Hiking in the Pagoeta Natural Park

We are going for a very pretty hike, easy to do as a family, which will take us in the footsteps of an old forge, an arboretum, all in a natural park of great beauty with panoramic views of the Basque coast ! Take something to eat on the picnic tables near the large playground, if you are with young children. Let's go !

Photos from the report: Guide to the Basque Country

The Pagoeta Natural Park, near the sea !

It is located near the coast of Gipuzkoa, 15 minutes from San Sebastian. It is the ideal place for a nature getaway, if you are on vacation in Zarautz, Orio, Getaria ect. It has existed since 1998 and covers approximately 1335ha. To discover it, you have to take the marked trails and take advantage of the information that you will be able to find at the Iturraran Visitor Center. You will find brochures, itineraries and can consult interpretation panels of the local fauna and flora.

In Pagoeta Park, we will meet farms and family farms. Farms are rather scattered units, surrounded by their fields with the family home in the center. It is a mountain bocage landscape, delimited by hedges which hide a rich fauna and allow birds to find refuge. Dolmens and tumulus have been found in these wooded hills, testimonies of the past... They coexist with farms and religious heritage : parish churches and small hermitages placed on old paths.

Hiking in Pagoeta Park

There are 5 marked trails in the park, to discover it at your own pace (from 3.5 to 17km), some follow the GR35. Other paths are available around the park, also approved by the mountain federation . Follow the trails, because let's not forget that above all these are habitats, we must respect the tranquility of the inhabitants and private property. We did the Agorregi trail: iron and water of 3.5 km, perfect for families and when you only have half a day or a few hours. We left from the Manterola Farm parking lot and made the loop.

We first pass by the Forge and the Agorregi mill. Rebuilt in 1754 on the remains of an older farm. In the middle of the woods, it's like a mirage ! Everything is in place to take advantage of the hydraulic force, necessary for driving the large paddle wheel, which activates the bellows and hammers of the forge. The forge can be visited (closed when we visit, consult the opening hours on the park website) a guided tour allows you to appreciate iron working at the time and to understand all the elements necessary for the operation of the forge, the water to the final tools !

After this discovery, we continue the trail and pass through a botanical garden which lists 5,500 species in 8 different zones, lovers of flora and trees will be delighted. As you approach the Iturrara Park house, there are many flowers and colorful flowerbeds. The park information center offers workshops and activities for environmental education. The old farm which houses the information center is very beautiful, a typical architecture of the region all in wood which dates from the ^18th century. Come in to ask for information and see the permanent exhibition on the environment around you. Continue the journey and appreciate the beauty of the landscapes. You will pass near a children's play area with picnic tables. The path then goes back down towards the rivers before reaching the car park. You can do the hike in about 1.5 hours or more if you like to take your time !

We wish you a wonderful discovery of the Pagoeta Natural Park !

Did you like our article? Find others on our Blog . Follow us on the Guide du Pays Basque Facebook page and on Instagram @guidedupaysbasque