Mountain

Aiako Harria

The essence of the Basque mountain landscape: three granite giants that many consider the start of the Pyrenees.

Altitude: 837 m
Duration: ½ – 1 day
Season: All year round
Difficulty: All levels

Aiako Harria

One of the oldest mountains in our region

Aiako Harria (Peñas de Aia in Spanish) is one of the nine natural parks of the Basque Country, declared as such in 1995. Located at the eastern tip of Gipuzkoa, these are the only granite mountains in the whole Basque Country; some experts consider them the start of the Pyrenees, and they are among the oldest mountains in our region.

They also hold a great deal of history: Iron Age archaeological remains have been found here, and the Romans used these mountains for mining, leaving us the legacy of the Meazuri (Irun) and Arditurri (Oiartzun) mines.

These three granite giants offer a wide choice of hiking routes, either along the upper ridge – with 360º views from just over 800 metres above sea level – or along the paths on the lower slopes, on the Gipuzkoa or the Navarre side. Routes for all levels and every kind of family, group or couple.

Altitude: 837 m
Duration: ½ – 1 day
Season: All year round
Difficulty: All levels

The famous ring pass

You'll probably have heard of the ring pass (paso de la anilla) between the peaks of Aiako Harria. It can be the most demanding or technical section if, on your route, you need to go from the second peak to the third or vice versa. It's a slightly exposed, vertical step, but if you know where to put your hands and feet you'll get past it without much trouble, with the help of the famous ring.

Aiako Harria lets you add a real touch of commitment and difficulty to the adventure: on this pass and on other scrambles up and down, you need to take great care. That's why we recommend planning your route carefully before setting off and, if need be, hiring a local guide who knows every step and can help at the most technical moments, as well as leading the group safely. If you'd like us to guide you on this route, get in touch!

Practical information

Comfortable clothing suitable for walking; trekking shoes or mountain boots in good condition with unworn soles; 1–1.5 litres of water per person and something to snack on. You'll need a level of fitness appropriate to a mountain route of your chosen grade over uneven terrain.

Who with: Ipar Adventure
Website: www.iparadventure.com
Location: Irun (Gipuzkoa)
Duration: ½ day or full day
(egun pasa)