From Aiako Harria to Pasaia bay, waltzing to the rhythm of the land and the sea!
The Arditurri Greenway runs from one side of the Oarsoaldea region to the other, from the mining area of Arditurri, located at the foot of the mountains of Aiako Harria, to the bay of Pasaia. Following the same route, the old mine train was used to transport the ore from Arditurri to the port of Pasaia on the river Oiartzun.
Taking the Greenway as a backbone, we will get to know the whole Oarsoaldea region, from Arditurri to the sea—an ideal route for the entire family to experience first-hand nature and our environment.
Oiartzun
We kick the route off from the trail's origin: two thousand years ago, the spectacular mines of Arditurri in Oiartzun, located in the Aiako Harria Natural Park, have been exploited since Roman times. Here, by means of a guided tour, we can explore the underground galleries and discover remains from both Roman and later periods.
Starting here, the Greenway descends the valley, but there are more surprises in store for us along the way:
Just 3 km from Arditurri, we come across Luberri, an interesting geological museum. In it, we can learn how the relief of the landscape around us was formed and observe, among other fascinating things, a peculiar collection of fluorescent minerals.
A few metres away, in Soinuenea, we will come across a collection of more than 400 musical instruments from all over the world, which can be listened to thanks to an audio system. This elegant and original museum is worth a visit.
Errenteria
Continuing downstream, the Green Route takes us to Errenteria. Once there, we arrive at the neighbourhood of Fanderia. It is here that we encounter the old mill that lends its name to the neighbourhood: Fanderia Mill - Casa del Río. On the second weekend of every month, visitors can see its mechanism and millstone in operation.
The Greenway runs through the centre of Errenteria. But before continuing, we should take advantage of the opportunity to visit its medieval old quarter. In a restored 17th-century building, you come across the Jantziaren Zentroa, the costume Centre. An interesting journey back in time where one can learn about the history and evolution of clothing over the centuries.
The Greenway in Errenteria is divided into several sections. The bike lane network connects Errenteria and Donostia, but we will continue to Lezo to reach the bay of Pasaia.
Lezo
Passing through Lezo, a beautiful old town, is a must-see. Observing the elements next to its square, we discover objects of significant architectural and artistic value. As a curiosity, the basilica of Santo Cristo has one of the 3 beardless Christs in Europe.
LEZO CULTURAL ROUTE
Pasaia
To finish the route, we will continue along the bike path to reach the bay of Pasaia. The two historical towns of Pasai Donibane and Pasai San Pedro are among the places to visit near San Sebastian. Both are connected by the motorboat that sails across the bay. In Pasai San Pedro, the MATER Eco-Active Boat-Museum awaits us, a traditional tuna fishing boat that will allow us to experience an authentic seafaring adventure. Visitors will come to understand how our sailors live and how they fish.
As a culmination to this tour along the green route, we suggest you visit one of the most visited museums in Gipuzkoa: Albaola, the sea factory of the basques. This old shipyard has recovered the tradition of coastal carpentry practised throughout the Basque Country's maritime history. During the visit, we will witness how the replica of the ship San Juan, a 16th-century whaler, is being reconstructed.
