Day 2: Aizarna to Lastur

The walk today initially follows an ancient way from Aizarna marked by chapels and Stations of the Cross over to the Urola Valley and the village of Zestoa, noteworthy for its well-preserved walled centre and historic spa. From here we head up the wild, unspoilt Goltizibar valley past the caves of Ekain – now closed to the public to protect the valuable paintings inside – and its replica, Ekainberri, which can be visited. As we climb up through the valley, we pass the remains of old water mills and small waterfalls and eventually emerge above the gorge at the hillside bar and restaurant of Aitola Zar, which makes an ideal rest stop, We are now in the heart of the Izarraitz Massif, dominated by the peaks of Erlo and Xoxote. From Aitola Zar we climb a little further to the head of the Lastur valley to then follow a path that winds through a hidden valley of moss-covered limestone outcrops between the more modest mountains of Sesiarte and Agido, past scattered hillside farmhouses, to make our final descent to the totally unspoilt Lastur valley and our accommodation at the beautifully restored Goikola farmhouse. NOTE: although today’s hike is a little longer than the other days, the final 8km are either on the level or downhill. It is also possible to follow a country lane from Aitola Zar all the way to Lastur, shortening the walk by 3 km.

Day_2_Aizarna_to_Lastur_basquecountrywalks

Day_2_Aizarna_to_Lastur_basquecountrywalks

Day_2_Aizarna_to_Lastur_altitude_gain_basquecountrywalks

Day_2_Aizarna_to_Lastur_altitude_gain_basquecountrywalks

Overnight Goikola

Distance/walking time/cumulative elevation gain:

19 km / 5h20min / 920m approx.

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