Casa Angiz Etxea · Sunbilla, Navarra
Our surroundings
Bidasoa Valley, Baztan Valley and Xareta Valley — a territory united by the river, the Basque language, and a shared culture.
Staying at Casa Angiz Etxea in Sunbilla means being in the heart of a territory linked by the Bidasoa River, the Basque language, and a shared culture and cuisine: the Bidasoa Valley, the Baztan Valley, and the Xareta Valley. They are not three separate worlds — they are neighbors that share roots, festivals, flavors, and language — but each one keeps its own identity, villages, and hidden corners. We present them separately so you can get to know each one well, without losing sight of what unites them.
A shared territory
Where are we and what's around us?
The Bidasoa River, the Basque language, and very similar culture and cuisine have united these valleys for centuries. Understanding how they relate to one another helps you plan your getaway better.
The Bidasoa River is the thread that connects this entire territory. Although it is popularly said to rise in Santesteban/Doneztebe, in reality it begins to gather water much earlier: at the Xorroxin waterfall in Erratzu (Baztan Valley), where it springs up among beech woods and begins to flow down as a small stream. From there it collects water from other tributaries — the Ezpelura, the Ezkurra, and several other streams in the area — until it reaches Santesteban, where it finally gains its true flow and width, and where most people place its source. In a way, it is an open debate among the valley's own residents: the Bidasoa "is born" in Baztan, but it truly becomes a river in the Bidasoa.
Bidasoa Valley
This is where Casa Angiz is located. The valley through which the Bidasoa River flows once it has formed, from Santesteban northward until it reaches the Cantabrian Sea, between Hondarribia (Spain) and Hendaye (France). Its surroundings are made up of the Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park and the villages around Santesteban, from the highest part to those found on the plains of streams that join the Bidasoa in Santesteban.
The valley is divided into three areas: Malerreka (the villages in the upper part, on the slopes), Bertizarana (the area surrounding the Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park), and Bortziriak (the five villages in the lower part: Arantza, Igantzi, Etxalar, Lesaka, and Bera). Accessible nature, river, gentle routes, and villages where life moves at a different pace. National road 121A crosses it, connecting Pamplona with the Basque and French coast.
Sunbilla · Santesteban/Doneztebe · Donamaria · Saldias · Zubieta · Ituren · Eratsun · Labaien · Urroz · Elgorriaga · Oronoz-Mugairi · Arantza · Igantzi · Etxalar · Lesaka · Bera · Endarlatza (border)
Baztan Valley
A valley nestled into the slopes of its mountains. A single municipality that includes 15 neighborhoods or localities (elizateak) surrounded by mountains, forests, and meadows. Its capital is Elizondo. A deeper, more secluded corner, with a deeply rooted Basque cultural identity and spectacular scenery.
It shares with the Bidasoa the Basque language, traditions, and extraordinary km 0 cuisine. This is where the Bidasoa River begins to gather water, at the Xorroxin waterfall, and it is also home to Amaiur Castle and some of the most spectacular hiking routes in northern Navarre.
Elizondo (capital) · Amaiur · Arizkun · Azpilkueta · Berroeta · Erratzu · Gartzain · Irurita · Lecároz/Lekaroz · Oronoz-Mugairi · Ziga · Aniz · Arraiotz
Xareta Valley
A small valley straddling two countries. The Xareta Valley is made up of three villages — two in Navarre and one in France — historically united by agreements and customs of their own that go back centuries.
Although they are often associated with Baztan because of their proximity, Urdazubi and Zugarramurdi belong to this valley of their own, not to the municipality of Baztan. Here are the famous witch caves and a borderland setting full of legend and nature.
Urdazubi/Urdax · Zugarramurdi · Sara (France)
Bidasoa Valley
Casa Angiz valley — nature, river, and accessible routes
Baztan Valley
Valley nestled into its mountains — culture, tradition, and unique scenery
Xareta Valley
Wooded land between two countries — legend, history, and nature
Bidasoa Valley · From the front door
What awaits you without taking the car
One of the things that most surprises those who stay at Casa Angiz is that you don’t need to go anywhere to start enjoying the surroundings. Right from the house’s front door, some of the valley’s most beautiful walks begin.
