Why not start the year with a rural getaway full of charm, beautiful landscapes and delicious cuisine. There are many places with these characteristics, but there is one that stands out for its privileged environment and natural charm. It is about the Basque Highlands, a mystical place known to many as the highlands of ancient grazing. Its location gives its visitors the most amazing green forests that melt into fresh air. So if you are already planning your rural getaways this year, be sure to include this wonderful destination.
The charm of the Basque Highlands
Tradition, gastronomy and nature are the three characteristics that describe the Basque highlands. These are located in the Guipuzcoana region just 30 minutes from San Sebastián. The greenery of its landscapes, its old farmhouses and its culture will catch you only when you arrive. Also in winter the greenery of its forests is painted white to offer a maximum experience. The highlands extend over the elevated basins of the Oria and Urola rivers . Both are the most important flows in the province of Guipuzcoana. It is even in this area where, for centuries, the shepherds who give rise to their famous cheese have lived.
The highest town in the region is Gaintza, from there you can see the spectacular Mount Txindoxi. This is located in the Sierra de Aradal and is one of the most emblematic of these lands. In the lower part of this is the Legorreta municipality, where the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de los Remedio is located . We can also visit the San Salvador parish in Legorreta, recognized as the most beautiful in the town.
Millennial environment in the Basque Highlands
The passage of man through these lands thousands of years ago is still seen and felt. The prehistoric remains that we get when taking a walk through its mountains testify to this. For example, if you want to check it, do not forget to visit Zegama, another of the Municipalities of the Goierri Region . There you can find two riots that prove the human presence thousands of years ago. In addition, in this area you can also enjoy the most delicious local food and beautiful accommodations.
Other places where we can see the traces of our ancestors is in the medieval complex of Igartza. This is located at the entrance of the Beasain Municipality and includes a group of old buildings. Among them the palace, the mill house, the hermitage, the apple press and the bridge, among others. Irgantza was formerly a tower, which suggests that in the Middle Ages it was a military fortification. In addition, its bridge was a strategic point of location within the province and its surrounding areas. Currently in the place cultural and tourist activities such as exhibitions and guided tours are carried out.
The Basque Highlands market captivates
In the Basque Highlands we found another municipality called Ordiza , known as a gastronomic village for its varied offer. Even this one houses an old market that dates back 500 years and is listed as one of the best in the town. Every Wednesday it takes place in the main square, where local farmers offer varied and fresh products. Other of the most famous celebration that takes place in this municipality is the Day of the Shepherd . It takes place between the end of March and the beginning of April, when everyone prepares for the arrival of tourists. The purpose of these parties is to taste the best cheese of the season while it is shared with friends and family.
The place where cheese is king
Idiazabal municipality where the cheese bearing the same name is produced is the headquarters of the association that welcomes its producers. This place is magical, its fresh autumn and summer pasture along with the winter valleys are the natural food of the latxa sheep . Race in charge of producing the raw material of the world-famous Idiazabal cheese . Expert artisans, cheesemakers and shepherds assure that this artisan cheese has been made for 8,000 years. They also ensure that from now on it has not undergone many variations.
In this place, in addition to being able to taste the delicious cheese, you can also visit museums where the production process is exposed. Another emblematic monument of the place is the one made to the local shepherd, you will also see some miniature sheep under the sapling of the Gernika tree. During the summer, those who have visited the place recommend the cheese tasting accompanied by a good cider. You know, when visiting the Basque Highlands you cannot stop trying this cheese that has been patented by specialists as a European heritage . There is even the Idiazabal cheese route, where you can walk along the path that shepherds travel with their flock.
Natural dreams in the middle of a town
If your rural getaway aims to rest in calm and natural surroundings, you cannot miss Zerain. A charming town that has managed to preserve its traditional architecture and culture. In fact, it has been considered a pioneer in the development of rural tourism in the town. The tourist office has been in charge of offering different interesting activities to encourage visits to the town. This has generated a tourist growth that gives room to the improvements of its spaces for recreation.
In the urban area of the town you can visit the Ethnographic museum , which was developed with the help of its own inhabitants. In it you can see an exhibition on the development of the way of life of its inhabitants; And very close is the Aizpea Mining Complex . Where the entire iron extraction process is exposed from the galleries, the warehouse and the calcination furnaces. There are approximately 200 galleries that show the working process that was carried out with iron since the 19th century. Visits to this place are made from the tourist office every weekend and on holidays from 12 noon.
