Etxarri-Aranatz: Dolmen Trails and Local History

If you are considering Etxarri-Aranatz as a destination, you can plan your stay around hikes, archaeological remains or local history. When choosing a route, the distance is not the only factor: trails also differ in elevation gain, whether they are loops or climbs, and the themes they explore. Local cultural events can also add a particular focus to your plans.

Hikes: distance, elevation gain and theme

The Dolmen Route is a 13.7-kilometre circular hiking trail with 642 metres of elevation gain. It passes through a wooded area, where it features the remains of ten dolmens, combining exercise with archaeological traces. Two marked trails on the Dolmen Route each begin at the Etxarri-Aranatz campsite. Check the trail markings and conditions on the ground; both are part of planning the specific route.

The Meyetza Route climbs from Barga to the upper part of the Sierra de Urbasa. It is about 6 kilometres long and has approximately 540 metres of elevation gain; preparation is necessary. Compared with the Dolmen Route, it is considerably shorter, although the elevation gain is of a similar order. This lets you distinguish a longer loop with dolmen remains from a shorter climb, where elevation gain also needs to be factored into your plans.

At 4.61 kilometres, the Old Oaks Route is a circular trail with a low level of difficulty. It lies within the Sierra de Aralar Special Protection Area. Information boards along the route point out tree and shrub species; their condition may change. Wet weather can affect walking conditions. Compared with the two longer routes, this is the shortest of the three options described; its focus is on trees and shrubs.

Cultural events and local history

The Meyetza celebration takes place on 1 May: residents climb up to place a tree on the ridge, where it can be seen from far away. The exact proceedings may vary. Etxarri-Aranatz has also held an annual mycological exhibition every October for many years, featuring mushrooms, other fungi and plants. Dates and format may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the exhibition, check the specific dates in advance.

The historic town centre also tells stories of the past: the course of the former town wall can still be made out there. Etxarri-Aranatz has medieval origins associated with a defensive function. The church is a very late Gothic building dating from the first third of the 17th century. Its two-storey neoclassical portico has three round-arched openings on the lower level and three semicircular windows above. A chapel may also have medieval origins. The town wall, church and chapel offer different ways to explore local history and its architectural traces.

Discover more destinations: Zabalceta, Ollo, Milagro, Arano, Tajonar, Erratzu, Bakaiku, Ayegui.

For the broader travel overview: Navarra.