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Route to the Santa Eufemia de Aulesti chapel, one of the most special viewpoints in the Basque Country.
The Santa Eufemia chapel of Aulesti offers one of the most charming viewpoints in the interior of Bizkaia. It is a place that surprises visitors with its surroundings, its composition, and its historical value. Located on a hilltop on the border between Aulesti and Markina, surrounded by nature, this small chapel has become a perfect destination for people who want to take a charming route in the Basque Country. Remember that TurismoVasco organizes group excursions throughout the year. In this case, we have created an excursion to enjoy this place and the Lea Artibai region in the company of a local guide. Don’t hesitate to contact us, we will help you in any way we can and send you a personalized quote. Shall we talk?
Information about the Santa Eufemia chapel.
- Quotes and reservations for groups: Here
- Type of route: Linear (round trip).
- Distance: 700 meters from the hostel. 3 km from the Aulesti road.
- Difficulty: Low to medium (high with ice on the stairs in winter)
- Location: Santa Eufemia Chapel, Aulesti, Lea Artibai, Bizkaia.
Route to the Santa Eufemia chapel.
Although you can reach the Santa Eufemia chapel from both Aulesti and Markina, we are going to focus on the Aulesti option. For us, it is the most practical and beautiful option. That said, we have two choices: climb from the road that connects Aulesti and Markina (3 km) or climb from the hostel (700 m). Your choice is very important, as they are two completely different routes.
- From the Aulesti–Markina road: In this case, we must climb the concrete track used by cars to park 700 meters from the chapel. This is a steep road that leads directly to the hostel. From here, we just have to follow the signs.
- From the hostel: The hostel is located at the foot of the chapel, about 700 meters away. Next to the hostel, there is a bowling alley and several tables where you can enjoy a good hamaiketako (mid-morning snack). Although it is a short route, it is somewhat steep. In addition, you must climb the 222 steps that separate the field from Mount Urregarai and the chapel.
Vídeo.
As usual in all our publications, we have created a short video to show you the route to the Santa Eufemia chapel as realistically as possible. We also show you its incredible natural surroundings. Take a look. If you like this type of video, we encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel to discover all the experiences and places we recommend in the Basque Country. We are waiting for you!
Excursion to the Santa Eufemia chapel.
At TurismoVasco, we offer group excursions throughout the year. In this case, we suggest you enjoy the Lea Artibai region of Bizkaia. Without a doubt, this is the perfect option for associations, educational centers, companies, or groups looking for a different experience in an incredible natural setting. Our excursions include transportation, a local guide, food, and guided visits to other points of interest in the region. Remember that we tailor each proposal to suit the needs of each group. If you are organizing a group outing, we encourage you to contact us and we will send you a no-obligation quote.
Panoramic views.
From the chapel, we enjoyed an incredible panoramic view. From here, we could see part of the coast of Bizkaia and the mountains of Durangaldea. It was a breathtaking view that put the finishing touch on a little-known route in the interior of Bizkaia. We recommend you take a look at the video we posted on our YouTube channel to see the images recorded with the drone.
Santa Eufemia Chapel.
The Santa Eufemia chapel is a small structure (8 x 6 meters) that is completely isolated, reinforcing its spiritual and rural character. It is a simple construction, perfectly integrated into the landscape, which has historically been a landmark for local residents. These types of rural chapels form part of the cultural heritage of Bizkaia and are abundant in our mountains, great examples of which are the Santa Krutz Chapel and the Santa Eufemia Chapel itself. Legend has it that before the chapel was built, it was a meeting place for large groups of witches. After the chapel was built, the temple became the home of the saint preferred by the locals to pray for back pain and fruit harvests.
Mass and pilgrimage.
Every September 16, a short mass is still celebrated inside the chapel of Santa Eufemia. Mass is also celebrated on the Sunday after September 16. In the latter case, the atmosphere is much more festive, as a race from the field to the chapel is held on the same day. All this is accompanied by a pilgrimage. Without a doubt, it is a very special day for the residents of the region.
Where to park.
There is no designated parking area near the Santa Eufemia chapel. The best option is to park either next to the hostel or at the start of the road leading up to the hostel. In either case, you will need to park your car on the side of the road, so the number of cars that can park in the area is very limited. We recommend arriving early.
Where to eat.
Although you can eat very well in restaurants in the area (Aulesti, Lekeitio, Markina Xemein, etc.), there is an area with tables and chairs in the field at the foot of the chapel, which is a great option for enjoying a good hamaiketako (mid-morning snack).
What to see nearby.
If you want to take advantage of this getaway to discover other places of interest in the area, we recommend you take a look at the following places. Remember that you can find more information by clicking on each one.
What to do nearby.
The Lea Artibai region offers many options for enjoying active tourism. Here are some suggestions that go very well with the route we are proposing today. We hope you like them. Remember that you can find more information about each experience by clicking on it. You can also use the comments section of this article to ask us any questions you may have.
- Hiking trails in Lea Artibai.
- Guided tours at Lea Artibai.
Frequently asked questions and tips.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. We also include some tips. We hope you find them helpful. Remember that you can use the comments section of this article to send us any questions you may have.
How many stairs does the Santa Eufemia chapel have? This zigzag staircase has 222 steps. Its structure is very reminiscent of the stairs at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Are the stairs at the Santa Eufemia chapel dangerous? These stairs can be dangerous, especially in winter when they are icy. Please exercise caution.
Can you have a drink at the hostel? No, only groups can make reservations for overnight stays. If you are interested, you must make your reservation at the Aulesti Town Hall.
Is there anywhere to eat? Yes, next to the hostel, about 700 meters from the Santa Eufemia chapel, there are several tables where you can eat. If you prefer a restaurant, we recommend going down to the center of Aulesti.
Is there a designated parking area? No, there is no designated parking area. We recommend that you carefully read the section on where to park.
The route to the Santa Eufemia chapel is a perfect way to enjoy the interior of Bizkaia. If you are planning a trip to the Lea Artibai region, we encourage you to contact us. We will help you in any way we can. You can also use the comments system to ask us any questions you may have about the Santa Eufemia chapel. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pasa!
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