Walks and Mountains Stroll from Santa Maria on the back lanes and paths, climb Garalda 600M or Baigura 900M, or take the tractor train to the top and walk along the ridge to Biddarray and the river Nive, all without getting in a car; A short drive will take you to the GR10 transpyrenean route with several exhilarating stretches. Alternatively the GR65 to Compostela is gentler or drive up to the forest of Irati and feel on top of the world. The other side of Irati the gorges of Holzarte, Kakoeta and Ehujarre are inspiring. The peaks of Artzamendi, Mondarain, Ursuia,Hautsa and Iparla are nearby, the Pics D'Orhy (2015m) and d'Anie (2507m) warrant the early starts. All the major routes are well marked. Spring and autumn are the ideal times with the wild flowers, cooler weather and longer days however every month has its attractions. Southerly winds, fairly common through the winter give temperatures around 20°. We often climb Baigura on Xmas or New Years day in bright sunshine giving views over the whole Basque coast. The birds of prey ( Gryphon vultures and Red Kites the most numerous) are majestic and the mountain Horses (Pottok) and wild goats add extra interest. Water Sports The Basque coast offers the best surfing beaches in Europe at Biarritz and Anglet (all beaches have life guards) . They are excellent for swimming, body-boarding as well as long-board. St Jean de Luz and Hendaye have enclosed bays with still water (no waves).Beaches are from 30 – 45 minutes drive from Santa Maria. The River only 10 minutes drive from Helette has several stretches of White Water for Rafting. Kayaks inflatable canoes and Hot Dogs can be hired (with wet suits if required) or you can go on 8 or 10 person accompanied Rafts. There are also several excellent places to swim, surf the rapids or jump/dive from the rocks up to 6M high. The Bastan a tributary of the Nive has numerous swimming places and a superb waterfall. The Lake at St Pee has paddle boats ,tree trail,swimming and a good restaurant. There is also a small lake at Iholdy (5 mins). Paragliding,Mountainbiking The Activity centre of Baigura 2mins from Santa Maria has a tractor train to take paragliders, Mountain bikes Trottinettes (downhill scooters) to the top. The paragliding club runs courses and offers accompanied flights or you can bring your own paraglider. The mountain bike and Trottinette descents can be done with the club or you can bring your own bike and choose a route either back to the centre or to Santa Maria(650M descent) or you could choose another route but then have a few kilometres back to Helette . There is also an excellent reasonably priced restaurant, lunch only. Horse riding There are 2 trekking centres nearby at Osses and Hasparren which take treks of varying lengths. Cultural Visits There are many interesting towns to visit on day trips from Santa Maria, the list of not interesting towns would be shorter.The Spanish/Basque cities of Pamplona, San Sebastian and Bilbao (Gugenheim museum) are all reachable within 2 -2 ½ hours. Throughout the summer every town and village has at least one fête (Helette around the 15th August); There are also numerous cultural festivals and events,Museumsand Exhibitions; look up the links below. The Basque country has a long history and is endowed with châteaux and other historical monuments. There are also many prehistoric sites – caves and burial mounds often found in the most beautiful locations; Well I hope I've convinced you .
Orson Wells in the Basque Country - video Other informative websites http://www.hasparren-tourisme.com/FR/contact/index.aspx?accueil=1&id=12 http://www.routard.com/guide_agenda/pays_basque.htm http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jacques.managau/port.htm |
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