Kingdom of Navarre. Land of diversity

The Baztan Valley

Ensconced in the Atlantic Pyrenees, the Baztan Valley stretches across northern Navarre between the mountain passes of Belate and Otsondo. It is the largest municipality in Navarre, covering an area of 364 square kilometres and encompassing fifteen towns: Oronoz-Mugaire, Arraioz, Irurita, Almandoz, Berroeta, Aniz, Ziga, Lekaroz, Gartzain, Elbetea, Arizkun, Azpilikueta, Erratzu, Amaiur and Elizondo, the main town in the valley.

It is a valley characterised for being a land of minor nobles and indianos, people who returned from the Americas with a great fortune which they invested in the valley. The result: several noble houses and farmhouses of pinkish stone with large balconies; monasteries and mediaeval bridges over rushing rivers; haystacks spread over meadow and hills; leafy woods; megalithic monuments and caves? and pilgrims, witches and smugglers also left their mark. You can now follow their footsteps along a number of routes: the Pilgrims' Way through the Baztan valley, the route of the witches and the smugglers' path that links the nearby caves at Urdax, Zugarramurdi and Sare.

In the Baztan valley there are many things to be enjoyed. Starting with simple paths, because in this In these lands, the crests of the Navarrese Pyrenees lean down towards the sea gradually becoming gentler; museums for all tastes, mills still in operation, excellent food and traditions that have been conserved through the centuries. Furthermore, many of its farmhouses have been turned into cosy rural accommodation where you can enjoy the customs and welcoming character of the people of Baztan, forged by the temperate climate of the area.

Location:

In Elizondo and surrounding area

• Natural spaces
• Monumental heritage
• Companies that organise activities
• Festivities and traditions
• Leisure and culture opportunities
• Shopping
• Where to sleep
• Where to eat