Discover Arrarats: Culture, Nature and Trails

Arrarats lies in the upper part of the valley on the slopes of Ernaizu-Ireber and consists of traditional houses. These houses date from the 19th century. The village landscape also includes many preserved bordas. They formerly served as homes; some are still standing, while others have been completely renovated.

Culture and History

The Church of San Pedro in Arrarats is Baroque in design and dates from the 19th century. Its altarpieces and interior paintings date from the 17th century and were recently regilded. A carving of Saint Peter in the church dates from the 16th century.

Part of the Basaburua megalithic sector lies within the territory of Arrarats, including the Beigañe dolmen. In the inventory of Navarre's megalithic monuments, Beigañe is listed as a dolmen; its status is considered uncertain. The Zozo dantza from Arrarats, literally “blackbird dance”, is part of the local dance tradition. It is no longer performed as a regular dance, but several dance groups preserve it for performances.

The cultural references in Arrarats can be assigned to different forms: San Pedro represents architectural and art history, Beigañe represents megalithic culture, and the Zozo dantza represents a traditional local dance tradition. In this way, the built village landscape, historical art and intangible cultural heritage complement one another without merging into a single attraction.

Nature and Landscape

The meadow of Otsola lies 900 metres from the village. The Otsola stream rises in this meadow.

Exploring the landscape therefore combines a clearly named point outside the village with the trails leading from Arrarats into the surrounding area. Otsola and Ireber represent different landscape connections: one a meadow with its stream, the other woodland and expansive views.

Trails and Experiences

The hiking route to Ireber begins at the church in Arrarats. Along this route, the trail leads into a young beech forest. The hiking route offers views of eastern Navarre and the Pyrenees.

The BE05 Izakiak mountain-bike route can be started in Arrarats. The Vuelta a Basaburua route is signposted and can be completed both on foot and by bicycle.

The trails therefore differ mainly in their mode of travel and the landscape impression described: the Ireber route combines the church, young beech forest and distant views, while the other two routes mention Arrarats as the starting point for mountain-bike and combined walking and cycling tours, respectively.

The sensory forest experience in Arrarats includes a guided walk among oaks, beeches and chestnut trees. The experience also includes practical work in a vegetable garden.

Kaaño Etxea in Arrarats is an ecological country house and offers breakfast, dinner, workshops and coaching.

The experiences therefore focus on different forms: a guided walk featuring several tree species, practical work in the vegetable garden, as well as the meals and event formats offered by Kaaño Etxea. These offerings complement the independently described trails with other specific activities and types of stay in Arrarats.

Other Places

Other place pages in the same higher-level area: Andosilla, Castejón, Monteagudo, Salinas De Oro, Gartzain, Beire, Azcona, Telleria.

To the higher-level travel overview: Navarre.