Discover Berastegi: Nature, Trails and Culture

Berastegi: In the protected Leitzaran Biotope, the river runs through a narrow, sparsely populated valley. Its course includes rapids, dams and meanders. Shaded by an alder grove, the Leitzaran flows through this landscape.

Nature

A remarkable feature is Lindozulo, a short-lived lagoon above the pastures of Aintzerga. It forms once or twice a year.

The Leitzaran is home to Pyrenean desmans, European mink and Pyrenean brook newts, among other species. Fish found there include brown trout, eels and minnows. Mammals, amphibians and various fish species thus coexist in the same natural area.

Different types of waterways and various animal groups therefore come together in the biotope. The Leitzaran is characterised by both fast-flowing sections with rapids and by dams and meanders. Lindozulo complements this landscape as a body of water that forms above the pastures of Aintzerga only once or twice a year.

Trails

The Ruta de Berastegi begins at Plaza de Berastegi and passes through various districts of Berastegi. The starting point is therefore in the town itself, while the rest of the route takes in several districts.

The Plazaola Greenway can be reached by car via a forest track from the Urtoko zubieta recreation area near the Urto Bridge. The bridge is on the GI-2130 road between Berastegi and Leitza.

On the Ruta de Berastegi, the start at the plaza and the route through the districts form a single route. The Plazaola Greenway, by contrast, is connected with the Urtoko zubieta recreation area, the Urto Bridge and the GI-2130 road between Berastegi and Leitza. These place and trail names identify the respective points mentioned for the two routes.

Culture

Several hermitages reflect the history of the town. The San Sebastián Hermitage dates from the 14th century, while the San Antón Hermitage was built in 1675. The San Lorenzo Hermitage lies in the forest on Mount Larre; it offers beautiful views.

Behind the church stands the tower house of Berastegi, known as Jauregi. Jauregi Tower is medieval in origin and preserves the ground floor of the original fortress.

The Parish Church of San Martín in Berastegi was built in the 16th century on the site of an older church. The Romanesque portal of that older church, dating from the 13th century, has been preserved. The parish church therefore brings together 16th-century construction and a preserved 13th-century portal.

The hermitages, Jauregi Tower and the parish church are among Berastegi’s historic buildings mentioned above. They encompass the tower’s medieval origins, the two different construction dates of the hermitages and the parish church’s older predecessor. The Romanesque portal has been preserved as part of this older church.

Cuisine

The culture of cheese-making is deeply rooted in Berastegi. The Astotrek tour includes a tasting of two types of shepherd’s cheese called “Gazpio”. One variety is unprocessed, while the other is smoked. Both versions retain the same name and differ in how they are processed.

The Astotrek tour thus brings together local cheese-making and a tasting of Gazpio. The shared name refers to two shepherd’s cheeses whose difference lies in their processing: one variety remains unprocessed, while the other is smoked.

More destinations

More destinations for you: Mutriku, Zegama, Hernani, Zumarraga, Getaria, Oiartzun, Usurbil and Éibar.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gipuzkoa.