Irati Forest

The Selva de Irati (“Irati Forest”) is the second largest and best preserved beech and pine forest in Europe, after the Black Forest in Germany. The Irati Forest is a beautiful place to visit and is located in the northeast of Navarre and covers more than 17,000 hectares of forest. It extends through the valleys of Aezkoa and Salazar, where one of the most beautiful villages in Navarre, Ochagavía.

Each season of the year offers a unique experience in the Irati Forest. In spring, the forest comes to life with the fresh green of new leaves and blooming flowers. The summer months invite walks along the winding paths and to cool off by the banks of the Irati and Urbeltza rivers. In autumn, the forest transforms into an amazing color spectacle. The leaves turn into red, yellow, and orange. Even in winter, the Irati Forest has its charm. The snowy landscapes create the perfect setting for winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Explosion of colors during autumn
The Forest of Irati during winter

Activities in the Forest of Irati

The Forest of Irati and its surroundings are the perfect place to enjoy nature. There are various routes available for hikers and (electric) mountain bikers. The mountain bikes can be rented on site, with the option for guided tours.

The routes in the Forest of Irati range from short distances of just 5 km, ideal for quiet family walks, to longer routes of up to 20 km for more experienced walkers and cyclists. For detailed route information, click here. In addition, there is a handy app available (Android/iOS) that provides all the necessary information about the hiking routes.

In addition to these routes, the area also offers opportunities for adventurous activities such as canyoning, rock climbing and horseback riding. For more information about this, click here.

Recommended accommodations in Irati Forest and surroundings

If you want to explore the beautiful Irati Forest, there are several cozy places to stay. In the quiet village of Garayoa lies Hostal Arostegui, a simple but charming guesthouse. It is the perfect place to relax after a day in nature, with a friendly atmosphere and comfortable rooms.

For those looking for a bit more luxury, the Hotel Puerta de Irati in the nearby Ochagavía is an excellent choice. This modern hotel offers not only stylish rooms but also an in-house restaurant where you can enjoy delicious local dishes. Additionally, at the reception, you can ask for recommendations to explore the Irati Forest and the charming village of Ochagavía.

Lastly is Irati Barnean, in the village of Orbaiceta, a must for a unique experience. Here you can stay in an “igloo”. It is a special way to sleep close to nature, with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

Recommended restaurants in Irati Forest and surroundings

In Navarra, and originally from the Basque Country, the sidrerias (“cider houses”) are a typical dining experience. In these cozy places, you can drink unlimited cider from wooden barrels while enjoying delicious traditional dishes, grilled meat, and fish.

A great recommendation is the Kixkia cider house in Ochagavía, where you can enjoy unlimited cider, Navarrese dishes, and grilled meat or fish. Also, the Hotel Rural Auñamendi in the same village has a great restaurant where you can enjoy tasty local dishes.

In the village of Garayoa is Ibarraetxea , a bar-restaurant where you can taste traditional dishes in a friendly atmosphere. These places are ideal to discover the flavours of Navarra.

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