In Araia, trails cross a river meadow and climb to a summit overlooking the Llanada Alavesa. The area also features traces of industrial history and buildings from several centuries. Visitors planning a stay can choose between different interests: landscape, industry or architectural heritage.
Landscape trails and viewpoints
The walking trail to the source of the Zirauntza River passes through the river meadow and lush scenery with beech trees, oaks, pools and waterfalls. The source is the trail’s destination; along the way, water and forest shape the landscape. Visitors who want to discover Araia through its natural surroundings will find a clearly defined walk here.
The SL A14 circular trail also starts in Araia, in the Intuxi neighbourhood near the San Pedro hydroelectric plant. The SL A13 circular trail has a different focus: it leads to Castillo de Marutegi, also known as Morutegi, and climbs to the summit of San Miguel. From there, views open out over the Llanada Alavesa. The routes therefore differ in both destination and course: one focuses on the river meadow and spring, the other on the castle, climb and views.
Industrial history and energy
The Ajuria factory operated from 1848 until it closed in 1985. The factory was home to the first electric induction furnace in the entire country and one of the first blast furnaces in the Basque Country. These two technical distinctions refer to different areas: the entire country and the Basque Country. Together with its long operating history, they give Araia’s industrial history a specific timeframe and technical context.
The Museo del Mitxarro brings together themes and heritage values from the municipality of Asparrena. These include energy, the ecology of a beech forest and karst, as well as archaeological remains, architecture and transport routes. Araia’s foundry, cheese-making, and the customs and ways of life of the local population are also among its themes. Nature, technology, architectural history and everyday life are thus linked within a shared thematic context.
The Aspárrena Nature Interpretation Centre and the Renewable Energy Centre are also located within the San Pedro de Araia hydroelectric plant complex. Energy is therefore not only part of the industrial history, but also a subject explored by both centres at the plant.
Buildings from different centuries
The present-day Iglesia de San Pedro building was constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries. The Ermita de Andra Mari is a Baroque chapel dating from the 18th century. Carved crosses of St James on the chapel are a reminder that it was almost certainly a stopping point on the Camino de Santiago route through the San Adrián Tunnel into Álava.
The Palacio de los Ajuria is a historicist palace dating from the 19th century. The Frontón de Iturbero was built in 1876 and is considered one of the oldest in the province of Álava. The church, chapel, palace and frontón represent different building purposes and historical contexts. These buildings add a perspective on Araia that differs from its industrial and landscape history.
Cheese and getting here
AIXTRA S.C. is associated with cheese bearing the D.O. Idiazabal protected designation of origin and with Caserío Aixtra, 01250 Araia, Álava. Cheese-making is also one of the themes of the Museo del Mitxarro, complementing its coverage of energy, the foundry and the local population’s ways of life.
For travel to the area, route 5 connects Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alegria/Dulantzi and Araia; the service information is dated 1 July 2026. Routes 9A and 9B connect Araia with Agurain/Salvatierra. Route 9A goes via Gordoa, and 9B via Durruma/San Román. As timetables and reservation information may change, check the latest information before travelling. This allows you to plan your journey separately from your choice of excursion.
Discover more destinations: Elciego, Laserna, Maestu, Rivabellosa, Caicedo-Sopeña, Labastida, Lasarte, Legutio
For the main travel overview: Alava.
