EuroVelo 1. The Atlantic Coast Route

The EuroVelo 1 route enters Navarre from Gipuzkoa via the Bidasoa Rail Trail, more specifically the area known as Endarlatsa. Its passes Bera through the Zalain-Zoko district, and continues on to Berrizaun and Sunbilla before reaching Santesteban in just 5 km.

An easy, pleasant, and practically flat route.

In the Malerreka valley, flanked by mountains such as Mendaur, sits the elegant village of Santesteban. The steepest sections are on leaving the village (a short but hard stretch) and the part by road between Oiz and the highest point of Gorostieta.

From Santesteban, the route passes through the villages of Donamaría, Oiz, Urroz, Beintza-Labaien and Saldias, and then on to the top of Gorostieta, where there is a rest area.

From there, the route carries on towards the Basaburua valley and passes through beautiful villages with large flower-laden farmhouses (caseríos), such as Ola, Orokieta, Erbiti, Gartzaron and Jauntsarats -the latter also known for its ancient oak trees. At the Jauntsarats rest area, you can stop to get your energy back and make the most of the swimming area. The route goes on to Ihaben, Etxaleku, Eraso and Latasa, an old Plazaola train station now repurposed as a bar-restaurant which has bikes for hire.

​​​​​​​Once there, it follows the path of the Plazaola Rail Trail and reaches Irurtzun.

The next part of the route begins at the Irurtzun rest area, in the grounds of the old railway station.

It then passes through the municipal district of Iza, where the Gulina viaduct with its 17 stone arches stands. Then after you pass the village of Sarasate, you need to bear in mind that, before reaching Erice de Iza, there is a short but steep climb of about 300 metres on a 13% slope. Once that stretch is over, getting to Sarasa is easy.

​​​​​​​And 9.6 km further on, you reach Pamplona, leaving Oteiza, Berriosuso, Aizoáin, Berriozar and Artica behind you as you go.

From Pamplona-Iruña, EuroVelo 1 joins the EuroVelo 3 route, known as the Pilgrims' Route because it runs parallel to the Way of St James.

The route passes through the following towns and villages: Cizur Mayor, Arlegui, Subiza, Biurrun, Úcar, Enériz, Eunate, Puente la Reina, Mañeru, Cirauqui and Estella-Lizarra.
The EuroVelo routes only actually join the Way of St James in some sections because it also uses secondary roads with little traffic.

​​​​​​​Along the way there is no lack of typical linear villages, mediaeval bridges, great monuments, landscapes which change colour with the season, wineries and quality food.

These are the final kilometres in the Navarrese territory before entering Rioja lands. Shortly after leaving Estella-Lizarra is the Iratxe Monastery. Further along, past the rocky castle of Villamayor de Monjardín, the route reaches Los Arcos, Torres del Río and finally Viana, which peacefully faces the horizon towards Alava and La Rioja from its place up on a hill.