3-star Hotel / Parador
HNAV7, Arizkun, Spanish Pyrenees and Catalunya
17th Century Manor House in the Baztán Valley
Set in a peaceful spot surrounded by lush, green mountain scenery, this delightful manor-house hotel is set on the outskirts of Arizkun, one of the loveliest of the many delightful villages for which the Bazt?n Valley is justly famous.
The village's strategic position, at the crossroads of the Otsondo and Izpegi mountain passes, makes it the perfect base to explore the delightful Valley of Bazt?n as well as the French Pays Basque which just a short drive away, or to head south to Pamplona, the provincial capital.
Once home to the local nobility the hotel has been completely restored whilst retaining its historic character and cosy, homely feel. There's a delightful, shady terrace to sit out and enjoy the splendid views across the valley whilst in cooler months a log-fire provides the focal point of the house – where better to wind down after a tough day's exploring!
The hotel also has a small spa which can be booked by the hour and there's a horse riding centre of some repute within walking distance.
The enthusiastic owners will help you get the most out of your visit and can help out with cultural and gastronomic tips, routes for walkers and nature lovers and all manner of activities both in the valley and further afield.
Accommodation
There are 18 en-suite, ample rooms including 1 suite, 3 superior rooms and 1 economy room.
Hotel Features
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi in all areas
Mini-spa with sauna (dry), jacuzzi, and showers (thermal shock & massage) – booked by the hour (extra charge applies)
Comfortable lounges one with billiard table and fireplace, one reading room with TV.
Restaurant
Buffet breakfast is served in the dining room o terrace with fresh, home-made and local produce including jams, cheeses and chocolates from local artisan producers.
The hotel offers evening meals for guests only – three courses of home-cooked, locally sourced mostly traditional Navarran dishes.
There is a restaurant nearby at the crossroads and 6km away in Elizondo, the main centre for the Baztan Valley (here you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants, a good swimming pool and all other amenities).
In Amaiur there's a local bar serving tapas and snacks and the old watermill which serves talos (flat, unleaved bread made with cornflour milled on the premises) – not to be missed!
Hotel Facilities
WiFi all areasSpacious Grounds
Garden/Patio/Terrace
Shared Lounge / TV Area
No smoking in hotel
Luggage storage
Air Conditioning
Accessibility
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobilityParking
On-site parking (free)
Arizkun, Spanish Pyrenees and Catalunya
At the north-east end of the beautiful Baztán valley where the Pyrenees start to drop towards the sea, Arizkun is perhaps the most charming of the valley's string of picture-postcard villages, renowned for their beauty and preservation.
The valley is renowned in Spain for its emerald green scenery, pure mountain streams and picturesque villages with characteristic red stone and whitewashed houses. Distinctively Basque in culture, you’ll also find wonderful cheeses, rural strong-man sports, pelota courts and remarkable wood carving.
Arizkun itself has a rich history, having been home to the ill-fated conquistador Pedro de Ursua who, with Lope de Aguirre, went in search of El Dorado and to the Agotes, a predominantly blonde people rejected by the local community and, to this day, shrouded in mystery. Visitors can find out more about Agote culture by visiting the outdoor wood scuplture gallery 'Santxotena'.
Just down the road Amaiur has been the setting for two very important battles – the Navarran’s last stand against the Castillian forces of Carlos V in 1512 and, 300 years on, Napoleon’s last stand against Wellington’s troops before being pushed across the border.
Within an hour's oh-so-scenic drive you can find yourself in Pamplona, Hondarriba or San Sebastian or in the French Pays Basque where Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, St-Jean-de-Luz and a host of small-but-perfectly-formed villages wait to be explored and, on a clear day, the Petit Tren de la Rhune (Tren de Larrun in Spanish) which will take you up to 905m and deliver the most amazing views over the Bay of Biscay.
Nearer to home, there’s an active horse riding centre and the local market town of Elizondo has all the amenities as well as a thriving artistic community. Don’t miss the Señorio de Bertiz park with its impressive Arboretum or the caves at Urdax and Zugarramurdi with their history of witchcraft and Inquisition.
- Walking straight from the town, Señorio de Bertiz nature park, Mendaur or the many mountains within easy reach. >li>Visit the Basque coast & its lovely beaches; on the Spanish side Hondarribia & San Sebastian, French side Hendaye, St Jean de Luz & Biarritz
- Take the 'petit train' from Sare to Larrun (900m) and enjoy fantastic views over the Bay of Biscay.
- Explore the pretty local villages of the Baztan & Bidasoa valleys. On the French side Sare, Ascain, Espelette.
- Take a dip in the lake at St Pée-Sur-Nivelle which has a beach and childrens playground.
- Visit the Bozate museum and discover the Agote culture, unique to these valleys. Also nearby the Santxotena exhibition of wooden sculpture by the owner of Etxezuria
- Have a day out in Pamplona or San Sebastian; shopping, culture & great tapas!
- Cycle or walk the local 'Via Verde', a disused railway, now converted into a cycleway from Endarlatza to Donestebe (bike rental available in Doneztebe).
