A 6.60-kilometre circular route, the Plazaola, designated as a 51-kilometre gravel route, and the Peru Harri Museum show the many different ways to discover Leitza. The old town’s stone manor houses and the tradition of Ingurutxoa add to the picture. When planning your trip, it is worth considering culture, hiking and cycling as separate priorities: route type, trail length and possible festival dates differ.

Basque rural sports and living traditions

Peru Harri is a museum in Leitza dedicated to Basque rural sports, especially stone lifting. With the support of stone lifter Iñaki Perurena, the museum showcases this heritage. The cultural focus extends beyond the museum, too: Ingurutxoa is a lively dance performed at local festivals and other celebrations. If you would like to see a performance, check the specific dates before your trip.

The Herri Kirolak tradition also includes occasional competitions at Basque regional level. Demonstrations take place at the local pelota court or in the village square. Their frequency and programme can vary from year to year, so check the dates in advance. This lets you plan cultural visits separately from possible events, without assuming there is a fixed calendar.

Old Town and San Miguel Church

The old town’s character is shaped by stone manor houses, wooden balconies, broad roof overhangs and narrow cobbled streets. San Miguel Church adds to this architectural impression with its grey-blue stone walls, a large portico and an adjoining 19th-century tower. If you are interested in architectural styles and townscapes, look out for specific details as you explore Leitza.

Leitza lies in a widening of the Leitzaran Valley, and the Plazaola Greenway passes through the town. This geographical and landscape setting is one of the destination’s distinctive features, while the individual routes differ in type and destination.

Plazaola Greenway: a gravel cycling route

Near Leitza, the Camino Natural–Vía Verde del Plazaola is designated as an easy, 51-kilometre linear gravel cycling route. It passes through Leitza and through numerous tunnels, including the 2.7-kilometre Uitzi Tunnel. Its length, linear format and tunnels are among the route’s key features.

The section from Leitza station towards Gipuzkoa is partly paved and considered very accessible for people with reduced mobility. Accessibility may change due to maintenance or weather, so check the route conditions before setting out. Accessibility improvements have been made along a total of 12 kilometres of the Greenway, across four sections in Lekunberri, Irurtzun, Latasa and Leitza. These include improvements to the surface, safety barriers with railings and handrails, accessible street furniture, parking spaces, and inclusive, accessible signage.

Hiking trails to Leitzalarrea and Kornieta

Route 21 Leitzalarrea starts in Leitza, is 6.60 kilometres long and forms a circular route through the forests of Leitzalarrea. It leads to the Izaieta fir grove, which is protected as a natural monument for its beauty and distinctive character; some of its trees are over 45 metres tall. The Urdola cromlech is also on this circular route. In addition, the route passes close to the ruins of the Sarasain-zaharra ironworks.

Another circular route is the PR-NA 121 Parque Eólico de Kornieta: from Leitza, it goes via Asketa, Kornieta, Mukarrain and the Ermita de Santa Cruz before returning to Leitza. The Agorriz dolmen lies on the trail, less than five minutes from the Kornieta spring. The Ermita de Santa Cruz stands on a wooded balcony viewpoint among beech trees. Kornieta is a mountain offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The two hiking options differ in their routes and destinations: Route 21 leads through the forests of Leitzalarrea to natural and cultural sites, while the PR-NA 121 links the places listed via Kornieta to the Ermita de Santa Cruz. Those looking for a cycling route will find a linear gravel trail that passes through Leitza on the Plazaola. When deciding on your trip, you can start by focusing on your preferred activity and route type; for cultural events, you should also check the specific dates.

Discover more destinations: Irurozqui, Berriozar, Etxarri-Aranatz, Ablitas, Undiano, Andosilla, Carcastillo, Muneta

See the main travel overview: Navarra.