Megalithic sites, wooded valleys and paths to mills and chapels give Arano different themes for an exploratory trip. This village in Navarre brings together archaeological remains and architectural history with a landscape in which rivers, forests and ridges play an important role. You can tailor your trip to the subjects that interest you most.
A landscape of forests and viewpoints
Arano’s landscape is shaped by narrow valleys and deeply incised, meandering rivers. Natural deciduous forests include oak, beech, chestnut and ash trees; reforested areas consist of conifers. At 872 metres, Leuneta is the highest point in the municipality of Arano. The sea is visible from the town centre; on clear days, you can also see the “Gaviota de Bermeo.” The Ermita de Juan Sebastián lies outside the built-up centre and offers exceptional views.
Cromlechs and architectural history
The Cromlech de Añona is located in Arano. The Arano–Mandoegi–Leiza megalithic area comprises 56 cromlechs; named sites include Errekaleku lepoa. The archaeological remains therefore represent both a specific place in Arano and a larger megalithic area.
Today’s Parroquia de San MartĂn was built over the original medieval church and dates from the 19th century. The Iglesia de San MartĂn de Arano has a nave with four bays, one of which serves as a transept; the choir has a flat end. The main altar is dominated by a Baroque altarpiece from the second half of the 17th century. The furnishings also include a rectangular Renaissance baptismal font. The architectural form and furnishings thus point to different periods.
Paths to mills, a pond and chapels
The Lavadero de Larriturri is the only washhouse still preserved in Arano. The village also has an upper and a lower mill. Their stone walls stand on the banks of the Latxe stream and are covered with vegetation. A path leads from the centre of the village to the mills, follows the stream and passes the pond known as Lamiosin. These stops give the route a clear course between the village centre, stream, pond and mills.
The Ermita de San Roque lies on the way to Oraune, along a track lined with beech trees. It was restored through community effort. A pilgrimage in honour of Saint Roch takes place there on 16 August. Another footpath leads to the Ermita de Juan Sebastián: it starts behind the church and heads uphill to the left at the first junction.
Burnin is a recreation area near the border between Goizueta and Arano. A path from Burnin leads to the Borda de Burnin and passes the Txingurrieta spring. This path and the paths to the chapels each have their own starting points and destinations, so plan them as separate excursions rather than assuming they form a continuous circular route.
Festivals and local customs
On 24 December, children and young people carry the Olentzero they made together on their backs through the village’s farmsteads, singing Christmas carols. Arano’s festivals are called Santiyu; the main day of celebration is 25 July. The festivities include Herri Kirolak, traditional Basque rural sports.
A group of young people visits the village’s various farmsteads and asks for food and money, accompanied by trikitixa and txistu music. At dusk, talos are prepared in the association’s portico for residents to enjoy.
Getting there and finding accommodation
The NA-4150 is listed as the road connection to Arano; check the route before your trip. The local tourist information office is in the Kontseju taberna in the village centre. As visitor services may change, it is advisable to check the location before visiting.
If you are looking for a hotel in Arano, first consider whether you want to focus your stay mainly on the cromlechs and churches, the paths and landscape, or local festivals.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Armañanzas, Salinas De Oro, MendigorrĂa, SaragĂĽeta, Uztegi, Bakaiku, Milagro, Ostiz.
For the overarching travel guide: Navarre.
