Baztan-Bidasoa in 5 days from Sunbilla: complete itinerary
Five days based in Sunbilla are enough for a highly varied Baztan-Bidasoa trip without changing accommodation. Grouping destinations geographically keeps driving under control and leaves real time for forests, waterfalls, heritage, caves and food.
This itinerary is designed around one fixed base in Sunbilla and realistic days rather than trying to collect every nearby place.
Five days at a glance
• Day 1: Sunbilla, Bidasoa and Bisusta Waterfall.
• Day 2: Señorío de Bertiz + Elizondo.
• Day 3: Xorroxin + Erratzu + Amaiur.
• Day 4: Zugarramurdi + Urdax.
• Day 5: Lesaka + Bera + Bortziriak.
Day 1: Sunbilla and Bisusta
Begin with the village where you are staying. The Bidasoa River, traditional streets and former railway landscape make Sunbilla part of the trip rather than just a sleeping base.
Sunbilla. Photo: Euskalduna / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Morning: Sunbilla
Walk the village and river environment first to understand the valley before longer excursions.
Afternoon: Bisusta
Bisusta Waterfall is a nearby outing along the Bidasoa corridor north of Sunbilla and works well without exhausting the first day.
2026 Greenway notice
At the September 2026 editorial review, official Navarra tourism information kept the EuroVelo 1 section between Sunbilla and Doneztebe/Santesteban closed for works through the end of the year. This itinerary does not depend on that section; check current notices before cycling or walking the Greenway.
Day 2: Bertiz and Elizondo
Combine one of Navarra's major natural spaces with the main town of the Baztan Valley.
Bertiz. Photo: Alberto-g-rovi / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
Morning: Bertiz
Prioritise the historic garden, Interpretation Centre and a short trail according to weather and group energy.
Afternoon: Elizondo
Txokoto, Jaime Urrutia, Arizkunenea, historic houses and local shops are all easy to combine on foot.
Elizondo. Photo: Alberto-g-rovi / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
Day 3: Xorroxin and Amaiur
The third day combines a nature walk with one of Baztan's strongest historic villages.
Morning: Xorroxin
From Erratzu, the official circular route is about 7.4 km and roughly two hours. Use the designated parking and good-grip footwear.
Afternoon: Amaiur
The mill, Archaeological Centre, traditional village and castle walk change the pace after the morning hike.
Amaiur/Maya. Photo: Iñaki LL / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Day 4: Zugarramurdi and Urdax
Use day four for Xareta, where two famous cave destinations offer completely different experiences.
Morning: Urdax
Build the morning around the reserved Ikaburu Cave time, then add the monastery or mill if the schedule allows.
Afternoon: Zugarramurdi
Pair the Witch Museum with the open cave; the museum provides the historical framework before the legendary layer.
Zugarramurdi. Photo: Eneko Bidegain / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
Day 5: Lesaka and Bera
The final day follows the Bidasoa north through Bortziriak and finishes with architecture, river scenery and border history.
Morning: Lesaka
Walk the bridges, traditional streets and San Martín de Tours Church.
Afternoon: Bera
Prioritise Altzate, the town hall, San Esteban, Itzea and the Bidasoa environment.
Bera. Photo: Ksarasola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Alternative day 5: Malerreka
If you prefer mountain and wellness, substitute Lesaka-Bera with Doneztebe, Donamaria, Elgorriaga or Leurtza.
Doneztebe/Santesteban. Photo: Jorab / Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
With children
Drop one stop per day, keep downtime at the house and avoid pairing two long hikes.
If it rains
Prioritise Urdax, the Witch Museum, Elizondo, food and cultural visits; move Xorroxin or long walks to the best-weather day.
Add a sixth day: the coast
Hondarribia, Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz or San Sebastián are natural extensions if you have more time.
Where to stay
El Eco de los Robles in Sunbilla is a whole house for six plus two extra guests, with garden, seasonal pool, barbecue area and private parking.
Five-day Baztan-Bidasoa FAQs
What can you see in Baztan-Bidasoa in five days?
A balanced plan is Sunbilla and Bisusta; Bertiz and Elizondo; Xorroxin and Amaiur; Zugarramurdi and Urdax; then Lesaka and Bera.
Is Sunbilla a good five-day base?
Yes. It gives access to Malerreka, Baztan, Xareta and Bortziriak without changing accommodation.
Do you need a car?
A car gives much more flexibility for combining villages, caves and trailheads, although parts of individual days can be walked or cycled.
Is the itinerary family-friendly?
Yes, if distances are reduced and you alternate nature days with villages and lighter activities.
What should be booked?
Urdax Cave, adventure activities, La Rhune train if added, and any timed or limited-capacity visit.
Are there 2026 Greenway closures?
Yes. At the September 2026 review, the Sunbilla–Doneztebe/Santesteban EuroVelo 1 section remained temporarily closed for works. Check official notices.
Can you add the coast?
Yes. With a sixth day, Hondarribia, Hendaye or San Sebastián are natural extensions.
Sources
Official Navarra tourism and local visitor information for Sunbilla, the Bidasoa Greenway, Bertiz, Baztan, Xorroxin, Amaiur, Zugarramurdi-Urdax and Bortziriak.
EuroVelo 1 closure status reviewed September 2026; always check official updates before travel.
Image credits
Euskalduna, Alberto-g-rovi, Iñaki LL, Eneko Bidegain, Ksarasola, Jorab and Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Comments