Discover Mendaro: Nature, Chocolate and Historic Sites

Mendaro is located in the Basque Country and Gipuzkoa. The Kilimón Valley, at the edge of which the town centre of Mendaro lies, is of karstic origin. The connection between the town and the valley therefore shapes both the description of the landscape and the routes that start in Mendaro or lead back there.

Chocolates de Mendaro-Saint Gerons has been producing handmade chocolate in Mendaro since 1850, using traditional recipes. This long manufacturing tradition is closely associated with the name of the town and complements the natural and cultural facts with a craft that continues to this day.

Nature and Routes

If you would like to reach the Kilimón Valley on foot, the Aranerrekako itzulia circular walk starts in Mendaro and leads into the valley. The Arnoate-Otarre route also begins in Mendaro, enters the Kilimón Valley shortly after the start, and ends again in Mendaro. The starting and ending point of the second route is therefore in the town, while the valley section is reached at the very beginning of its course.

Aranerrekako itzulia is described as a circular walk with Mendaro as its starting point. On this route too, the town centre remains the designated starting point before the path leads into the valley area.

The Garaluzeko itzulia circular walk offers the opportunity to experience green mountains and impressive forests in the Kilimón Valley. Its landscapes range from wooded areas to the green mountains described in the valley. Thus, on this route, both the forest sections and the open, green-looking mountain formations are part of the described landscape.

There are beautiful waterfalls and cascades on the Intxusai River. The Kilimón Valley also has numerous shafts that offer opportunities for caving. Watercourses with cascades and the shafts are independent features alongside the above-ground landscapes of the hiking routes.

Chocolate and Craftsmanship

The Chocolates de Mendaro workshop is located in a rustic farmhouse in Mendaro. This workshop includes a stone mill that has been in operation for almost 200 years.

A visit to the Chocolates de Mendaro mill takes about 20 minutes. The complete process of making drinking chocolate is demonstrated. The approximate duration describes a short, self-contained visit; at the same time, the demonstration covers the complete production process and not just a single step.

For a stay in Mendaro, this visit can be scheduled alongside the routes and town destinations described, without prescribing a particular order.

Further destinations

Further destinations for planning your trip include Hernani, Oiartzun, Beizama, Hondarribia, Villabona, Bidania, Deba and Errenteria.

Culture and History

The Fiestas de la Trinidad in Mendaro currently also include a popular pilgrimage. It features Bertsolaris, Trikitilaris and rural sports. The festival therefore combines the pilgrimage with these three explicitly named components.

The Lasalde tower house in Mendaro features interesting late medieval elements. The late medieval character is explicitly attributed to the Lasalde tower house.

The hermitage of Santa Ana is located in a strategic spot in Mendaro. This location may be connected with an ancient watchtower.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gipuzkoa.