Zelaia in Mendexa brings together two interests that can shape a stay: rural trails and the architectural and artistic history of San Pedro Church. The routes range from a short linear trail with an approximate walking time to routes that connect neighbourhoods or place Zelaia within a long-distance hiking trail. When planning, it is therefore useful to distinguish between an individual trail, its landscape setting and the broader route network. San Pedro adds a dedicated cultural landmark in the Zelaia neighbourhood.
Trails and routes around Zelaia
The LEA09 Mendexa: Zelaia-Iturreta trail connects Zelaia with Iturreta and passes through a natural, rural setting. LEA10 Mendexa-Leagi is a linear trail covering 0.96 kilometres; the approximate walking time is 13 minutes one way. This time applies to the outward journey only. If you want to return to the starting point, you will need to add the return journey; allow extra time for breaks and longer stops as well. Route details may be updated, so check the latest information on LEA10 before setting out. Different criteria apply when choosing a trail: LEA10 offers a short, specified distance and a time estimate, while LEA09 connects Zelaia and Iturreta through a rural setting.
Behind Leagi Tower, a medieval tower remodelled in the 18th century, a route descends along a forest path among eucalyptus trees and joins the Sendero del Lea, a variant of the GR 38 “Ruta del Vino y el Pescado”. The GR-123 is another route connection: this long-distance trail, known as the “Vuelta a Bizkaia”, passes through Mendexa and includes Zelaia. The trail by Leagi offers a specifically described stretch through the forest and a connection to the Sendero del Lea; the GR-123 forms part of the larger long-distance route through Mendexa.
San Pedro Church: architecture and art history
San Pedro Church is located in the Zelaia neighbourhood, on a hilltop beside the pelota court and opposite the town hall. The hilltop, court and town hall are three specific landmarks that help pinpoint its location in the neighbourhood. San Pedro is a Baroque church built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Inside, there is also a Romanesque sculpture of the Virgin Mary dating from the 13th century. The sculpture therefore comes from a much earlier period than the church’s construction. For those interested in culture, two distinct historical periods can be seen side by side here: the Baroque church and the medieval sculpture.
Where to stay in Zelaia
The small, cosy Zelaigane guesthouse is located in rural Mendexa between Lekeitio and Ondarroa, about two kilometres from the beach. Its address is Zelaia Auzoa 1, 48289 Zelaia, Mendexa. When choosing accommodation, you can consider its rural setting, its location between the two towns and its approximate distance from the beach as separate criteria. Zelaigane is a specific accommodation option in Zelaia and Mendexa, while the trails and San Pedro shape the landscape and cultural themes of a stay.
Discover more destinations: Gaztelu-Elexabeitia, Zierbena, Elantxobe, Arantzazu, Abadiño, Larrabetzu, Bakio, Lezama
For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.