The Bidasoa River literally passes just meters from Casa Angiz, and its riverbank is a flat, safe, and beautiful path that you can follow for kilometers with no effort. It’s perfect for an early morning walk, when the mist still hangs over the water and the sound of the current fills everything.
Just a few minutes on foot you’ll find the medieval bridge of Sunbilla, one of the most photographed spots in the valley. Built in the 16th century, it crosses the Bidasoa and gives access to the town’s historic center, where stone houses with coats of arms on their facades and the church of San Juan Bautista tell centuries of history.
If you’re in the mood for a bit more adventure, the walk to Mount Mendaur starts from Sunbilla itself. You don’t have to reach the summit to enjoy it: the first part of the trail already offers spectacular views of the valley, meadows with free-roaming animals, and a beautiful forest full of beech trees. Walking there, we came across that mountain silence that is so hard to find elsewhere.
🚶 Walk along the Bidasoa River
Flat, shaded trail from the front door. Safe paths along the river, ideal for walking, cycling, running, or letting children explore. The grey heron and kingfisher are regular companions on this stretch.
🌉 Medieval bridge and washhouse
A 10-minute walk full of local history. The 16th-century bridge, the old stone washhouse, and Garaigarri Street — the oldest in the town, with its cobbled climb — are must-see stops.
🏘️ Historic center of Sunbilla
Manor houses with coats of arms on the facades, the church of San Juan Bautista, and the monument to the aizkolari Latasa. A small town with a very strong and well-preserved local identity.
⛰️ First stretch toward Mendaur
No need to reach the summit: the first kilometers of the trail offer panoramic views of the valley, pottokas grazing freely, and the feeling of truly entering the Navarre mountain landscape.
🚴 Bidasoa Greenway
The former route of the "Tren Txikito" turned into a cycling and walking trail. It passes by Casa Angiz and connects with the international Eurovelo 1 route. Flat, traffic-free, and with the river as your companion throughout the journey.
🌲 Toward the Señorío de Bertiz
Just 5 minutes away by car you’ll find one of Navarre’s most special natural parks: the Señorío de Bertiz, with its centuries-old forest, botanical gardens, and trails among beech, oak, and chestnut trees hundreds of years old.
Bidasoa Valley · Must-see places
What to see and do in the Bidasoa Valley
Places to visit in the valley where Casa Angiz is located, with photos and links to plan each outing.
🌉 Medieval Bridge of Sunbilla
Just a few steps from Casa Angiz, the medieval bridge of Sunbilla is one of the most photographed spots in the entire Bidasoa Valley. It crosses the Bidasoa River, linking the town’s two neighborhoods, and is part of the Camino de Santiago. It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll, to listen to the water, and to take photos in the late-day light. The historic center around it, with its stone houses and noble coats of arms, deserves a leisurely walk without rushing.
🚴 Bidasoa Greenway
The Bidasoa Greenway is one of the most beautiful and accessible walks in the area. It follows the route of the old "Tren Txikito" railway along the river, with hardly any elevation gain and far from traffic. It’s perfect for cycling with children, walking as a family, or simply enjoying the scenery with no effort. Forests, tunnels carved into the rock, walkways over the water, and the constant company of the Bidasoa make this route an unforgettable experience.
View full route →
🌲 Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park
Just 5 minutes from Casa Angiz by car, the Señorío de Bertiz is one of Navarre’s most special natural spaces. A centuries-old forest with oak, beech, and chestnut trees over 200 years old, botanical gardens with more than 120 species of trees and shrubs, and trails winding through the vegetation beside small streams. Entry to the park is free and the trails are accessible for all levels. A visit no Casa Angiz guest should miss.
Discover the estate →
⛰️ Mount Mendaur
Mount Mendaur is one of the area’s most emblematic mountains, and the ascent from Sunbilla is one of the most popular routes among hiking lovers. The summit, at 1,131 meters above sea level, offers 360-degree panoramic views that on clear days reach the Cantabrian Sea, the Pyrenees, and the Navarre valleys. You don’t necessarily have to reach the top to enjoy it: the first stretches of the trail, among oak forests and meadows with pottokas, are already worthwhile on their own.
