The Artola in the Jaizkibel from Santa Barbara

The starting point for this hike is the Santa Barbara car park (see the Practical Information section for directions). This is a round trip hike that starts with a descent. So, obviously, on the way back, you will have to climb all the way back up.

(S/E) From the Santa Barbara car park, walk down the short stretch of road and continue for a few metres to the left on the GI-3440 road towards a small hut.

(1) Take the path on the right at the small hut and cross the cattle grid. Continue along this wide path.

(2) Take the path on the left at the crossroads.

(3) Leave the path you have been following and do not cross the river, but continue straight ahead towards the wooden stairs (marked with red and white paint). A few moments later, cross the river via a small wooden bridge. Continue along this small path.

(4) You will arrive at a ridge. Look for two small stakes on the ground with white and red markings. At the second stake, leave the track that branches off to the right and climb up the field, keeping as far to the left as possible: you will occasionally see a small path. The climb is steep.

(5) You will arrive at the sculpture (see explanations in the "Things to see" section below). Continue straight ahead towards the rocks.

(6) Climb over the rocks to reach the summit of Artola. Then retrace your steps to return to the starting point (S/E).

The starting point is accessible from the GI-3440 road, between Hondarribia and Jaizkibel. Coming from Hondarribia, after several kilometres, pass the Guadalupe sanctuary. Continue straight on to the Santa Barbara car park, taking the road on the left that leads to it in a bend just before a bridge (you can spot this place from the road after kilometre 11 by seeing an old tower and the ruins of three arches on your left... and therefore before kilometre 10). As a guide, from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, it is about 25 km.

At the car park, the three arches are the remains of an old parador. Take note of and go and see the tower located a few metres away. It is called Santa Barbara Dorrea 4. It was an old defence tower. There is a very nice view of Hendaye and Txingudi Bay.

The sculpture is the work of sculptor Remigio Mendiburu and is shaped like an ellipse made of steel with a stone. A poem is engraved on the side facing the sea. It was installed in 1963, almost on the border between the two municipalities of Fontarrabie and Pasaia, as a symbol of brotherhood and unity between peoples. It is popularly known as the fried egg.