Walking in the Basque Country

Discover the magic of the Basque Country

The Basque Country, a captivating region nestled between Spain and France, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delectable gastronomy. For walking enthusiasts, this region is a true paradise, with its diverse terrain, ranging from rolling hills to rugged mountains. Our guidebook to walking in the Basque Country is your ideal companion. Below are some of our favourite walks.

Gros beach to Pasai San Pedro harbour (Walk 1)

This walk provides an excellent chance to gain access to one of the best stretches of rugged coast, with the advantage of being right on the city’s doorstep.

The path hugs the clifftops for much of the route, meandering around the side of the heavily forested Mt Ulia. The approach to the lighthouse and the descent to the narrow channel granting access to the harbour of Pasaia are further highlights.

Eskas circular walk (Walk 6)

This walk offers the chance to see some of the densest forests of wild pine, oak and beech in the Basque Country, just forty minutes’ drive from one of its major cities.

Added attractions are the beautiful Erroiarri Waterfall deep in the forest, the unspoilt village of Artikutza and its neighbouring reservoir.

There’s also an interesting return walk along an old railway line through one of the higher parts of the forest – affording open views over the Artikutza basin.

Erratzu circular walk (Walk 9)

This is a very pleasant, easy circuit starting from the picturesque village of Erratzu. Here you’ll see wood-beamed houses, typical of the Baztán region of Nafarroa.

Nearby is the beautiful Xorroxín Waterfall, deep inside a mainly oak forest.

The rest of the walk involves a pleasant hike along the right bank of the Iñarbegi Stream to the valley head, mostly in the forest.

The return route along the hillside on the opposite bank offers open views of the surrounding mountains and pastureland dotted with farmhouses. You’ll pass through the equally beautiful village of Gorostapalo, boasting some of the finest rural architecture in the area.

Lalastra circular walk (Walk 16)

The Valderejo Nature Reserve is a paradise for walkers. There are many well-waymarked sendas (paths) within the park, details of which are available from the Casa del Parque/Parketxea in Lalastra.
They also rent out binoculars for viewing the huge variety of bird life.

The outward route described here is the classic one. You’ll visit the abandoned village of Ribera and the beautiful gorge (desfiladero) of the Purón River, before ending in the village of Herrán in Burgos province.

We return on a little-frequented path over the high meadowland of Santa Ana.

Monasterio de Leire circular walk (Walk 23)

The Leire Monastery, perched high above the Yesa Reservoir, provides the dramatic starting point for this walk. The route follows one of the old drovers’ roads from the Pyrenean valleys to the dry southern region of Nafarroa.

An interesting section along a ridge culminates in an ascent of Arangoiti, the highest mountain in this part of central Nafarroa. There are awesome views towards the Yesa Reservoir area, the Aragón River and the canyon of the Foz de Arbaiun.

Pas de Roland circular walk (Walk 27)

Despite its fairly modest height, Mondarrain is one of the most interesting mountains to climb in the French Basque Country. This circuit offers extraordinary views over this scenic area of hills and gorges.

The beautiful summit itself is covered with old, twisted beech trees amidst a chaos of rocks.

Col de la Pierre-St Martín circular walk (Walk 32)

An ascent of Arlas provides a relatively easy and short way to reach a 2000m-high Pyrenean peak. There will be superb views over the unique karst area of Larra – as well as towards neighbouring higher mountains such as the Pic d’Anie.

The return walk, provided the weather is clear, is a beautiful amble through the Arlas valley. It’s partly used in winter as a cross-country ski area and is one of the more accessible parts of Larra – a labyrinth of limestone rock formations and Spanish pine.

The outward journey to Arlas follows the border while the return route as far as La Contienda is entirely in Spain!

The best time to visit the region

The best time for walking in the Basque Country depends on your preferences.

• Spring (April-May): This is a beautiful time to visit, with blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures.
• Summer (June-August): The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities. However, it can also be crowded, especially in popular tourist destinations.
• Autumn (September-October): This is a fantastic time to hike, with vibrant fall foliage and pleasant temperatures.
• Winter (November-March): While some trails may be closed due to snow, the off-season offers quieter trails and lower prices.

The Basque Country is a hidden gem for hikers, offering a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious food. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual walker, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in this beautiful region. So, lace up your boots, get yourself a copy of our guide to walking in the Basque Country and get ready to explore the magic of this region!