ARAKIL VALLEY – ITXASPERRI

The Arakil Valley has a privileged environment to enjoy nature. We have selected a pleasant walk, which combines the views of the valley, the paths between oak and beech trees, and the charm of the Romanesque temple of Itxasperri, which has a designated parking area, toilets, picnic area and play area for children.

In the 13th century, Castilla conquered Álava and Guipúzcoa, making Arakil a border land. Read more

which led to continuous conflicts and harassment and looting by bandits from the other side of the border. To stop depopulation, the Navarrese kings favored the regrouping of the inhabitants of the valley in those most fortified centers, which meant the abandonment of many small towns, Arakil going from having about 30 towns to only 15. Itxasperri is precisely the church from one of those deserted areas, now alone in the middle of meadows and forests.

Distance 4,8 km, circular

PRACTICAL TIPS

– Itxasperri is a solitary Romanesque church, located in a beautiful place that has been equipped with parking and a play area. After contemplating the church we will cross the road to start the walk.

– The route has vertical signs and yellow markings that show the way. However, it is advisable to be careful in some areas so as not to get lost.

- VALLEY. We begin the climb to enjoy the views of the valley and the imposing silhouette in the background of Mount Berian (San Donato).

– EGIARRETA. The final stretch brings us to the town of Egiarreta where we can cool off in its beautiful fountain within sight of the old laundry.

WHAT TO DO IN THE SURROUNDINGS

WHERE TO SLEEP

Hotel Restaurant Ayestarán. Lekunberri. There are hotels with history, and the Ayestarán opened in 1912 is the story of an elegant era, when the most illustrious people arrived on the Plazaola train to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. King Baudouin of Belgium, Ernest Hemingway, Orson Wells... spent the night there in a family hotel, declared a Historical Artistic Heritage, and which has all the necessary comforts of modern life.

Musunzar Hostel. Leitza. In the center of Leitza, surrounded by huge Basque farmhouses, is the Musunzar, a charming rural hostel. It is a robust stone building, with its balconies and mezzanines, which has on the ground floor a restaurant with a menu of homemade food, abundant and at a good price, of recognized fame among locals and tourists.

Here you have a selection of the best accommodations where you can sleep in the surroundings.

SURROUNDING ACCOMMODATIONS

Zoom in on the map to see its location.