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Avant-garde gastronomy and stays in front of the Bay of Biscay
Routes through Basque mythology
Basque mythology is one of the richest in Europe, bringing together legends and traditions of the territories of our orography. For centuries, caves, mountains, forests and rivers have had magical connotations for their inhabitants, and continue to be present in our culture in the form of fables.
We propose a tour of the legendary routes that Turismo de Euskadi has designed to get to know some of these stories more closely, in direct contact with nature.
1. AMARI
According to legend, the forests of the Basque Country are presided over by the Goddess Amari, who controls the rain that irrigates the crops and is the guardian of these lands where giants, lamias, goblins, dragons, witches and many other fantastic beings coexist with humans and nature…
2. IRA TXOAK
Basque elves (Iratxoak) such as the Galtxagorriak or the Intxisu, are small geniuses with extraordinary strength that they use at the service of their owners or the Goddess Amari. As a curiosity, it is still customary to this day to say that when a dog barks for no apparent reason, the Intxisu is up to no good. Find out more about these mythological beings with a route that starts in Zarautz.
3. ERRALDOIAK
Stories of giants can be found all over the country. In some places they appear as ferocious characters; in others, however, they are kind and gentle. They have enormous strength and are assigned trades that reflect primitive culture: they are shepherds, woodcutters, millers… Find out more about the giants with some of the activities on offer near San Sebastian.
4. HERENSUGEAK
The Herensugeak are dragons that live in the chasms of the Basque mountains. There are many types: some are wise and protective; others are terrible and dangerous, like the one that, according to legend, terrorised the people of the Santa Barbara Park in Arrasate-Mondragón. Find out more about this fable with a stroll through this magnificent park of colourful trees and photogenic views.
5. SORGINAK
Witch stories are probably among the most popular in the Basque imagination. Many of them tell how men and women used to celebrate akelarres, which were popular pagan festivals, generally organised in remote areas in the mountains, to enjoy a night of dancing, food and drink around a bonfire, without fear of being judged. We suggest a visit to Mount Jaizkibel in Hondarribia or to the Arratia valley in Dima where some of these gatherings took place.
6. LAMIAK
In Basque mythology, there are many stories about lamias, who combed their long golden hair with golden combs next to the river Asteasu, in the area called Lamiategi. We suggest a walk through the village of Asteasu or through the streets of Tolosa, or if you prefer, delve into the mythological world of the lamias with the complete route.