Tolosaldea, a magnificent region to discover in the heart of Euskadi

You'll be charmed by this beautiful region located in northern Spain, bordering the French Basque Country. Covering 332 km², this region is the least populated in Gipuzkoa, dotted with small villages surrounded by mountains. Escape for a 100% nature stay in Tolosaldea, discovering a wealth of gastronomy and culture.

Tolosaldea, a rural comarca of Gipuzkoa

Plan a few days to visit the 28 municipalities that make up Tolosaldea, charming villages surrounded by the natural areas of Hernio, Aralar and Leitzaran. Between historic districts, prehistoric traces, landscapes and breathtaking views, each retains its particularity for the greatest pleasure of tourists. Well connected, they are easily accessible from the capital Tolosa , the heart of Tolosaldea's shops and services. Be careful, each village may be different, they all have in common the ostatu, the center of social life often located in the town hall of the municipality.

Tolosaldea, a delicious gastronomy to discover in the north of Spain

Prepare your taste buds; they'll be delighted with the quality products in this beautiful region renowned for its specialties. At the heart of gastronomy, a unique terroir offers culinary gems to be enjoyed without moderation:

• The famous Tolosaldea beans also called alubias, or Tolosa black pearl
• The guindilla of Ibarra, a thin green chili pepper with a crunchy texture
• Tolosa beef rib, a tender, marbled meat cooked on the grill
• Idiazabal cheese made from sheep's milk from the Pyrenees
• La mamia, a dessert prepared with curdled milk
• Mondeju, an exceptional sheep pudding to discover near Aralar

Whether it's sheep, farm-raised chicken, or suckling pig, Basque cuisine is based on raw products eaten naturally or lightly seasoned. Are you a gourmet? Head to the Tolosa market every Saturday ; it's the largest market in the Basque Country, and can also be explored on a guided tour.

Tolosaldea, passionate producers and artisans to meet in the south of the French Basque Country

Proud of their land and their traditions, the Basques are happy to welcome you to their charming region of Tolosaldea. Producers and chefs alike showcase the land in their own way, revealing some of their secrets to you during a tasting.

• The 6 cider houses invite you to experience an unforgettable moment in the world of apples. Sit down at a table to enjoy a delicious meal and get up to shout "Txotx" as tradition dictates!
• Pintxos bars are easy to find, located in small villages where you can enjoy small bites, creations or great classics like the gilda with its guindilla from Ibarra.
• The Michelin-starred restaurant and award-winning restaurants make local produce the star of the plate, working with excellence on each ingredient.
• The cellars open their doors to you for a tasting of txakoli de getaria, a white wine from the region of the highest quality, vinified in red, white and rosé.
• The Chocolate Museum created by master confectioner Rafa Gorrotxategi immerses you in a world of indulgence to discover the secrets of these traditional sweets.
• Beekeepers work in the heart of nature alongside local black bees who delight you with their nectar.

What a treat and what a pleasure to travel around Tolosaldea!

Tolosaldea, 100% nature escapes on foot or by bike

The beauty of the landscapes is breathtaking in this green setting nestled between the Aralar Natural Park, the Hernio massif, and the Leitzaran biotope, protected natural areas that surround Toloseada with a rich and verdant nature. Equipped with your hiking boots, discover this unique environment through more than 50 routes of varying difficulty, depending on your desires and energy.

Hernio

West of Toloseada, it features magnificent peaks steeped in history, customs, and legends, which can be discovered at Fagus Alkiza, the Hernio-Gazume Interpretation Center. Endangered animals are also featured. Climb to Zelatun every Sunday in September to admire the sublime mountain views.

Aralar

More than 10,000 hectares of massifs and beech forests extend south of Tolosaldea, one of the most important mountain ranges between Gipuzkoa and Navarre. Accessible by 3 entrances (Amezketa, Abaltzisketa and Bedaio), it offers beautiful walks like the Larraitz walk, and trail routes for athletes who enjoy running in the heart of nature.

Leitzaran

Located east of Tolosaldea, this wonderful area is almost entirely covered by a magnificent forest. The crystal-clear rivers that flow through this verdant landscape perfectly complement this green landscape, one of the best-preserved in the Basque Country. Between Andoain and Lekunberri, the Plazaola Greenway crosses the Leitzaran biotope, offering miles of walks and bike rides along the canals.

Don't be surprised to meet a pilgrim at the bend in the path, one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela passes through Tolosa and Bidania-Goiatz.

Tolosaldea, a cultural wealth to discover

Discover the region's treasures by heading to Tolosa, which has a few surprises in store for you during your visit. Take the time to wander through the old town to discover its history through the heritage sites, including Tinglado, the Castille Gate, and the Santa Maria Church. Keep your eyes peeled during your expedition; sculptures by Basque artists line the streets like an open-air exhibition. A little further on, the Larraul Ecomuseum presents the evolution of the Basque rural environment, while the Lizard Trail takes you on a 2-km trail to the rhythm of the stories of the writer Bernardo Atxaga. Are you with your family? Don't miss the Topic Museum, the only one of its kind in Europe, which immerses you in the magical world of puppets!

Carnival, fair, market, themed party or festival, come to Tolosaldea at any time of the year to experience the rhythm of Basque traditions!

Have a nice stay in the north of Spain!

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