View route on Wikiloc →
💧 Elgorriaga Spa
Elgorriaga Spa is just 5 minutes from Casa Angiz by car and is the perfect complement to a day in nature in the Bidasoa Valley. Its mineral-medicinal waters — declared the saltiest in Europe — have exceptional properties for the circulatory system and the musculoskeletal system. Casa Angiz guests enjoy exclusive discounts. An afternoon at the spa, after walking in the mountains or along the Greenway, is an experience that becomes a tradition.
View spa →
💧 Leurtza Reservoirs
The Leurtza reservoirs are one of the most beautiful and peaceful plans to do with children near Sunbilla. A natural setting of great beauty, with the reservoir’s blue water reflecting the surrounding mountains, easy trails, and picnic areas for relaxing. The access road runs through forests and offers spectacular views. It’s a perfect half-morning excursion for days when you want to enjoy the surroundings without much effort.
Read about the reservoirs →Images of the Bidasoa Valley
Xareta Valley · 30–35 minutes
The Xareta Valley: a small valley between two countries
Although they are often confused with Baztan because of their proximity, Urdazubi and Zugarramurdi belong to their own distinct valley: the Xareta Valley, shared with Sara, already on French territory.
The Xareta Valley is one of the most interesting corners of the area: a small territory made up of just three villages — Urdazubi/Urdax and Zugarramurdi in Navarre, and Sara already in France (Lapurdi/Labourd) — united for centuries by agreements, customs, and an unusual sense of cross-border community. It shares Basque and many traditions with Baztan and Bidasoa, but it has its own identity and its own history.
Above all, it is a land of legend. The Zugarramurdi Caves were the setting for the famous 17th-century akelarres, trials that marked the history of witchcraft in Europe and are now remembered in the village itself with museums and themed routes. The border with France, just a few kilometers away, adds a unique frontier character to this small valley.
🕯️ Zugarramurdi Caves
The Zugarramurdi Caves are one of the most mysterious and visited places in the area. A large natural cavern crossed by a stream, it was the setting for the famous 17th-century akelarres or witch gatherings and inspired Goya in one of his paintings. The visit is accessible to all audiences, and the surroundings, surrounded by beech forests and meadows, deserve as much time as the cave itself. 35 minutes from Casa Angiz.
⛪ Urdazubi Monastery
The village of Urdazubi/Urdax preserves an old 12th-century Premonstratensian monastery, one of the oldest in Navarre. Its cloister and church are a must-see before or after visiting the caves. The village surroundings, with its historic mill beside the Urtxume River and its stone manor houses, invite you to wander without hurry.
🪨 Urdazubi Caves (Ikaburu)
The Urdazubi Caves, also known as the Ikaburu Caves, are one of the most surprising places to visit in Navarre. Formed over thousands of years by the action of the Urtxume River, their galleries hide stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground river that runs through them, creating a magical atmosphere. But they are not only a geological wonder: inside, Paleolithic archaeological remains have been found — harpoons, bone needles, flint scrapers, and rock engravings over 20,000 years old — making them one of the most important prehistoric sites in Navarre.
The guided tour lasts about 40 minutes, with light and sound effects, and is available in Spanish, French, and Basque. Suitable for all audiences, including families with children. Constant indoor temperature of 14 ºC — bring a jacket. Price: €7 adults / €4 children up to 14 years old / free for children under 4. 35 minutes from Casa Angiz.
See opening hours and book tickets →Images of the Xareta Valley
Sea and mountain plan
Beaches less than 40 minutes away
One of the unique advantages of northern Navarre: you can go hiking in the morning in the Bidasoa or Baztan and end the afternoon at some of the best beaches on the Cantabrian coast, all less than 40 minutes from Casa Angiz by car.
On our blog
Articles with more information
On the Casa Angiz blog you will find detailed guides, routes, and real experiences from people who have stayed with us and explored the area.
