experience

Mountain trails, gastronomy and a spa in the Malerreka valley, Bidasoa region

Three days to travel to the hidden Malerreka valley, climb magical peaks, stroll along the Water Route and relax in the Elgorriaga spa; also enjoying a gastronomy recognized by the Michelin Guide

Discover Navarre

FORESTS, CRYSTAL CLEAR RIVERS, SEA VIEWS FROM THE MOUNTAINS, THERMAL TOUR AT A SPA.

We propose a trip to the Malerreka Valley in the Bidasoa region, an area of ​​great scenic beauty, with charming mountain villages, peaks overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, and trails along rivers and reservoirs surrounded by stunning forests. This trip is perfect for nature lovers who also enjoy good food and those who like to end their hikes with a relaxing thermal spa circuit.

A mythical mountain

From the Tresanea apartments you can see the summit of Mount Mendaur -1132 m-, which you can reach at its highest point by ascending the sixty stone steps that lead to the Hermitage of the Trinity, built in 1692. One of the most beautiful mountains in Navarre from which you can see an extensive panorama that stretches from the Pyrenees to the Cantabrian Sea.

Ancestral traditions

In Ituren and neighboring Zubieta, one of Navarre's most famous carnivals is celebrated during the last week of January. The joaldunak—cowbell bearers—travel from town to town ringing their bells to announce the carnival, ward off evil spirits, and awaken nature. Magic and ancient traditions.

100% Natural

Malerreka stands out as a lush natural spectacle. The Ezkurra and Ezpelura rivers, which flow into the Bidasoa, create areas of incredible beauty with marked trails such as the Bidasoa Greenway and the Water Route, which runs from Doneztebe, the valley's main town, to Zubieta. Exploring them, either in full or in part, is a delight for the senses, as is strolling around the idyllic Leurtza reservoirs.

Gastronomy and thermal baths

The gastronomic offerings of this valley are extensive, with options ranging from a simple snack to enjoying a steakhouse or a more elaborate and flavorful cuisine based on traditional recipes and the area's abundant local produce. There's even a local tomato variety: the pink tomato of Sumbilla. Meats, game, legumes, mushrooms, and cheeses form the basis of its cuisine. And if you appreciate true indulgence, the Elorriaga Spa is a perfect thermal complex for enjoying a relaxing afternoon after a hike.

Baztan Valley

Discover its landscapes, traditions and relax in its saltwater spa

DAY 1: Stay at Apartamentos Tresanea and take a stroll around Ituren

 

You arrive in Tresanea and settle into your apartment. Take a stroll along the river and have a drink at the bar in the square. Enjoy dinner in Tresanea – in the txoko, on the terrace, or in your apartment – ​​with its surprising gourmet space  And rest, tomorrow you're going to do a great mountain route.

AccommodationsTresanea Apartments

Dinner featuring local produceTresanea. In their gourmet section you will find the exquisite 5th range product made by Barrutia 12

Location: Ituren

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RECOMMENDATION:

If you have time, visit Zubieta and visit the millBuilt in 1785 and carefully restored. If you want to do your shopping, go down to Doneztebe; you'll find shops, supermarkets, and a wide range of restaurants and bars.

DAY 2: Ascent to Mount Mendaur and relaxing afternoon at the Spa

 

After breakfast, it's time for a walk. Today we're dedicating the day to climbing Mount Mendaur, a beautiful route to one of the most beautiful and emblematic mountains in Navarre. And to finish the day, a thermal spa circuit.

La ascent to Mendaur It starts from the village of Aurtitz, a twenty-minute walk or less than five minutes by car from Ituren. It's not difficult, other than the fact that we'll be climbing 982 meters to the summit, at 1132 meters above sea level.

If you want to shorten it, you can drive up –cars with care– along the track that leads to the Mendaur reservoir, removing more than 500m of elevation gain from the route.

The hike begins by immersing ourselves in a beech forest that accompanies us all the way to the reservoir. From there, the path becomes more challenging. Just beyond the reservoir, the trail climbs steeply to the Bustitza pass, where the Bustitza Zutarria Menhir stands. From there, a path ascends to the summit, leading to the stone steps that ascend to the Hermitage of the Trinity, the highest point of Mendaur.

The summit is beautiful. On a clear day, you'll see the sea and the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the French Basque coast. And you'll also have a sweeping view of valleys, villages, and mountains, all the way to the Pyrenees.

If you have time on the way down, before going to the Spa you can stop in Doneztebe and have some tapas at the Ameztia or in one of the local bars.

You spend the afternoon taking a thermal tour in the Elgoarriaga Spa Its mineral-medicinal waters are the saltiest in Europe and were officially declared of public utility in 1919. A great plan to relax the body after a day in the mountains.

