Murua brings together walking routes and local history: the Senda Murua trail passes through oak woodland, meadows and heathland, while mills, the church and local festivals reveal other sides of the village. If you are planning a stay, you can focus on trails in the natural park or historical sites before looking for accommodation.
Walking around Murua
The Senda Murua begins at the small Parrachi car park, beside the road to the Canteras recreation area, just after you pass through Murua. The path first leads through old oak woodland, then through meadows and heathland. This sequence of landscapes gives the route its own character, without requiring you to walk at any particular pace.
A fully restored mill in Murua stands where the Senda Murua meets the Senda Zubialde, making it a notable point at this trail junction. The protected network of walking trails in Gorbeia Natural Park includes the Senda Murua and lets hikers discover traces of human history, including dolmens, menhirs, charcoal-burning sites, mills and shepherds’ huts.
Another Gorbeia route, passing the quarries, is 8,500 metres long. It goes through Murua to the recreation area, then climbs towards Mount Gorbeia along several possible paths. Trail conditions may change, so check the latest information before your hike.
Near Murua, the Canteras de Murua recreation area is located in the Gorbeia reservoirs area, 3.7 kilometres from the village. It has tables, wooden benches and chemical toilets. Facilities may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit. The Zubialde–Lisaranda–Zubialde nature trail also starts and ends at the Canteras de Murua car park. The municipal excursion “Árboles especiales 1” suggests visiting the Murua and Etxaguen area to see notable trees.
Caves and nature experiences
Visitors come to Murua to hike in Gorbeia Natural Park and look for mushrooms and chestnuts. Seasonal conditions and rules for gathering them may vary. On the climb from Murua to Gorbeia, you can also take a detour to the Mairuelegorreta caves. They form a labyrinth of caverns extending for more than twelve kilometres and contain striking formations. The caves are considered an ancient source of fossil water and are associated with traditions, legends and historical accounts.
Festivals and local history
Murua’s patron saint festivities take place on 30 November in honour of Saint Andrew. Saint Anthony of Padua is celebrated on 13 June with a mass and a communal meal. The traditional game of ninepins is also still played in Murua, with regular provincial competitions. If you would like to attend a competition, check the date in advance.
The village’s history goes back to the former hermitage of San Antonio, which now houses the parish church. It features Romanesque details and several images; apparently, after the war, the building also incorporated elements from the ruins of San Andrés Church. In the 18th century, an important livestock fair was held beside the San Antonio hermitage. Today’s festival dates thus sit alongside an older tradition, though the fair of that time should not be mistaken for a present-day event.
A palace belonging to the Ortiz de Zárate family is also part of Murua’s history. The family established a palace there with a coat of arms and a private oratory. The building also contained furniture, paintings and other 18th-century features. These historic sites and the routes in Gorbeia give you different points of reference as you decide what matters most for your stay in Murua.
For the wider travel overview: Gopegi.
