Arrarats can be explored through its architectural and cultural history as well as through paths into the surrounding countryside. The village lies in the upper part of the valley, on the slope of Ernaizu-Ireber, and consists of traditional houses. The Church of San Pedro, the Basaburua megalithic sector, a traditional dance form and the routes to Ireber offer a range of focal points for a stay. There is also a sensory forest experience and an eco-friendly country house in the village.
Houses and Village History
The traditional houses in Arrarats date from the 19th century. Many bordas have been preserved; they once served as homes. Some are still standing, while others have been completely renovated. The bordas add another dimension to the village’s history: alongside the age of the traditional houses, the buildings’ former residential function also matters.
San Pedro: Architecture and Furnishings
The Church of San Pedro is Baroque in style and dates from the 19th century. Its altarpieces and interior paintings date from the 17th century and were recently regilded. A carved image of Saint Peter in the church dates back to the 16th century. The building and its furnishings therefore belong to different periods. If you are interested in the church, it is worth distinguishing the dates of the individual works from the age of the building.
Megaliths and Landscape
Part of the Basaburua megalithic sector lies within Arrarats, including Beigañe. Its classification as a dolmen is, however, considered uncertain. The Otsola meadow is 900 metres from the village; the Otsola stream rises there. This gives the landscape different points of reference: the megalithic sector and the meadow where the stream begins.
Hiking and Mountain Bike Route
The hiking route to Ireber starts at the church in Arrarats. It leads into a young beech forest; from the route, there are views of eastern Navarre and the Pyrenees. The BE05 Izakiak mountain bike route can also be started in Arrarats. The two options have different roles: Ireber is the destination of the hike, while Arrarats is a possible starting point for the BE05. You can choose according to the kind of outing you want, without treating the paths as the same route.
Forest Experience and Dance Tradition
In 2026, the sensory forest experience in Arrarats includes a guided walk among oak, beech and chestnut trees, as well as practical work in a vegetable garden. Here, a guided forest walk and gardening go together; the hiking route to Ireber focuses on the path, the young beech forest and the views. These different emphases can help you choose a nature experience to suit your interests.
The Zozo dantza from Arrarats literally means “blackbird dance.” It is no longer danced locally; several dance groups preserve it for performances. Its transmission is therefore different from the former local dancing: today, the dance form is kept alive through the groups’ performances.
Where to Stay in Arrarats
Kaaño Etxea is an eco-friendly country house in Arrarats offering breakfast, dinner, workshops and coaching. The accommodation is therefore combined with several additional services. As the services offered may change, check which ones are currently available before booking.
Discover more destinations: Barásoain, Meoz, Oronoz-Mugaire, Berrioplano, Atondo, Zabalceta, Corella, Galar
For the full travel overview: Navarre.
