Doneztebe: Laxoa, Architectural History and Cycling Routes

Doneztebe-Santesteban combines a vibrant Laxoa tradition with historic buildings and several cycling routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Doneztebe, you can plan your stay around whether you are especially interested in culture and architecture or a cycling tour.

Cycling routes of varying distances

The Vía Verde del Bidasoa starts in Doneztebe-Santesteban at Parque Intzakardi. Remains of the former railway line can be seen there. A 3.5-kilometre section runs from Doneztebe-Santesteban to Sunbilla through two tunnels and dense forest, and connects to EuroVelo 1. The Ederbidea cycling route, also known as EuroVelo 1, also starts in Doneztebe-Santesteban and connects there with the Vía Verde. Check the official information about route conditions before setting off.

Another option is the 15.76-kilometre Camino del agua, also called Uraren Bidea. It starts at Merkatu Plaza in Santesteban and follows the Ezkurra River. The route is suitable for mountain bikes but is not considered easy; stone bridges are a feature along the way. Weather can affect the route's condition and difficulty.

The route leads to a seasonal waterfall and passes marked remains of barite mines. The mines operated until 1976. The route can be slippery in the rain.

Laxoa and local traditions

Laxoa is closely associated with Doneztebe-Santesteban. The game is played at Frontón Bear-Zana, a facility comprising two frontón courts. The Juego de laxoa, also known as Guante, has been recognised in Navarre as an item of cultural heritage of particular interest since 8 May 2019. The Plaza Bear-Zana, built in 1855, is also used for Laxoa games. The roots of the local Laxoa tradition therefore lie both in a recognised cultural practice and in the history of the playing venue.

Architectural history at the Iglesia de San Pedro

The Iglesia de San Pedro was built and expanded over several periods, particularly in the 16th and 18th centuries. The tower is thought to have originated as a tower of the former castle of the Lords of Lerín; loopholes and cannon openings have been preserved. Inside are Baroque altarpieces. There is also an organ by Cavallie Coll dating from 1887, built in the Rococo style.

Other historic buildings have their own distinctive character. The Casa-Palacio on Calle Intzakardi dates from the 18th century and bears the coats of arms of the Bertiz and Ezpeleta families. The Casa gótica de la calle Mercaderes is a Gothic tower house from the late 15th century. It is considered to be the best-preserved building in its original condition and has a pointed-arch portal with eleven voussoirs. The first floor has two traceried windows with curved arches.

Annual festivals and Parque Intzakardi

Carnival follows the calendar before Lent: on the Thursday and Friday before Ash Wednesday, a group of young people in costume parades through farmsteads and neighbourhoods as a comparsa; a procession takes place on Saturday afternoon. The Feria de otoño is usually held on the second or third Friday in November, around St Martin's Day. It focuses on livestock and offers the chance to see and buy regional handicrafts.

On 13 December, Santa Luzia brings together handicrafts outside the church, talos and a fairground atmosphere. It is worth checking the dates and programme in advance. Parque Intzakardi has remarkable plane trees and various local tree species. The Doneztebe-Santesteban tourist office is on Carretera del Mercado in the former bus station and is open during the summer season and Holy Week. Check opening hours before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Lérruz, Irurtzun, Goñi, Barásoain, Erratzu, Villamayor, Bera, Villafranca.

See the main travel overview: Navarra.