Irati, a fairy-tale forest in the North of Spain
In the north of Navarre in Spain, and also located in some land of France, is the Irati Forest, a forest area of over 17,000 acres considered by many as the second largest forest of beech and spruce trees and one of the best preserved in Europe, surpassed only by Germany's Black Forest.
This is an area of great natural wealth framed around Irati River valley and near the headwaters of Salazar and Aezkoa valleys. Most of the forest is in pristine condition despite the massive reclamations made during the past centuries.
The adoption of various forms of protection, its very natural terrain feautres and the invested good work of the people from these valleys have contributed significantly to its conservation.
Currently, the Irati is presented as a natural space of first order in which the trees of their forests draw extensive layers of various color tones that are especially attractive during the autumn.
Flora and Fauna
Within this place, there are spaces protected such as the natural reserves of Mendilatz and Tristuibartea and the Lizardoia Integral Reserve, one of the most interesting places from the ecological point of view for its virgin forests up to 40 meters high.
Mases of beech and Fir trees make up the primary forests of Irati. Alongside these trees there are numerous other species that are reintroduced such as elms, lindens, hazel, willow and the oak tree, which is one of the native trees.
Hiking and Access
Irati has several marked itineraries suitable for walking tours, cycling, snowshoeing or cross country skis. Locations such as Ochagavía and Orbaizeta are the main points of departure for these excursions. One of these roads, Erreka - Idorra, delves beyond the border thus facilitating the visit of the French part of the jungle.
Orbaizeta and Ochagavía are the main entry points to the Irati Forest. The NA-140 road offers a path to both locations.
Here are some tips for eating and sleeping around the jungle of Irati
In Aribe
Restaurante Aribe
In Ezcároz
Restaurante Casa Otsoa
Restaurante Galtxabarra
In Garaioa
Restaurante Arostegui
Restaurante Lorea
In Jaurrieta
Restaurante Eseverry
Restaurante Casa Sario
In Ochagavía
Restaurante Asador Kixtkia
Restaurante Orialde
Restaurante Osate
Restaurante Auñamendi
In Orbaizeta
Restaurante Jakue
Restaurante Mendilatz
Restaurante Pardix
In Villanueva de Aezkoa – Hiriberri
Restaurante Berrendi
Restaurante Alaitze
In Aria
Casa Rural Ertegi Etxea
In Aribe
Hotel Aribe
Casa Rural Txikirrin I
In Ezcároz
Hostal Casa Otsoa
Casa Rural Galtxabarra
Casas Rurales Jauregui
Casas Rurales Juango
In Garaioa
Hostal Arostegui
Casa Rural Elizari
Pensión Lorea
In Jaurrieta
Hotel Irati
Hotel Eseverry
Hostal Casa Sario
In Ochagavía
Hostal Auñamendi
Hostal Orialde
Casa Rural Pierra
Casa Rural Ikuilu
Camping Osate
In Orbaizeta
Casas Rurales Apej
Casa Rural Alzat
Casa Rural García Etxea
Casa Rural Txorrota
In Villanueva de Aezkoa – Hiriberri
Hostal Alaitze
Casa Rural Aguerre
Casas Rurales Txikirrin
Active Tourism Auñak (Garralda)
Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza. Ctra. De Izalzu, s/n. Ochagavía. Spain. Phone: (+34) 948 890 680. GPS coordinates approx. 42º 54′ 19.4″ N – 1º 5′ 24.52″ W.