoramic views of the reservoir and the mountains, as if it were a balcony overlooking Eden.
