The Malerreka Valley, a 100% nature destination in the heart of the Baztan-Bidasoa region

Mountains, rivers, forests... the landscapes are captivating in their beauty! In the southwest of the Baztan-Bidasoa region, to the north of the floral community of Navarre, the Malerreka Valley stands out for its richness and lush greenery. Bathed by the Ezkurra and Ezpelura rivers which flow into the Bidasoa, it reveals sublime panoramas and invites you to discover them through visits and hikes that will leave you speechless.

Malerreka Valley, a multitude of small villages to visit

Nestled in the heart of nature, a few charming villages where locals know and appreciate each other, offering a very friendly atmosphere to the Malerreka Valley. The 11 villages are as follows:

• Beintza-Labaien are actually two districts separated by 700m. Peaceful and green, it is renowned for its natural wealth and for the Leurtza dam.
• Donamaria is a small, quiet village surrounded by pastures and mountains.
• Doneztebe is beautiful, with the valley's two rivers joining in the town. It is also the largest in the Malerreka Valley.
• Elgorriaga surprises with its beautiful houses with flower-filled balconies. Nestled on the slopes of the Mendaur and Askin mountains, it offers breathtaking views all year round.
• Eratzun is a peaceful village crossed by the Ezkurra River.
• Ezkurra is a small mountain village where the Ezkurra Pass gives birth to the river of the same name.
• Ituren is divided into 3 parts between the village center, the Aurtitz district and the Latsaga district.

• Oitz, also surrounded by mountains, attracts visitors with its many hiking opportunities.
• Sunbilla on the side of the Mendaur mountain reveals a superb medieval bridge crossed by the Bidassoa.

• Urrotz is famous for the Leurtza dam, which is the village's most important attraction.
• Zubieta (zubia means bridge in Basque) is accessible by a bridge and is divided into 5 districts Ameztia, Aurkidi, Azkota, Mendrasa and Sarekoa.

Malerreka Valley, a magnificent Greenway and the Water Route

On foot, by bike, on horseback... Navarre and the Batzan-Bidasoa region can be discovered in many ways, but what remains the same is the natural beauty of the landscapes that unfold before your eyes.

The Bidasoa Green Way

This 42 km route (including 34 km in Navarre) connects the towns of Oieregi and Behobia (Gipuzkoa) and crosses the Malerreka Valley, notably through the villages of Doneztebe and Sunbilla. This Greenway partly follows the route of the Txikito train that ran between Elizondo and Irun until 1956, offering today a unique getaway for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. Forests, rivers, mountains, meadows and pastures punctuate this unforgettable walk, the opportunity to take some memorable souvenir photos. Take advantage of the passages in the villages to make a gourmet stop and meet the locals.

The Water Route

Easy and practical, this lovely hike is perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends. Simply follow the Ezkurra River, following the signs with a blue drop of water to cover the 8 km that connect Doneztebe, Elgorriaga, Ituren, and Zubieta. Depending on your interests, you can take the opportunity to discover the Zubieta mill, a magnificent eco-museum that is part of the Navarre museum network. Further on, in Ituren, there are old wash houses and swimming areas that offer a relaxing break, before reaching Elgorriaga and its spa town, renowned for its mineral and medicinal spring waters.

Malerreka Valley, a hiker's paradise

As you will have understood, the Baztan-Bidassoa region is rich in green nature which invites you to relax but also to walk, an activity accessible to all with hiking trails adapted to all levels.

From Zubieta

• The Ameztia Trail is an easy 5km loop that takes 2 hours to complete. It has white and orange markings.
• The Mendrasa Trail takes 2.5 hours to explore the farms and forests of Zubieta, spanning 6 km. It has white and blue markings.
• The Aurkidi Trail is a medium-difficulty loop of about 10 km and takes 3.5 hours. White and purple markings.

Starting from Ezkurra, the mountain tour (Erakurri) is a lovely 15 km loop lasting 4.5 hours.

Starting from Elgorriaga, the cep or mushroom trail is an interpretive trail to discover mycology and work in the mountains, 5km long and lasting 2 hours. White and blue markings.

From Donetzebe, the Ibargoiora trail leads you to Donamaria, a distance of 10.4 km and takes 3 hours. White and yellow markings.

From Urrotz, the Leurtza dam and Leurtza lakes offer superb hiking trails, including a must-see 7km, 3-hour loop that goes around the reservoir. Picnic areas allow you to eat outdoors, barbecues are available and swimming is permitted, the opportunity to experience a magnificent day between walking and relaxation.

Starting from Ituren, and more specifically from the hamlet of Aurtitz, there are numerous hiking trails available to explore Mount Mendaur and its breathtaking views from the summits. From 3 to nearly 8 hours of walking, there's something for every athlete!

All that's left is to lace up your shoes and hit your favorite hiking trail.

Leurtza Lakes

Malerreka Valley, festivities not to be missed throughout the year

Carnival, fair, market, the Baztan-Bidassoa region is extremely lively and offers you each season to experience unique moments in contact with the locals. Laughter, good humor and conviviality are on the agenda, note the dates in your diaries!

• At the beginning of the year, the Ituren and Zubieta carnival kicks off the festivities with music, dances and parades.
• In May, Doneztebe holds the Spring Festival on the first or second Friday of the month, while the Malerreka Festival takes place on the last Saturday of May every year in a village in the valley.
• In June, Doneztebe celebrates Saint Stephen's Day between the end of June and the beginning of July.
• In July, Ituren and Elgorriaga celebrate Saint James.
• In August the festivities last 5 days in Donamaria, Sunbilla, Zubieta and Ezkurra.
• In November, Doneztebe organizes the autumn fair.

The discovery of the Malerreka Valley is over, but you can continue if you wish with a visit to the rest of the Baztan-Bidasoa region between the Baztan Valley, the small Bertizarana Valley and the Bortziriak Valley.

A wonderful escape to Navarre!

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