Legarrea

Legarrea is a natural sinkhole cave (locally called a "sima") in the municipality of Bertizarana, in northern Navarre, about 2 km southwest of the town hall, near the village of Legasa. It sits at the meeting point of the rugged Malerreka countryside and a difficult chapter of 20th-century history, making it both a hiking destination and a site of remembrance.

How do you get to Legarrea?

The usual starting point is the village of Legasa, roughly an hour's drive from Pamplona, or easily reached from Elizondo in the nearby Baztán valley. Parking is available near the village sports court, where the marked trail begins. The path first climbs along a dirt track past wooden firewood sheds, then rises steadily toward the Mokorro pass at 474 metres. From there it branches off toward the cave, sitting at around 488 metres above sea level. The full loop covers about 8.6 km and takes roughly 3.5 hours at an unhurried pace with stops, with a total elevation gain of around 378 metres from the trailhead at 125 metres. The route is well signposted and straightforward to follow — a single path leads up to the top, and the same path brings you back down.

What will you see there?

Sima de Legarrea is a natural limestone sinkhole, open to the sky, typical of this part of Navarre's karst landscape. For decades, locals used it informally as a dumping ground, and layers of discarded waste are still visible inside. Beyond its geology, though, the site carries heavy historical weight: according to archaeological research carried out by the Sociedad de Ciencias Aranzadi, the sinkhole was used during the Spanish Civil War as a burial site for victims of wartime violence, reportedly including a pregnant woman and several of her children. In 2016, the Government of Navarre's Historical Memory office funded a project to clear the site and search for human remains. Because of this, visitors are encouraged to approach the cave with respect, treating it as a memorial rather than just another stop on the trail.

Past the cave, the trail continues up to Mokorro peak (506 m), where hikers are rewarded with wide views over the hills of Malerreka and toward the nearby town of Santesteban. In the wider Bertizarana area you'll also find the Bertiz Aventura adventure park, and the region hosts an annual local festival, Malerrekako Eguna, celebrating traditions of this corner of Navarre.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the moderate elevation and mountain terrain, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, offering mild temperatures and clear visibility. In winter, the upper stretches near the Mokorro pass can turn icy or slippery after rain or snow, so sturdy footwear is essential. In summer, an early morning start is recommended to avoid the midday heat on the more exposed sections near the summit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you reach the Legarrea cave on foot without a guide? Yes. The marked trail from Legasa is open to the public and does not require a guide, though carrying a map or GPS app is useful, especially in poor visibility.

How long does the full route take? The complete loop from Legasa, via the Mokorro pass, the Legarrea cave, and Mokorro peak, takes about 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace with rest and photo stops.

Is it safe to explore the cave itself? Sima de Legarrea is a natural sinkhole, not a developed tourist attraction — there is no lighting or safety infrastructure inside. Most visitors view it from the trail's edge rather than descending into it.

Why is this site historically significant? Due to events from the Spanish Civil War, the cave is recognised as a memorial site linked to wartime repression. Archaeological studies and a Government of Navarre project have worked to document and honour this history.