Zaldivia is one of the main gateways to the Aralar Nature Park. Those wishing to include nature, culture and regional cuisine in their travel plans will find several different points of interest here: trails to meadows and peaks, historic sites and a recreation area near Arkaka.

Trails in Aralar and to the Amundarain

Zaldivia offers numerous routes that can be covered on foot or by bicycle. One trail starts beside the CAF depot, two kilometres from the town centre, and follows a paved section to several meadows and peaks in Aralar. The paved path is several hundred, possibly even several thousand, years old. This route thus combines a hike with a remarkably ancient path.

The Osinberde trail has a different destination: it leads to the source of the Amundarain stream. While the route along the old paved path focuses on meadows and peaks, this one leads to the source of a stream. These differences can help you choose a trail based on the landscape you want to see, without assuming a particular walking time.

Relaxation along the way to Arkaka

Two kilometres from the town centre, along the road to Arkaka, there is a recreation area with tables and benches. There is also a fishing school for children by the artificial lake at Arkaka. Check in advance whether it will be operating when you visit. The facilities in the recreation area may also change; it is advisable to check their current condition before your visit.

Historic sites and megalithic monuments

The hermitage of San Saturnino is considered one of the earliest temples in Gipuzkoa. Ausoko Gaztelu had a different historical function: in the 12th and 13th centuries, it served as a lookout post. The megalithic monuments in Zaldivia, in turn, date back to the Neolithic period and are directly connected with the sheep trails to the pastures of Aralar.

The Neolithic monuments include Ausokoi I, Ausokoi II, Argarbi, Matxitxane and Jentilarri. Their connection with the sheep trails and the pastures of Aralar offers a concrete insight into the relationship between archaeological sites and the pastoral landscape. These different historical points of reference can be distinguished as follows: the megaliths date from the Neolithic period, while Ausoko Gaztelu is known for its lookout function in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The mill and the house also tell stories of earlier uses. The stones of the Kanpain mill can grind flour again after several years of inactivity. Zubiaurre House served as accommodation for walkers and, for many years, was a well-known school for sewing and reading. The two places reflect different aspects of local life, without implying a chronological sequence in their uses.

Mondejus and regional cuisine

Zaldivia is known for its mondejus, a type of white blood sausage made from sheep meat. For travellers interested in regional produce as well as landscapes and culture, this speciality is another reason to choose the destination.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

Zaldivia is easily accessible by road and by train. Ordizia station is the nearest railway station. If travelling by train, check the current timetable in advance.

Then tailor your search to the places you actually want to visit, and check the location of each option against your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Errezil, Usurbil, Bergara, Aizarna, Antzuola, Azpeitia, Beizama, Deba.

Back to the main travel overview: Gipuzkoa.