What to do for a weekend in the Baztan Valley
Complete guide with a 2-day route: Elizondo, Xorroxin, Amaiur, Zugarramurdi and the Elgorriaga Spa. Everything organized so you don't miss a thing.
Read the full guide →
Guided visit to the Amaiur Museum and Castle
Full review of the visit to the last bastion of the Kingdom of Navarre. Prices, opening hours, practical tips, and why the guided visit is worth it.
Read the review →
Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park
Everything about the centuries-old forest 5 minutes from Casa Angiz: trails, botanical garden, wildlife, and how to get there. A visit no guest should miss.
Discover the Señorío →Activities · Outdoor adventure
Adventure in the Baztan-Bidasoa Valley
The surroundings of Casa Angiz are a paradise for those seeking adventure in nature. From treetop parks to via ferratas, rafting, or zip lines — there are plans for all levels and ages.
🌳 Bertiz Abentura Park — Treetop adventure
In Narbarte (Bertizarana), just 5 minutes from Casa Angiz, the BKZ Navarra Aventura treetop park offers a course through the trees suitable for adults and children from 4 years old. Progressive difficulty levels with zip lines included. A perfect plan for families and groups in the middle of nature.
See BKZ Navarra Aventura →🧗 Baztan Abentura Park
Located in the Beartzun neighborhood (Elizondo), this park offers giant zip lines of up to 450 m at more than 120 m high, a natural water canyon with slides and rappels, a 200 m via ferrata, a mega-pendulum from 100 m high (the largest pendulum jump in Europe), and treetop adventure for children from 4 years old. For all audiences and levels.
See Baztan Abentura Park →🎿 IrriSarri Land
Rural resort and adventure park in Igantzi (Bortziriak), with 75 hectares of nature. Giant zip lines (up to 900 m), treetop adventure, Tibetan bridge at 50 m high, bike park, pendulum jump, via ferrata, and a large indoor hall with climbing wall, go-karts, and inflatables. For all ages, rain or shine.
See IrriSarri Land →🧱 Mugarki — Climbing wall and sports center
Sports center in Arizkun (Baztan) with the first climbing wall in the Baztan Valley: more than 300 m² of climbing with vertical walls up to 16 m, 18 m bouldering area, 32 routes, and 2 auto-belays. Ideal for beginners or training. It also has a gym, physiotherapy, and activities for all ages.
See Mugarki →🚴 Garmendi TX — Bicycle rental
Garmendi TX is the go-to shop for cyclists in the Bidasoa Valley. Based in Santesteban/Doneztebe, just 5 minutes from Casa Angiz, it offers rental of mountain bikes, road bikes, and electric bikes (e-bikes), perfect for riding the Bidasoa Greenway. They also have a point in the Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park (Oieregi) and in Dantxarinea. The team organizes guided tours along the Greenway and advises you on the best route according to your level. Bikes always in perfect condition and unbeatable service.
See rental at Garmendi TX →🧩 Escape rooms in the area
The Baztan-Bidasoa Valley has several themed escape rooms, some set in local history and legends. A perfect plan for rainy afternoons or for groups looking for something different between routes. In the area, the ones in Sunbilla, Etxalar, and the well-known Molinos de Amaiur — an immersive experience in the heart of the Baztan Valley — the escape room in Urdazubi and the one in Zubieta stand out. Check availability and book in advance during high season.
Activities · Culture and experiences
Culture, gastronomy, and unique experiences
Beyond outdoor adventure, the Baztan-Bidasoa area offers cultural and gastronomic experiences you won't find anywhere else.
- 🏛️Amaiur Museum and Castle — The last stronghold of the Kingdom of Navarre, with a guided visit included. One of the most striking historical experiences in northern Navarre. In the village of Amaiur, Baztan Valley.
- 🧙Witches Museum — Zugarramurdi — An essential complement to the caves. It explains the historical context of the 17th-century inquisitorial trials and Basque popular culture around witchcraft. In the heart of the Xareta Valley.
- 🏰Donamaría Tower — Medieval tower in the heart of the Bidasoa Valley, one of the best-preserved examples of manor architecture in the Malerreka area.
