Beintza-Labaien

Deep within the Malerreka region, where the greenery becomes more intense, lies Beintza-Labaien. This municipality, comprising two neighbouring villages nestled on the hillside just a few metres apart, embodies the character of the Navarran mountains at an altitude of 450 metres. Surrounded by peaks looking towards Ultzama and Basaburua, this area is home to the Leurtza Reservoirs, a space where the presence of water and the forest define the character of the region. Here, a history dating back to the 12th century coexists with a heritage that reflects the daily life of yesteryear, allowing time to pass to the rhythm of the land and nature.

Beintza-Labaien general information

This municipality is characterised by its dual structure: Beintza and Labaien. Although both neighbourhoods are administered by the town hall located in Labaien, each retains an identity linked to its landscape. The history of the area is remarkable; in 1192, King Sancho VI the Wise granted charters to Labaien, consolidating its presence in the region.

Covering an area of 28.13 km², the territory borders villages such as Zubieta, Ituren and Urrotz. This is a region of exceptional natural beauty, where the silence is broken only by the sound of the streams and the rustling of the beech forests that guard the valley.

What to see in Beintza-Labaien?  

The municipality’s heritage can be discovered in the traces left by its stones and in the historical use of its water resources, where the legacy of the past lives on in the present.

• Leurtza Reservoirs: Located between Beintza-Labaien and Urrotz , these reservoirs form a 381-hectare natural recreational area. It is a setting where beech trees reach the water’s edge, providing a habitat for the common frog. The area features footpaths that allow visitors to observe the ecosystem and the integration of the water’s surface into the forest of Baztan-Bidasoa.
• The 16th-century wayside cross: Located opposite the mill that links the two neighbourhoods, this cross dating from 1599 is a symbol of harmony. Legend has it that it was erected to seal the definitive peace following ancient conflicts between Beintza and Labaien.
• Church of San Pedro (Beintza): This church displays an architectural style that bridges the Gothic and Renaissance periods. Inside, it houses an 18th-century Baroque altarpiece and religious art dating back to the 16th century, reflecting the artistic wealth that has historically flowed through the valley.
• Route of the washing places and fountains: Through two routes of 2.5 and 6 km, the memory of communal uses is preserved. Information panels feature accounts of the work of the women who lived in these areas, transforming the route into an insight into the traditions and everyday life of Beintza-Labaien.