Aralar Natural Park

We find ourselves on one of the great mountain massifs of the Basque Autonomous Region. Buried deep in the heart of the Goierri region (Gipuzkoa), it is the east end of the massifs that make up the Cantabrian-Mediterranean watershed and its relief (10,971 m). Part of the park stands in the province of Navarre.

Category:

Natural parks

Municipalities:

Gipuzkoa: Abaltzisketa, Amezketa, Ataun, Lazkao, Tolosa, Zaldibia.

Information:

Information Point (Ataun)
Barrio San Gregorio
Mon - Fri: 9am - 1pm and 3pm - 6pm.
Phone: 943 180 285/943 582 069

Servicios:

Informa de la existencia de una ruta-circuito para hacer gimnasia o deporte

Datos de interés:

Euskadi's living past. Aralar natural park. Where the natural world and mythology converge.

Larraitz (Abaltzisketa) and Lizarrusti (Ataun) are the two gateways to this park. In terms of extension, height, land use, and natural values in the Basque Country, we are among the most significant mountain areas as well as among the most visited. This spectacular visual reference point is positioned between the regions of Goierri and Tolosaldea, with the iconic peak of Txindoki (Larrunarri).

The location is great for experiencing a traditional farmhouse first-hand, tasting Idiazabal cheese, pouring cider in a family cellar, mountain biking, horseback riding, and visiting megalithic monuments: approximately thirty dolmens, burial mounds, monoliths, cave and open-air sites, two cromlechs mountain biking, horseback riding, and visiting megalithic monuments: approximately thirty dolmens, burial mounds, monoliths, cave and open-air sites, two cromlechs... Explanations about all of this can be found in the Barandiarán Museum in Ataun, which provides information about the Park.

Long and short routes are marked as mountain trails, in addition to pedestrian connections between areas with recreational facilities. Another information centre, which also serves as a hostel and café, is located on the Lizarrusti pass.

The interpretation centres of the Aralar Natural Park are:

Lizarrusti Interpretation Centre.

Address: Lizarrusti Pass, Ataun (Gipuzkoa)
Phone: +34 943 582 069

Barandiaran museum, Ataun-Barrio San Gregorio (Gipuzkoa)

Phone: +34 943 180 335
E-mail: barandiaran@gipuzkoanatura.eus

Long distance gastro-hiking GR 283 Idiazabal cheese trail.

The Idiazabal Cheese Trail also known as the GR 283 is approved by the Gipuzkoa Mountaineering Federation Consisting of 6 stages the entire circular route has a total length 95.7 kilometres. It has an accumulated elevation gain of 9,777 meters.

Allowing you to see the entire Idiazabal cheese production cycle, it begins with the Aralar and Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Parks where the Latxa sheep graze, continuing to the cheese dairies where it is made, the markets where it is sold, particularly the Ordizia market, and the town that bears its name, Idiazabal The route provides a variety of accommodation where the stages end.

Casa Barretxe, one of the most notable structures in Ordizia's old quarter It is also home to the office of regional tourism and the center of interpretation of food and gastronomy in addition to being the km. 0 for the GR 283. Before embarking on our adventure, we can learn about the area's primary attractions, as well as the history and essence of our market.

Real Basque: traditional Ordizia market A centenary meeting of Basque culture and trade.

Ordizia's initial fairs, held around the chapel of San Bartolomé between the 11th and 12th centuries, were consolidated and regulated when the town was established Held every Wednesday since 1512, Ordizia has become a living history of the Basque Country. The market also sets the prices of many traditional Basque products. A market that serves as a reference for Basque producers.

Every Wednesday, the traditional Ordizia fair brings together buyers and sellers of regional agricultural and livestock products.

The market takes place under a structure with large columns, and there are several stalls of all types, including Idiazabal cheese, fruit, vegetables, and a never-ending amount of fresh, high-quality goods.

In addition to this weekly event, Ordizia hosts several major fairs throughout the year. On Wednesday of Easter week, for example, they celebrate Artzain Eguna (Shepherd's Day) with the presentation of Idiazabal cheese. In September there is the special Basque Festival market, and in December, a unique Christmas market.

Barandiaran museum Explore ancient Basque culture and its mythology.

José Miguel de Barandiaran, born 31 December 1889 in the district of San Gregorio de Ataun, in the region ofl Goierri, is regarded as the patriarch of Basque culture. This location, at the foot of the Aralar mountain range, is shrouded in mystery and folklore, having been the ancestral home of witches, giants, and Basque heroes.

The Barandiaran Museum, although little known to tourists, is a true cultural treasure. Here one enters the magical world of the Basque people. Barandiaran used his research to rescue and document legends, myths, tales, and ancient wisdom that would otherwise have vanished. His work revolutionised our understanding of Basque prehistory and revived Basque mythology.

In short, visiting the museum and walking around Ataun, allows you to not only view, but also feel, the mystery and beauty of the ancient legends, which once fascinated the researcher. Thanks to José Miguel de Barandiaran, these legends will not be forgotten and will live on in our memories indefinitely.