- 🏰Irurita Tower — Tower-palace in the Irurita neighborhood (Baztan), with a history linked to the noble lineages of the valley. A little-known spot that surprises visitors.
- ⚙️Historic mills in the area — Several restored or partially preserved water mills in the area, such as the Urdazubi Mill (next to the Ikaburu caves) and those of Amaiur. A testament to the traditional life of the valley along its rivers and streams.
- 🧀Visit artisan cheese dairies — The Baztan-Bidasoa area is home to family-run cheese dairies making latxa sheep cheese. Several offer visits and direct sales: Jauregia (Aniz), Etxelekua (Urdazubi), Kortariko Borda (Lekaroz), and Autxitxia (Elizondo).
- 🫓Talo workshops — Talo is the typical corn tortilla of the area, filled with chistorra or txistor. Some farmhouses and cultural centers in the area offer workshops to learn how to make them. An authentic and very popular gastronomic experience with children.
- 🏄Sports on the Bidasoa River — Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the designated areas of the Bidasoa River. The river, which runs alongside Casa Angiz, is a perfect setting for water activities in the right season.
Baztan Valley · 20–30 minutes away
Baztan Valley: a territory with its own personality
Baztan Valley is one of the most special destinations in northern Spain. A unique municipality made up of 15 neighborhoods surrounded by mountains, with its capital in Elizondo and a deeply rooted Basque identity. A corner tucked into the foothills of its mountains, 20–30 minutes from Casa Angiz.
Baztan surprises from the very first moment. Meadows descend from the mountain peaks to the valley floors with barely any interruption, dotted with stone farmhouses with slate roofs that have been looking at the same landscape for centuries. A spectacular setting that changes with the seasons.
Baztan shares with its neighboring valleys a deeply rooted Basque cultural identity: Basque is alive in everyday life, the names of neighborhoods, streets and farmhouses are in Basque, and festivals and traditions are passed down from generation to generation. The patron saint festivities of each neighborhood, the carnivals (especially the famous Momotxorros of Zubieta) and rural sports keep this culture alive throughout the area.
Baztan is also one of the most legendary areas in northern Spain. The myths of Mari and Basajaun, the stately mansions of Elizondo, and the history of Amaiur Castle — the last bastion of the Kingdom of Navarre — make this valley a destination that captivates from the very first visit.
Baztan Valley · Must-see places
What to see in Baztan Valley
A selection of the most special places in Baztan Valley, all accessible from Casa Angiz in Sunbilla as a base.
🏘️ Elizondo and the villages of Baztan
Elizondo is the capital of Baztan Valley and the center of the area's commercial and cultural life. Its cobbled streets, stately mansions with coats of arms on the façades, and Sunday market atmosphere make it a must-see. But Baztan is not just Elizondo: each of its 15 neighborhoods — Amaiur, Arizkun, Erratzu, Lekaroz, Oronoz… — has its own personality, its church, its fronton, and its festivals. Exploring them at a leisurely pace is one of the best ways to understand this area.
💦 Xorroxin Waterfall
Xorroxin Waterfall, in the neighborhood of Erratzu, is one of the most charming places in all of Baztan Valley — and also the point where the Bidasoa River begins to gather water. The access path, just 2 km long, runs through a centuries-old beech forest of spectacular beauty, with the sound of water as a constant companion. The waterfall itself is a drop of about 12 meters that falls into a small pool of crystal-clear water. It is a magical place at any time of year, though especially impressive after rain. 20 minutes from Casa Angiz.
View information →
🏰 Amaiur Castle and Museum
Amaiur is the most historic village in Baztan Valley. Its castle was the last bastion of the Kingdom of Navarre, resisting Castilian troops for 10 years until its destruction in 1522. Today, the Amaiur Archaeological Museum Center displays the pieces recovered in the excavations, including the famous Amaiur Sword. The guided visit, which includes the climb to the castle and panoramic views of the valley, is one of the best cultural experiences you can have in northern Navarre. Price from €3.50 for adults.
