Irati Forest

Beneath the green canopy of the Pyrenees

The Irati Forest unfolds as a dense landscape, where beech and fir trees form a continuous canopy that barely lets any light through. The ground, covered in leaves and moss, sets the rhythm of the forest alongside the constant sound of the streams that run through the land. This environment retains an unusual stability, the result of the long-standing relationship between the natural environment and the Salazar and Aezkoa valleys, which have maintained their balance for centuries. 

Irati Forest general information

Located in the Navarrese Pyrenees, the Irati Forest is one of the largest beech and fir forests in Europe. Covering an area of over 17,000 hectares, it is a forest that has historically been utilised without losing its capacity for regeneration and which forms part of the Special Protection Area for Birdlife.

Within it lie three protected areas: the Mendilatz and Tristuibartea nature reserves, and the Lizardoia integral reserve. These areas are home to species such as the white-backed woodpecker and the blackcap, as well as mammals such as red deer, roe deer and wild boar. The area is spread across the Navarran valleys of Aezkoa and Salazar, and extends into France in areas such as Cize and Soule. 

How do you get to the Irati Forest?

There are two main access points to the Irati Forest:

• From the Salazar Valley (Ochagavía): Take the NA-2012 turn-off, which climbs up to the Casas de Irati Visitor Centre, located 23 kilometres from the town.
• From the Aezkoa Valley (Orbaizeta): Access is just 8 minutes from the village of Orbaizeta, leading to the Arrazola information point or the car parks next to the Irabia reservoir dam.

At both access points, a maintenance fee is charged during the busiest seasons, intended for the preservation of the natural environment. 

What to do in the Irati Forest?

The Irati Forest offers various ways to explore the area, combining physical activity with contact with the natural environment.

• Hiking: An area featuring routes such as the Cubo Waterfall, the Zabaleta Forest or the Lizardoia trail, where you can experience the heart of the reserve.
• Mountain biking: The Irati MTB Area offers over 400 kilometres of cycle routes spread across 16 trails connecting the Salazar and Aezkoa valleys with the French side.
• Winter sports: At the Irati-Abodi Mountain Centre, you can experience the heart of winter through cross-country ski trails and snowshoe routes that traverse landscapes of great geological value.
• Wildlife watching: A prime spot for spotting large birds of prey such as the bearded vulture and the golden eagle.
• Gastronomy: Daily life is brought to the table in the neighbouring valleys, where you can sample local specialities: shepherd’s migas, mushrooms, Navarran-style trout and game stews.