Ezkurra can be explored during a stay through two distinct focal points: the Erakurri circular route in the mountain area and the architectural history of the village. The trail passes through the headwaters of the Ezkurra River, old beech forests and high-altitude pastures; it also includes megalithic monuments. Among the buildings, the church, hermitage, Palacio de Hamarrendegia and stone bridges stand out, each with its own historical or architectural features. This allows you to decide whether the landscape hike or the built heritage should take centre stage in your plans.

Erakurri Circular Route and Megaliths

The Erakurri circular route is a circular hike through Ezkurra’s mountain area. It passes through the headwaters of the Ezkurra River, as well as old beech forests and high-altitude pastures. The route includes the Malo dolmens, the Ezkain stone circles and the Iruñarri menhir. This means that both the landscape and clearly identified megalithic remains feature on the same circular route. The map lists the Erakurri circular route alongside the Herriko Plaza bus stop. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Forests and Waters

Forest cover changes with altitude: beech trees grow mainly at higher elevations, oaks at lower elevations, and chestnuts at intermediate elevations. Ezkurra’s most extensive beech forests lie on the northern slopes of the watershed and on the eastern and western slopes of Eracurri; oak stands are common in the centre of the municipality. Altitude and slope direction provide two different points of reference: the former determines the tree species, while the latter helps locate the most extensive beech forests. The Ezkurra and Urumea rivers rise at or near Puerto de Ezkurra.

Churches, Palace and Bridges

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción stands at the highest point of the village of Ezkurra and dates from the 16th century. It has a single-nave layout and a flat-ended chancel with elaborate star vaults; the interior structure is made entirely of wood. At the entrance is an old “Zimitterio”, which recalls former burial places in Ezkurra. The church therefore brings together three distinct aspects: its location in the village, the design of the church interior and the memorial at the entrance.

The hermitage of Santa Cruz near Ezkurra dates from the same century as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which was built in the 16th century. The Palacio de Hamarrendegia was once the palace of the chief armourer. Several single-arch stone bridges cross the Ezkurra stream. Together, these landmarks illustrate the range of heritage here: religious buildings, a former palace function and stone bridges over the Ezkurra stream.

Patron Saint’s Day Celebrations in August

Ezkurra’s patron saint’s day celebrations take place on 15 August and on the days before and after. The programme includes axe competitions, pelota games, a communal meal, music and dancing. If you would like to plan your trip around these dates, check the current festival programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Rada, Bakaiku, Zudaire, San Adrián, Goñi, Monteagudo, Yesa, Beire

For the broader travel overview: Navarra.