Alonsotegi lies in the corridor formed by the Cadagua River between the mountains of Sasiburu, Ganekogorta and Pagasarri. The town centre is about 50 metres above sea level, while Ganekogorta reaches almost 1,000 metres. This contrast in elevation brings two scales of landscape together: the river corridor and the mountain environment. When choosing a trail, it is also worth considering the different landscapes each route focuses on.

Routes between limestone karst and pine forest

The PR BI 101 is a circular hiking trail through the limestone karst of Peñas Blancas, starting at the Ermita de San Antolín. The Alonsotegi–Pagasarri route, by contrast, starts at the town hall square and follows the signposted ascent towards Pagasarri. It passes along forest tracks through pine forests and offers the chance to spot wild mountain animals. This gives you a clear distinction when choosing: one route focuses on a circular walk and limestone karst, while the other follows a signposted ascent through the forests.

Another option is the Zamundi circular route, which offers views of scenic surroundings. Several routes also allow you to visit numerous hermitages on foot. This lets you choose an outing based on its landscape or on your interest in the town’s religious buildings, without combining these themes into a single route.

Hermitages with distinctive details

The Ermita de San Antolín in the Irauregi neighbourhood combines a historic building with a specific starting point: the PR BI 101 begins here. The noble Coscojales family built the hermitage in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It is considered the only hermitage in Bizkaia to have preserved its original altarpiece. The building’s history and surviving altarpiece thus provide a distinct cultural point of interest alongside the landscape of the circular route.

A different detail takes centre stage at the Ermita de San Juan Bautista in the Azordoiaga neighbourhood. Set against a rock face beneath a small roof is an altar with an icon made after the original in the Serbian Orthodox Church of Belgrade. The two hermitages therefore offer different perspectives on religious heritage: at San Antolín, the construction period, patronage and altarpiece are defining features; at San Juan Bautista, the rock altar and the icon’s model catch the eye.

From historic ice house to local history

The Neveras del Pagasarri reflect the practical use of the mountain landscape in earlier times. These underground ice houses date from the 17th century. Snow was stored there to make drinks, preserve food and alleviate fever. The history of these structures differs from the religious architectural history of the hermitages: here, the focus is on storing snow and its varied uses.

There are also cultural points of interest in the town centre. The parish church of San Bartolomé is a prominent building there. The workers’ housing estate of Barrenkalea reveals another aspect of regional history. It was built in the first half of the 20th century, following the growth of mining and industry in the region. Together, the church and workers’ housing estate point to different chapters in local and regional history—from religious architecture to the changes brought about by mining and industry.

Discover more destinations: Elexalde, Kanpantxu, Barakaldo, Mallabia, Sanfuentes, Valle De Carranza, Portugalete, Arrieta.

For the main travel overview: Bizkaia.