Zugarramurdi

A small Pyrenean village famous for its dramatic caves, once associated with legendary witch trials in the 17th century. The nearby Cuevas de Zugarramurdi combine natural beauty with a fascinating, eerie history.

Things to do

• Explore the Cuevas de Zugarramurdi — Wander through this dramatic karst cave carved by the Infernuko Erreka (Hell's Stream), said to have hosted secret witches' gatherings in the 17th century.
• Visit the Museo de las Brujas — This small museum in the village center tells the story of the 1609-1614 witch trials through exhibits, legends, and local folklore.
• Stand in the Akelarre meadow — The grassy clearing beside the cave mouth is traditionally identified as the site where accused witches supposedly held their sabbaths.
• Walk the Sorginen Bidea (Witches' Path) — Follow this cross-border trail linking Zugarramurdi with Sare in France, tracing routes once used by smugglers and, legend says, witches.
• Wander the village's stone houses — Stroll past traditional Basque farmhouses with carved lintels and coats of arms in the compact historic center.
• Attend the summer Sorginen Gaua festival — If visiting in August, catch this atmospheric night festival that reenacts and celebrates the village's witch legends with bonfires and performances.

Food to try

• Talo con txistorra — A warm hand-pressed corn flatbread folded around grilled Basque txistorra sausage, sold at local fairs and bars.
• Idiazabal cheese — This smoky sheep's-milk cheese from the Basque-Navarrese hills pairs perfectly with local cider or quince paste.
• Basque cider (sagardoa) — Dry, tangy cider poured from height in the traditional style is a staple drink in village taverns.
• Bruja-themed pastries and sweets — Local bakeries sell witch-shaped cookies and treats playing on the village's famous legend.
• Pintxos at a local taberna — Small bars around the plaza serve simple Navarrese pintxos like chorizo, cheese, and peppers with a glass of local wine.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the history's dark side — The witch trials led to real persecution and deaths, so exhibits and tours treat the subject with historical seriousness rather than pure tourist kitsch.
• Book cave visits ahead in high season — The Cuevas de Zugarramurdi have limited guided-tour slots, especially crowded in summer and during the August festival.
• Basque language and identity are strong here — Euskara (Basque) is widely spoken alongside Spanish, and signage often appears in both languages.
• It's an easy cross-border trip — The French village of Sare is just a short drive or hike away, making it easy to combine both countries in one day.