Urbasa mendia
The Sierra de Urbasa is a large forested mountain area in northwestern Navarre with peaks around 3300 feet (1000 m) elevation. The landscape features a mix of beech, yew, juniper and pine forests, with alpine meadows and grasslands appearing at higher elevations where livestock grazes seasonally.
The earliest human presence dates to prehistoric hunters and gatherers thousands of years ago, evidenced by flint tools found across the region. Later, pastoral peoples built burial monuments such as dolmens and stone circles, some of which remain visible beneath small earthen mounds today.
The Sierra de Urbasa reflects the way shepherds have lived and worked on these mountains for generations. Visitors can see traditional stone shelters and grazing lands that show how people have shaped this landscape through pastoral practices.
The area offers several marked trails suitable for different ability levels, from short family walks to longer hiking routes through the forests and meadows. Wear comfortable footwear, bring water, and visit the information center to learn about routes and local conditions before you start exploring.
The area holds hidden prehistoric burial monuments including dolmens and stone circles that lie beneath earthen mounds across the landscape. Visitors can also explore underground caves such as Cueva de Lezaundi carved into the limestone bedrock, offering a glimpse into the geological layers beneath these mountains.
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