Aranarache: Nature Trails and Historic Buildings

Nature and Trails

To the north, Aranarache borders the Sierra de Urbasa, and to the south, the Sierra de Santiago de Lóquiz. The Urbasa-Andía Nature Park bordering Aranarache offers opportunities for hiking, caving, mountaineering and cycling, as well as several routes for different groups of visitors.

The Aranarache nature trail begins in the town centre, next to the municipal frontón. Its first variant is 7.4 km long, has an elevation gain of 379 m and takes an estimated 2 hours and 5 minutes. Other trail variants lead to the MN-33 monumental tree known as Haya de Limitaciones, over the summit of Arnotegui, around a protohistoric hillfort, and through the beech forest in the Burgalbago area.

Route length, elevation gain and estimated duration provide different points of reference for planning the day. The variants can be assessed according to two specific features: the extent of the route and its thematic objective. This places the natural monument, summit and archaeology, as well as the woodland landscape, side by side as distinct focal points.

When reviewing a holiday apartment in Aranarache, you can consider the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions side by side on the relevant listing page. Which of these details takes priority depends on your own travel plans and the desired framework for the trip.

Culture and Architecture

The parish church of Parroquia de la Asunción dates from the Middle Ages; a nave was added in the 17th century. Its portal is pointed-arched and has three archivolts, profiled shaft columns, capitals and polygonal corbels.

The Palacio de los Albizu is a 16th-century manor house with a distinctly horizontal design. On the main floor, a window is decorated with a balustrade made of screw-shaped balls and a triple round arch; a coat of arms with a rake motif is located in the centre.

The Ermita de San Miguel near Aranarache is a rustic building made of ashlar masonry. Inside is a Baroque high altar dedicated to Saint Michael; the main niche contains an 18th-century Baroque statue of Saint Michael striking down the devil with a lance.

The Ermita de San Lorenzo is a rectangular 16th-century building; a room for shepherds is attached to its rear. It can be reached from Aranarache via a hiking trail. Located at the edge of the Sierra, it stands at the highest point of the hiking trail and offers views over the valley as well as a recreational area.

Aranarache / Aranaratxe is also associated with a pilgrimage to the Ermita de San Lorenzo.

Local Produce

The cheese dairy of the Pérez de Albéniz family is located in Aranarache. Their family home and the main sales outlet for their products are also located there. Cheese production in Urbasa is associated with Aranarache / Aranaratxe.

Getting There

The route via the road from Estella to Urbasa (NA-718) continues as far as Zudaire; there, it branches onto the NA-7130.

Other Places

Yesa, Cintruénigo, Ostiz, Fontellas, Iruñela, Luzaide / Valcarlos, Urdániz, Etxaleku

For the higher-level travel overview: Navarra.