10 THINGS NOT TO BE MISSED
09. GR 299 Mikeldi: Durangaldea, neighbourhood by neighbourhood
86 kilometres and 5 stages
Duration:
22 and a half hours
Difficulty level:
Easy
Stages:
Five (each stage lasts around 4 and a half hours)
The Mikeldi GR 229 route is an excellent opportunity to get to know Durangaldea on foot. The 86 km that make up this mountain trail are divided into 5 easy stages. What better way to discover a new corner of Durangaldea every day!
Stage 1: Durango-Atxondo
Durango-Mañaria-Gatzagieta-Atxarte-Sagasta-Axpe-Atxondo
Length: 22.3 km / Duration: 7 and a half hours
This stage takes you into the Urkiola Nature Reserve, after passing through the Izurtza and Mañaria neighbourhoods.
After passing by medieval roads, mills and landscapes dotted about with farmhouses, it continues along the Arrazola cycling and walking trail to the Apatamonasterio neighbourhood in Atxondo.
Stage 2: Atxondo-Berriz
Atxondo - Elorrio - San Agustin Etxebarria - Berriozabaleta - Miotako gana - Leiz - Murgoitio - Berriz
Length: 9.5 km / Duration: 3 hours
The second stage is the shortest and most intense on the Mikeldi trail. It follows the road from Atxondo to Berriz, passing by the Arrazola cycling and walking trail, the famous San Agustín de Etxebarria Church, the Berriozabaleta fountain (inspired by the Inca culture) and the Leiz and Zenita neighbourhoods.
Stage 3: Berriz-Garai
Berriz - San Miguel, Zaldibar - Goierri - Zengotita - San Kristobal - Andikoa, Berriz - Garai
Length: 17.7 km / Duration: 6 hours and 10 minutes
This stage takes you past the palace belonging to the Marchioness of Berriz, as well as through the Zaldibar and Mallabia neighbourhoods, where you will find medieval farmhouses and spectacular views.
After crossing many streams and brooks and passing by small waterfalls, the stage passes through the Sarria neighbourhood to end in Garai.
Stage 4: Garai - Amorebieta-Etxano
Garai - Maguma - Lasiar - Oromiño - Dudea San Miguel - Derandain - Amorebieta-Etxano
Length: 20.2 km / Duration: 6 hours and 45 minutes
During the 4th stage, you will enjoy spectacular views from Garai, known as the balcony of Durangaldea.
On your way to Amorebieta-Etxano, you will pass the old Trumoitio fort, the famous Etxeita holm oak tree and the old Maguma road. The trail also passes through/by pine forests, farmhouses and windmills before arriving in the town of Amorebieta-Etxano.
Stage 5: Amorebieta-Etxano - Durango
Amorebieta-Etxano - Belatxikieta - Betsuen - Gibela - Santa Luzia - San Andres - Durango
Length: 21.2 km / Duration: 7 hours and 25 minutes
This last stage connects the two principal towns of Durangaldea: Amorebieta-Etxano and Durango. Passing through forests and fields, you will climb up to the top of Mugarra, the symbol of Durango.
Descending through the Santa Lucía neighbourhood, don’t miss your opportunity to visit the old Neberondo ice factory! From San Andrés Chapel onwards, you will enjoy some spectacular views, before completing the Mikeldi GR 229 on your arrival in the town of Durango.
