Jardin botanique d'Iturraran

Iturraran is a botanical garden in Aia that spans 25 hectares on the slopes of Iturraran hill, showcasing mixed hardwood forests with diverse tree species. A network of about 5 kilometers of paths winds through the grounds, allowing visitors to explore different sections of the garden.

The first plantings began in 1986 on pasture land surrounding an 18th-century farmhouse that later became the administration center for Pagoeta Natural Park.

The name Iturraran comes from the Basque word iturri, meaning fountain or spring, which reflects the linguistic heritage of the Gipuzkoa region.

The location sits about 25 kilometers south of San Sebastian and 7 kilometers inland from Zarautz, with access via well-marked walking paths. Wear sturdy footwear since the grounds are hilly and paths can become slippery after rain.

The garden houses a remarkable collection of more than 260 conifer species as well as over 300 species from the beech family. Many of these trees, particularly the oak varieties, were gathered from Mexico and Central America and adapted to European conditions.