Leitzaran Biotope: a wild natural landscape

Natural beauty on the Leitzaran river basin

Peace and silence and the two traits that best describe Leitzaran valley. From Berastegi you can access this incredibly beautiful area where crystal rivers and unusual animals and plants win everyone’s hearts.

Great animal and plant wealth

The Leitzaran Valley protected biotope formed by the river of the same name and its surroundings is a special place thanks to the quality of the water, the great animal and plant wealth and the industrial and cultural heritage in it.

Leitzaran river

Leitzaran river has a strong influence on the landscape of the area. The spring is in Leitza and goes through rapids, dams and meanders, between a narrow valley until it flows into Oria river, 42km later, in Andoain. In fact it’s the most important tributary of Oria river. Several streams flow on the sides of the valley, making it a very humid one, and affecting the vegetation.

Human activity remains

Even if it’s a primarily natural enviroment, there are still remains of different buildings that form a valuable cultural and historical heritage: bridges, aqueductes, channels, mines, forges to obtain iron, hydroelectric plants and mills.

One of Euskadi’s most virgin and best preserved areas

About 90% of the valley is covered in forest: from the pine forests in hillsides to beech, oak and chesnut trees. The vegetation next to the river is made mainly of alder forests and ash groves, creating habitats for the species.

A very diverse fauna

In the biotope different species live, such as the pyrenean desman, the European mink, the pyrenean newt, the common trout, the European eel and the minnow. There are three fishing preserves: two of them deathless and an intensive one.

Points of interest along the route

In Leitzaran we can also find cromlechs and dolmens at Belabieta Megalithic Station, together with refrigerators and foundries.

The best way to visit it: Plazaola Greenway

On foot or by bicycle follow the path of the former railway connecting Pamplona and St. Sebastian. 22 of its 68km belong to the Gipuzkoan section, from Berastegi to Andoain, through Leitzaran river valley. Suitable for all levels.

Small route of the channels

17km long medium distance walk path, passing next to the upper channels of the hydroelectrical plants. It also passes throght Lastur and Komizar receational areas, in Amasa-Villabona.

See route

The 1,000 steps staircase in Leitzaran

Is one of the most popular places in the area. It’s a service path between a hydroelectrical plant and the loading deposit, at the base of Oddolar mountain, that goes next to a pipe with 1,000 steps, overcoming a 200m height difference.

Visitor Centre

Located in Andoain, at the Otieta Park entrance, where the Plazaola greenway starts, provides information through different boards, miniatures of the area and audiovisual tools. Ecotourism services, guided tours, transport service, hiking, bike rental and fishing school are also available.

Visitor Centre