Igantzi walks

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!

This route is known as SL-NA-001 San Juan Xar. It runs between the villages of Igantzi and Arantza and passes by the site dedicated to San Juan Xar, from whom it takes its name.

A superb route leading to the area’s most famous peak, with stunning views all along the way.

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.

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.

The pretty village of Arantza lies at the foot of a cirque of medium-height mountains, rising to over 1,000 metres in altitude, which you can walk around along the ridges, enjoying magnificent views. Domizko Gaïna (1,038 m), Ekaïtza (1,048 m) and Mendieder (1,071 m) are the main peaks offering magnificent views of the Mendaur (1,131 m). It’s a lovely walk.

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.

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 beautiful route leading to the summit of Frain, known as the Cinco-Villas viewpoint, as it offers the best possible panoramic view of this area. The Cinco-Villas is an area of Navarre along the Bidasoa River comprising the five municipalities of Aranaz, Yanci, Lesaca, Echalar and Vera de la Bidasoa.

All types of paths: concrete tracks, dirt tracks and paths, and footpaths. There are several peaks to choose from, as well as forests and pastures. There are several 360° views and fountains along the route. You’ll want to choose a fine day to enjoy the views. This hike covers a considerable distance with a significant elevation gain, but the route isn’t complicated. Furthermore, some peaks can be bypassed by walking below them, which shortens the distance and elevation gain slightly. The vast majority of the ridges are dotted with ground-based and tree-based wood pigeon hunting posts. Hiking is prohibited during the wood pigeon hunting season (October). Menhirs and cromlechs can be found on certain peaks and passes.

A lovely circular route around the village of Etxalar, passing by several peaks including Kokori and Menditxorrotx along beautiful forest paths, offering stunning views of the village and the various surrounding peaks.

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.

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 short hike to get back into shape, near the beautiful village of Lésaka (worth visiting). A pleasant hike in the silence of the forest, with lovely views.