Accommodation: Tresanea Apartments.

Breakfast:Tresanea Apartments.

Food: tapas in Doneztebe.

PriceTresanea gourmet space, in your apartment, in the txoko or on the terrace.

Location: Ituren.

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RECOMMENDATION:

Visit Doneztebe "Parish 13 Grocery Store" ", a food shop with quality Basque and Navarrese products, unusual items, and a diverse cultural offering. It's also home to Beltza Records, a record label specializing in rhythm and blues."

DAY 3: The Water Route, Leurtza and the exquisite offering of Donamariako Benta

After climbing Mendaur, it's time to relax a bit, spend the day taking a walk along the Water Route, exploring the Leurza reservoirs, and enjoying a delicious meal.

We suggest a one-hour walk along the Water Route, a pleasant 8 km stroll beside the Ezkurra River and its crystal-clear waters. The path winds through forests and meadows and can be accessed from Tresanea in either direction. Whether you head towards Zubieta or Doneztebe, the distance is approximately 4 km, making the round trip about two hours, 8 km in total, with a mere 200 m of elevation gain.

It's worth doing the whole route, starting from Zubieta and walking to Doneztebe, but you'll need a car for the return trip, or a taxi, which you can find here.

After our walk, we're going for a gourmet meal. Book a table at Donamariako Benta And savor a meal recognized by the Michelin Big Gourmand Guide and bearing the Slow Food seal. Local, homemade, carefully prepared, delicious, natural, organic food made with local produce. You're going to love it.

After lunch, a walk is in order, so we'll take the car and drive up to the Leurtza reservoirs, a beautiful natural area where you can take a dip in the summer. A route of just 3,5 km with hardly any elevation gain offers the return to the reservoirsWalking through immense beech forests. A spectacular place.

After your walk, you can go for dinner in Doneztebe. We recommend the restaurant Grass, known for its grilled meats and its selection of fish from the nearby Cantabrian Sea.

Breakfast: Tresanea Apartments.

Accommodations: Tresanea Apartments.

Lunch time: Donamariako Benta (Michelin Big Gourmand).

Price: Belarra Restaurant (Doneztebe) or Tresanea gourmet space, in your apartment, in the txoko or on the terrace.

Location: Ituren.

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RECOMMENDATION:

If you're planning a trip to the Leurtza reservoirs, keep in mind that parking is paid (€3) from March until the end of the season, and it can get very full on busy days. Book now. here your place to guarantee your visit.

DAY 4: Time to say goodbye, but first, a stroll along the Bidasoa River

Today is your last day, but you can take advantage of it to enjoy a stroll along the Bidasoa Greenway. To get there, you need to go to Doneztebe, with the option of heading south towards Legasa or north towards Sumbilla. Either way, it's a wonderful walk following the course of the Bidasoa, the last salmon river in Navarre.

If you prefer to do anything else or have more time, ask your Tresanea hosts; they will be happy to offer you a day tailored to your needs and the time you have available.

Breakfast: Tresanea Apartments.

Accommodation: Tresanea Apartments.

Location: Ituren.

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RECOMMENDATION:

You can't leave this area without buying some cheese at Ardiarana, one of the most awarded cheese dairies in Navarre. Their “Bertizarana” or “Camembertiz” cheeses will remind you of your holidays and the unique flavor of this land.

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    IN THIS EXPERIENCE

    Tresanea Apartments

    Nature, comfort, and family tourism in Ituren. Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll recommend the best option for relaxing in Tresanea.

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    EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM

    Live, discover, feel, savor

    accommodations

    Tresanea Apartments is located in Ituren, In full Malerreka ValleyThis old 16th-century manor house has been lovingly restored to offer nine rural apartments, each named after a different place. characters from Navarrese mythology.

    meals

    The proposal includes breakfast And if you wish, you can manage lunches and dinners for traditional Navarrese cuisine Homemade, with grandma's dishes prepared slowly and with local ingredients.

    annual

    We'll suggest the best places to visit along your route.Always tailored to your preferences. These could include walks through the forest, visits to charming local towns, cheese dairies and other producers in Navarre, etc. We can also suggest shorter or longer routes for hikers, cyclists, or those who enjoy driving or motorcycling.Ask us!

    One-on-one attention

    Our hosts are professionals committed to their workwith a focus on travelers and their surroundings, which they know perfectly. Owners of small exclusive accommodations who will assist you as soon as you need them. We are at your service.

    Check availability

    Your hosts in this experience are there to help you resolve your doubts and plan a unique experience so that you can get to know their land firsthand and make the most of your stay.

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