Aiako Harria Natural Park, Natural park in Gipuzkoa, Spain.
Aiako Harria is a protected natural area in Gipuzkoa featuring forests, mountain slopes, and open meadows that create a varied landscape with different zones. A network of marked paths connects these areas, taking you through different elevations and exposing geological features shaped over time.
The area gained official protection status in 1995 to preserve the natural diversity of this Basque region. This decision came after centuries of use by local communities whose traditional ways of living had already shaped the landscape.
The park remains woven into daily Basque life, where locals continue farming and herding practices that shape the landscape you see when walking through it. This active connection between people and land defines the character of the place and how it feels when you visit.
The park is well set up for visitors, with several entry points and information stations where you can get maps and guidance before starting your walk. It helps to arrive early in the day, especially on weekends, when conditions are easier to manage.
Beneath the park lie old mining tunnels, some dating back to Roman times, that visitors can partly explore and that reveal how long people have used this land for resources. These underground passages offer a surprising window into how much history is hidden below the surface you walk on.
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