Eraul: Trails, Landscape and History

Eraul combines routes through fields and forests with a remarkable medieval church. When planning your trip, it is worth looking at the different routes: they range from the Abárzuza por Eraul excursion, just under three kilometres long, to the 13.4-kilometre Eraul-Larraiza hiking trail. The Encina de Eraul, a holm oak at the entrance to the village, is another notable landmark.

Routes to and through Eraul

The route from Bearin to Eraul leads from the Ermita de Santesteban de Bearin through fields and holm oak stands to the village. It is accessible on foot, unmarked and has an elevation gain of around 100 m. Bear in mind that the route is unmarked when finding your way.

The Abárzuza por Eraul excursion runs for just under three kilometres through fields near the holm oak stand to Eraul. It then continues into the upper part of the village, near the church. At just under three kilometres, the Abárzuza por Eraul excursion is shorter than the 13.4-kilometre Eraul-Larraiza hiking trail.

The Eraul-Larraiza hiking trail starts in Eraul and follows paths that were once used to transport livestock and goods and as connections between neighbouring villages. The route is 13.4 km long, has an elevation gain of 450 m and is listed as taking two hours for the round trip. It is suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. Along the way, holm oak, oak, juniper and beech forests alternate with pastures, from which you can see Peña Azanza.

To the Mirador de Lazkua

The route to the Mirador de Lazkua is 4.17 km long, has an elevation gain of 466 m and takes around one hour and 30 minutes. It is an easy walk and starts beside the village washhouse, where parking is available. At 4.17 kilometres, the Mirador route is shorter than Eraul-Larraiza, which is 13.4 kilometres long; it takes around one hour and 30 minutes, while Eraul-Larraiza takes two hours for the round trip.

At the destination is a naturally carved plateau beside a limestone wall. From the Mirador de Lazkua, you can see the Allín Valley as well as Lokiz and Urbasa. Conditions on the Eraul-Larraiza and Mirador de Lazkua routes may change, so check them before setting out.

San Miguel: Architecture and History

The parish church of San Miguel belonged to the Iranzu Monastery. It was built in the early 13th century in the late Romanesque style, with Cistercian elements. The medieval building has three naves, each with three bays of different sizes. The portal is pointed and splayed, with figurative capitals. The tower also incorporates medieval structures. The building thus brings together different architectural features and a long history of construction.

The altarpiece was made by Martín de Morgota in the late 16th century. Around 1618, the gilder Pedro de Monteagudo applied its polychrome finish. Alongside its architecture, the church also offers a glimpse into the history of art in the village. The Encina de Eraul adds a connection to the landscape to this historical focus: it stands at the entrance to the village, on the route between Eraul and Abárzuza.

Landscape and former livelihoods

The traditional economy is also part of Eraul’s history: it combined livestock farming with arable and crop cultivation. Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and borros—small rams—were raised. Crops included olives, grapevines, wheat and barley. The historic functions of the routes and these economic activities offer different perspectives on the area: the routes served for trade and to connect neighbouring villages, while agriculture involved both livestock farming and cultivation.

Whether you are interested in a shorter route, a longer circuit or the history of the architecture, the information on distance, elevation gain and walking time will help you distinguish between the options described. It is advisable to check current conditions before setting out on the Eraul-Larraiza trail and at the Mirador.

Discover more destinations: Garaioa, Añorbe, Ezcároz, Ollo, Ezkurra, Luzaide / Valcarlos, Salinas De Oro, Aribe

For the main travel overview: Navarra.