Etxalar

The streets preserve a traditional stone-built architecture that has woven the passage of the centuries into the town’s daily life. In this landscape of Bortziriak, the contrast between the red stone and the whitewashed facades defines the identity of a hamlet nestled between the River Tximista and the surrounding mountains. 

Here, the landscape reveals itself in the solidity of its manor houses and in the footpaths that bear witness to ancient tales, allowing the atmosphere of the Navarran mountains to unfold at a leisurely pace.

Etxalar general information

Within the 47.05 km² that make up Etxalar, life unfolds at a leisurely pace for its 804 inhabitants. This village serves as the link between the Baztan Valley and the Bortziriak region, and also borders the neighbouring village of Sara, on the other side of the boundary.

Here, identity is deeply rooted in the land and its ancestral traditions. This place offers visitors the chance to explore the old ironworks and the historic Gaztelu tower house, which served as the armoury of the Kingdom of Navarre in the Middle Ages. By preserving these wonderful sites, Etxalar has managed to keep its pride and culture intact. Strolling through its streets is like walking through a living museum, where the red stone and white facades contrast with the endless green of the forests that surround it.

What to see in Etxalar?

The town’s heritage allows you to observe customs that have remained alive and structures that tell the story of the border.

• The Pigeon Nets of Etxalar: On the hillsides, the practice of catching pigeons with nets has been preserved since the Middle Ages. During October and November, the use of the zatarra and the makila to guide the birds’ flight towards the nets repeats a ritual that defines the historical relationship of our inhabitants with the passing of the seasons.
• Infernuko Errota (Hell’s Mill): Situated in a gorge between Etxalar and Baztan, this mill operated clandestinely during the Civil War. The path, which follows the course of the water, offers an atmosphere where moss and the river envelop the ancient engineering, integrating it into the forest landscape.
• Gaztelu Tower House and civil architecture: On the banks of the River Tximista, this medieval building stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s defences. Its presence marks the starting point of a cluster of stately homes whose lines define one of the best-preserved urban ensembles in northern Navarre.
• Chapel of Santa Cruz: This 16th-century building and its Romanesque bridge mark a place where popular beliefs and history converge. The outdoor garden, surrounded by ancient crosses, holds tales of covens and witches’ gatherings, maintaining an air of mystery that forms part of our heritage.