Beyond the Coast
The Basque interior, slow and unguarded
From the familiar landmarks, we turn inland—toward places that reveal themselves only with time.
Beyond the Atlantic façade lies a quieter Basque Country, shaped by valleys, forests, and time. This section explores the northwestern interior of Navarre, extending naturally across the French–Spanish border, where soft mountain passes connect rural worlds that have never truly been separate.
Winding secondary roads lead through beech, oak, and chestnut forests, open pastures, and small villages where life continues at a measured pace. Medieval towns, ancient paths, shared borderlands, and discreet crossings reveal a landscape defined not by monuments, but by continuity.
Here, culture is not curated—it is lived. Traditions endure quietly, shaped by geography, season, and proximity. The gastronomic culture follows the same logic: honest cooking, local products, and meals rooted in place rather than performance.
Beyond the coast, the Basque Country unfolds inward—slower, deeper, and remarkably intact.
From here on, the journey becomes more private
Binding two sides of Navarre
A journey across mountain passes where borders dissolve into landscape. Medieval towns, quiet rivers, winding roads, and noble valleys reveal a Navarre shaped as much by history as by terrain. From pilgrimage paths to hidden rural heartlands, this route connects places that have always belonged together.
Where Myth Still Breathes
Between Myths and Borderlands: Ancient paths, deep forests and villages suspended in time. From Etxalar to the shared land of Xareta, this route moves through places where mythology, ancestral beliefs and everyday life still intertwine. A landscape where borders never fully broke cultural continuity, and stories remain rooted in the land.
Where the Forest Softens Time
Still Waters, Quiet Valleys A day to slow down and reconnect. Forests, water and silence define this gentle escape into a secluded valley, where beech woods embrace a hidden reservoir. Leisurely walks, fresh air and rural villages invite a pause from modern noise before returning through some of Navarra’s most peaceful countryside.
Of Kings, Pigs and Mountain Passes
Pastures, forests and high roads trace an age-old rural logic. From the noble town of Elizondo across historic mountain passes, this route explores valleys shaped by grazing, forests and free-range livestock. A landscape where daily life, tradition and terrain remain deeply aligned.