Read our full review →
🌄 Viewpoints and routes through Baztan
Baztan Valley offers some of the most spectacular hiking routes in northern Navarre. From access to the peaks of Gorramendi and La Rhune to walks between the valley's neighborhoods along centuries-old rural paths. The natural viewpoints from which you can see the entire valley — especially in autumn, when the beech forests turn golden and red — are among the most impressive landscapes you can see in Navarre. A weekend in Baztan offers much more than it seems.
Complete weekend guide in Baztan →
💦 Oñaska Waterfall
Oñaska Waterfall is a hidden gem of Baztan Valley, just a few minutes from Elizondo. The circular route that leads to it runs between the villages of Elizondo and Elbete, through broadleaf forests, fern fields, and the typical meadows of Navarrese farmhouses. The trail, improved in 2021 through auzolan (community work) by the local residents themselves, is perfectly marked with yellow triangles and has a total elevation gain of just 305 meters. Along the way, you can also visit the old Bagordi barite mines — an adventure within the adventure — and enjoy a viewpoint with panoramic views over Elizondo and the valley. The waterfall has much more flow in rainy seasons, so spring and autumn are the best times. A family-friendly route of about 7 km, perfect to combine with a visit to Elizondo.
View route and more info →Images of Baztan Valley
Privileged location
Cities and destinations within your reach
One of the great advantages of staying at Casa Angiz is the connectivity it offers. National road 121A runs through the valley itself, connecting you in a short time with some of the most attractive cities and destinations in northern Spain and southern France.
~35 minutes
San Sebastián / Donostia
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe. La Concha beach, the old town, pintxos cuisine, and the Kursaal. An essential classic just a very short distance away.
~45 minutes
Pamplona / Iruña
The capital of Navarre, with its medieval old town, the citadel, and the famous San Fermín festival. A top-tier cultural and gastronomic destination, well connected by the 121A.
~20 minutes
Hendaya / Hondarribia
The French-Spanish border, with spectacular beaches, the walled historic center of Hondarribia, and the charm of the Basque coast. Just 20 minutes via the N-121A.
~45 minutes
Bayonne / Baiona
The great French Basque city, with its Gothic cathedral, canals, covered market, and the famous Bayonne ham. A perfect excursion to cross the border and discover the French Basque Country (Lapurdi).
~1h 15 min
Bilbao
The Guggenheim, the Old Town, the Ribera Market, and a top-tier gastronomic scene. Bilbao is a perfect city break to combine with days in the valley.
~50 minutes
Biarritz
The queen of the French Basque coast. Surf beaches, belle époque architecture, the casino, and a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. Very different from the valley interior — and that is exactly what makes it special as an excursion.
Your perfect base between three valleys
Casa Angiz Etxea in Sunbilla — in the heart of a territory united by the Bidasoa, Baztan and Xareta. Book directly with us and get the best conditions.
Gastronomy · Baztan-Bidasoa Valley
Local km 0 flavors from the whole area
Throughout the Baztan-Bidasoa area you will find extraordinary cuisine based on ingredients produced just a few kilometers away: artisanal farmhouse cheeses, lamb and beef from the valley meadows, trout from the river, mushrooms and fungi from the forest, mountain honey, homemade jams, and sweets made as they were in the past. A local cuisine that defines the identity of these valleys.
If there is one dish that sums up the gastronomic essence of Baztan Bidasoa, it is talo with chistorra or txistor: a corn tortilla cooked on a griddle and filled with spicy chorizo, eaten rolled up like a tube. At any neighborhood festival in the Baztan Bidasoa valleys, someone is making talos, and the smell of toasted corn and chistorra is one of the valley's most recognizable aromas. Children love it from the very first bite.
Red beans — Babarrun Gorri — are another symbol of local cuisine. They are grown in the farmhouse gardens with native varieties and slowly cooked with chorizo, bacon, and blood sausage. It is the ultimate spoon dish for cold days in the valley. Also essential are trout with ham, prepared with fish caught in the surrounding rivers, and mushrooms and fungi from the beech forest, especially abundant in autumn, blood sausage preparations with lamb tripe, "txuri eta beltza", meat broths, grilled steak, lamb slowly grilled over the fire...
