Doneztebe/Santesteban walks

A beautiful walk in the undergrowth that still allows you to discover the surrounding peaks.

Lake Arritzulegi is better known as Lake Mendaur, as it lies at the foot of this peak. It is actually a dam lake. Located at an altitude of 700 m in a very pretty setting, it makes for a beautiful hiking destination. However, I would describe this hike as difficult, partly because of the elevation gain and partly because some of the paths that still appear on maps have disappeared. This means that part of the hike is off-trail and without many landmarks. You therefore need to have a good sense of direction and be used to walking off-trail. This hike is therefore only suitable for experienced walkers.The Visorando app is recommended.

Starting from the small village of Sunbilla in the Bidassoa valley south of Vera, this is a pretty, technically easy circular on beautiful tracks except for one short section. There is a small campsite on the heights above the village.

A magnificent hike through a typical Navarrese forest leads to the summit of Mendaur, with its breathtaking 360° views.A visit to the Ermita de la Trinidad (ermitage) is a must!

Mendaur rises to an altitude of 1,130 metres. It is an iconic peak with its chapel built in 1692 and restored in 1963. This is essentially a round trip hike following the ridge line to the south-east of the Navarrese village of Arantza and climbing the nearby Mendieder.

There are numerous waterfalls around the village of Arantza, though some are difficult to reach. The most famous and easiest to access is the Putzubeltz waterfall. The Arantza local council has also created a lovely, fairly easy path leading to it. You start by walking across meadows, then quickly find yourself in the middle of the forest, with the only sound being the trickling of small streams.

A very lovely walk in the heart of nature, with only the sounds of wildlife. For almost the entire route, there are impressive views of the surrounding peaks, including Mendaur, the Trois Couronnes, La Rhune, etc.

A lovely walk to discover numerous waterfalls, the most famous of which is Putzubeltz. The path, which often runs through the forest, follows several rivers, and you’re constantly accompanied by the sound of running water. However, part of the route follows a very narrow path along the mountainside, which may be daunting for those with a fear of heights. Furthermore, you’ll have to wade across numerous rivers, which can be difficult after periods of rain.

A superb hike with four peaks over 1000 m, two superb lakes and also a dolmen, a menhir, an ancient Roman road, all in a protected natural setting.

A Roman road, a summit offering 360-degree views, wooden vultures, a superb cave, miraculous waters, all in a forest offering a fabulous setting: follow the guide!

Karmen – which we French spell Carmen – is indeed the heroine of a short story by Prosper Mérimée, written in 1835, as well as of George Bizet’s famous opera (1875). Carmen was born in Etxalar. The municipality of Etxalar has therefore created a path leading to the house where Karmen lived as a young woman. Along the route, there are six information boards about Karmen’s era, her way of life and the events that took place at that time. This is the route we are suggesting here. It is therefore a walk that combines nature and culture.

A beautiful hike from a delightful Basque-Spanish village over the passes, with magnificent views on both sides of the border.

A lovely circular route south of Etxalar to climb to the summit of Azkua. You’ll encounter all sorts of paths: tarmac roads, tracks, wide paths, narrow paths and even meadows. The entire ascent follows the GR®11, marked in red and white, whilst the descent takes the standard Azkua route, marked in places with yellow and white. Magnificent views from the summit and throughout the hike.

A lovely walk that includes a visit to a moving mill steeped in history, but also takes in the surrounding peaks as you climb up from a beautiful Navarrese forest.

A beautiful hike through a forest of oak, beech and spruce.Here, green dominates.There are many sights to see, including a beautifully renovated mill and lime kilns that bear witness to Navarre's history.At the top of the hike, a beautiful view of the Basque country on the French side, and of the sea if the sky is clear.

A lovely walk through the heart of the Bastan valley, starting from the Etchebertzekoborda restaurant and passing by the beautifully restored “Moulin de l’Enfer” and the Palacio de Aizkolegi (at the top of the Bertiz estate).