Astigarraga is known as the cider capital. The surrounding area has numerous apple orchards thanks to its local climate and favorable soil conditions. This means a trip here can focus on a theme that encompasses growing, production, tasting and Basque food culture. The Sagardoetxea Basque Cider Museum consists of a museum, an apple orchard and a tasting center. These three components offer different perspectives on cider, from the apples and its history to tasting it.

Cider and Food Culture

The cider season in Astigarraga runs roughly from mid-January to the end of March. The period can vary from year to year, so check with individual cider houses before your trip to find out what will be offered during your visit. At Zapiain, the cider season offering includes a traditional cider menu and the opportunity to take part in the txotx ritual.

A typical cider menu includes a cod omelet, grilled cod with green peppers, grilled steak, and cheese with quince and walnuts. Menus may vary. If you are interested in the culinary side, you can discover these dishes as typical elements of this kind of menu without assuming that every cider house serves the same selection. The cider house Iretza also has its own distinctive design: it offers private dining rooms, tables inside cider barrels and a stage.

The history of cider making goes back a long way. Cider production by the Astarbe family has been documented since 1563. Petritegi is a farmhouse with a cider press dating from 1526. A guided experience at Petritegi takes visitors through the apple orchards, cider presses, cellar and farmhouse. Together with the museum and Zapiain’s seasonal offering, these provide distinct perspectives on cider culture.

Architecture and Cultural Insights

The area’s architecture also offers different points of historical interest. The Ermita de Santiagomendi is a temple on the Way of St. James. Its 18th-century altarpiece depicts Saint Sebastian, Saint Christopher, Christ and Saint James on horseback. The parish church of Santa María de la Asunción, also known as Santa María de Murgia, stands on Markesmendi hill.

Sagardoaren Lurraldea offers guided tours in Astigarraga throughout the year that include the parish church. Check the schedule again before your trip. The Palacio de Murgia preserves much of its old walls, built from dressed natural stone, and houses a historical archive and a valuable library. These offer distinct cultural themes: sacred art, a guided visit and historic architecture.

Trails and Recurring Events

A 2018 tour description outlines a 6.5-kilometer route through the natural landscape of Santiagomendi, following the Way of St. James in Gipuzkoa. It lists themed stops on the Santiagomendi Cider Route that focus on cider culture, as well as guided tours on foot and by electric bike. As this information dates from 2018, check whether the tours are currently running, along with the route’s signage and booking availability, before making plans.

Recurring events may also influence your choice of travel dates. On May 15, a popular San Isidro fair takes place in the Benta district. From July 24 to 26, patron saint festivities are held in honor of the Apostle James. Check the current festival program before your trip.

For planning your dates, the season and festival days are two different reference points: the cider season lasts roughly several weeks, while the fair and patron saint festivities take place on specific calendar dates.

Discover more destinations: Leintz-Gatzaga, Beizama, Oiartzun, Aia, Irun, Deba, Elgoibar, Andoain.

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