As for sweets, the Baztan Bidasoa valley has its own specialties: txantxingorri (corn and fat cake), chocolate cakes with almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts, Samin Goxo, a sweet and sour yogurt at the same time, excellent homemade curds, and various artisanal pastry creations that can be found in the bakeries and pastry shops of Irurita and Elizondo and the villages of the valley. Worth highlighting is Chocolatería Arkupe which offers its own handmade chocolates and pastries that melt on the palate and impress with their quality.
And the cheeses. The Baztan Bidasoa valley is home to artisanal cheesemakers that produce Latxa sheep's milk cheeses with designation of origin. Several family-run cheesemakers in the area allow visits and direct sales, and they are a must-stop for lovers of artisanal cheese.
Living nature
Wildlife in the Baztan Bidasoa Valley
The surroundings of Casa Angiz are a small paradise for those seeking silence, calm, and connection with nature. From the house, without taking the car, you can already come across pottokas, donkeys, kites, vultures, roe deer, wild boars, sheep, horses, and a variety of birds that make every walk a surprise.
Along the Bidasoa River it is common to see kingfishers (recognizable by their metallic blue and orange plumage), dippers that walk underwater looking for insects. In the mountains surrounding Sunbilla, roe deer, wild boars, owls, and bats come out at dawn and dusk, and griffon vultures and kites glide over the ridges on windy days or approach the farmhouses in search of small animals or carrion.
But the most visible and beloved fauna for visitors are undoubtedly the pottokas: the small native wild horses of Euskal Herria, which graze freely in the surrounding mountains. Seeing them up close, without fences or enclosures, is one of those experiences that make this place special. Also common are flocks of Latxa sheep, Pyrenean cows, and working horses that complete the valley's rural landscape.
Activities · For all paces
Beyond hiking
The surroundings of Casa Angiz offer experiences for every type of traveler. You don't need to be a hiker or have special fitness to enjoy the nature of the Bidasoa and Baztan.
- 🚴Electric bike or bike ride — The Bidasoa Greenway passes next to Casa Angiz. Flat paths, no traffic, and the river for company. You can rent electric or regular bikes, even with the option to bring your pet or child, in the area to cover more kilometers with less effort. Here is a link: Garmendi Tx
- 📸Photography at sunrise and sunset — The Bidasoa valley has a special light. The morning mists over the river, the autumn colors in the beech forests of Baztan, and the starry skies on clear nights are landscapes you shouldn't miss with your camera.
- 🌌Stargazing — The Bidasoa area has very little light pollution. Clear winter and autumn nights offer exceptional starry skies rarely seen from the city.
- 🎣Recreational fishing in the Bidasoa — The Bidasoa River is one of the most important salmon rivers in northern Spain. In the permitted areas nearby, trout and salmon fishing is a much-appreciated activity for visitors looking for a quieter experience in direct contact with the river. Fishing is catch and release and a license and permit are required. Check the Navarra Government website.
Information on licenses and permits
- 🧺Picnic and picnic areas — In the Sunbilla area and along the Bidasoa River there are designated picnic areas with tables and rest areas. An afternoon of sandwiches by the river, with your feet in the water, is one of the simplest and most pleasant pleasures in the valley.
- 🧘Yoga and relaxation in nature — The silence of the surroundings, the sound of the river, and the constant presence of green make Casa Angiz and its surroundings a perfect place to practice outdoor yoga, meditation, or simply disconnect from the mental noise of everyday life.
- 🏃Running and brisk walking — The paths around Sunbilla, flat and well maintained, are ideal for going for a run or walking at a fast pace. The Greenway is perfect for covering distance without interruptions.
- 🐦Wildlife and birdwatching — The Bidasoa kingfisher, the griffon vultures and kites over Mendaur, the pottokas in the mountains... the surroundings of Casa Angiz are an open book for nature lovers and birdwatchers. To observe and interpret the birds of the area, we recommend a visit with Juan Goñi, a specialized bird guide:
Juan Goñi, Navarra al natural