Discover Ituren: Carnival, Architecture and Walking Routes

In Ituren, the carnival celebrated jointly with Zubieta, historic buildings and walking routes are among the area’s defining features. You can therefore plan your stay around the festival dates, architecture or outdoor activities. The routes described vary considerably in length and difficulty.

Carnival with Zubieta

The Ituren and Zubieta Carnival is a cultural heritage event celebrated annually and recognised as being of cultural interest. The festivities take place on the Monday and Tuesday after the last Sunday in January. On Monday, the procession from Zubieta visits Ituren; on Tuesday, Ituren returns the visit in Zubieta. The main procession covers three kilometres between the two villages, ending in Ituren’s village square. The figures described include the Joaldunak, a bear, other animal figures and rams. Each of the two days therefore focuses on a different village. If you are travelling for the carnival, check the exact dates for the year in question; the calendar principle remains tied to the last Sunday in January.

Church, Palacio and bridges

The Church of San Martín de Tours dates from the 16th century and was partly altered in the 18th century. Its main altar, from the early 17th century, retains its original polychromy. The Palacio de Ituren also reflects several phases of construction: its origins date back to the late Middle Ages, while the present stone building was completed in 1715. A Baroque coat of arms adorns the Palacio. Traditional houses are notable for their turned wooden balconies. Some date from the 17th century; one bears traces of Gothic architecture.

Two medieval bridges cross the River Ezkurra in Ituren. Marizeneko zubia is one of them; it retains its original construction, with a large semicircular arch. The second bridge crosses the Ezkurra between the districts of Latsaga and Aurtitz and also has a large semicircular arch in its original construction. The Chapel of the Holy Trinity stands on the summit of Mendaur; it was rebuilt in 1963. On Trinity Day, in late May or early June, residents of the surrounding area climb the mountain. The Chapel of San Joaquín is about a ten-minute walk from Ituren, on the path to Mendaur, and was restored in 1956.

Walking routes by length and difficulty

The Ioaldunen Bidea is a five-kilometre linear walking route between Ituren and Zubieta. It starts in Ituren’s village square, passes through Latsaga and Aurtitz on the way to Zubieta, and climbs 100 metres. Along the way, it offers a glimpse of the traditional way of life in the dispersed settlements of the Basque-Atlantic region. The Camino del Agua is longer, at 15.6 kilometres, and is described as a moderate linear walking route. It follows the River Ezkurra through Ituren and Aurtitz and is also suitable for mountain biking (BTT). On the Ituren section, the Ruta del Agua follows the Joaldunak route through the district of Lasaga and passes old washhouses and bathing spots.

Another option is the difficult, 21-kilometre Arantza-Mendaur-Makillipurdi-Sorano-Illurdi-Arantza route. It descends in the direction of Ituren and continues to the Mendaur reservoir; it is only partly waymarked. The routes mentioned therefore vary in length and stated difficulty. The two routes described as linear are not circular; remember to plan your return journey or how you will continue your route.

Plan your journey and stay

Ituren and Zubieta can be reached from the N-121A via the turn-off for Doneztebe/Santesteban, then along the NA-170. Check road conditions before setting off. When looking for a hotel in Ituren, it helps to decide on the purpose of your trip first: for the carnival, the January dates are key; for a walking trip, you can use route length and difficulty as a guide.

Discover more destinations: Villamayor, Genevilla, Bizkarreta-Gerendiain, Urroz, Iza, Ezcároz, Lintzoain, Arribe

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