Zegama: Way of St. James, Aizkorri-Aratz and San Martín

The stage of the Way of St. James to Agurain begins in the centre of Zegama and leads through Aizkorri-Aratz Nature Park. The route connects the starting point in the town with a nature park that shapes the remainder of the stage. When hiking, current trail conditions should be checked before setting out; this preparation is particularly useful on routes with different types of sections.

Trails and natural surroundings

Another route is the Zegama–Murgizelai route. It is an easy circular trail measuring 1.5 km, passing through hamlets and running beneath shade-providing oak trees. The short distance and its course through inhabited and wooded sections give the route its own character. For a circular trail, checking current trail conditions is part of the usual preparation before scheduling the route for the day in question.

The Zegama–Canal route includes a water canal that was built in 1925 to generate electrical energy. Alongside hiking, this means that a historic utility structure also forms part of the route. Anduetza Parketxea is located in the Anduetza farmhouse. It conveys the historical relationship between Zegama and the natural surroundings.

Culture and history

The Church of San Martín is considered the most imposing and remarkable building in Zegama. Most of the sacred building was developed between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Church of San Martín contains an altarpiece by García de Berástegui dating from 1637.

San Martín thus combines building fabric developed over several centuries with a specifically dated altarpiece. The church building and the work by García de Berástegui are part of the same local history. For museum visits, current opening hours are part of the usual preparation; for churches, the applicable visiting hours can also be checked.

Landscape

To the east, the ridge of Aizkorri-Aratz drops steeply towards Zegama and is accompanied by the Oria River. Aketegi, a peak, is located in the vicinity of Zegama. Aizkorri is a peak in the vicinity of Zegama. Azaldegieta is also a peak in the vicinity of Zegama. In the wider regional surroundings of Zegama lies Txindoki / Larrunarri, a peak.

Cultural surroundings

The Museo Gorrotxategi is a museum in the vicinity of Zegama. The wider regional surroundings of Zegama also contain several palaces: Palacio Urkizu Aldatsekua is a palace, as are Palacio Lariz and Palacio Arespakotxaga Azkarraga. Each of these three palaces is located in the wider regional surroundings of Zegama. For visits to museums and historic buildings, current opening hours should be checked before planning the day.

Event

The Zegama-Aizkorri Mendi Maratoia is an annual mountain marathon event. Its 23rd edition took place in 2024. For an annual event, current event dates and times should be checked before travelling.

More destinations

More destinations: Oñati, Urnieta, Mutriku, Lezo, Bergara, Hondarribia, Aia, Urretxu

To the higher-level travel overview: Gipuzkoa.