Route of the dolmens of Debabarrena.

Route of the dolmens of Debabarrena, a familiar route with a lot of history.

The route of the dolmens of Debabarrena is one of those routes that leave a mark. A family walk along the mountain range that joins the peaks of Karakate and Irukurutzeta that invites us to enjoy some of the best views of all Euskadi. An idyllic landscape, like a movie. A route, which from this very moment joins our collection of family routes in Euskadi.The different corners that we cross during the route of the dolmens have been inhabited since ancient times. This is attested by the more than 16 megalithic monuments that we find along the 22 kilometers of this route (PR-GI 94). Do not panic, of those 22 kilometers, we will only cover 9 (4.5 outward and 4.5 return). A linear route, with little unevenness, which, starting in Soraluze lands, takes us to Bergara through a dreamlike walk. Do you dare to know this paradise with us?

The route that we propose today takes place at an altitude of more than 700 meters. In a natural vantage point, that Debegesa (Society for the Economic Development of Debabarrena), has put in value by means of different signpostings and explanatory panels. If you choose to do this route on your own, we advise you to pay special attention to all of them. We must remember that the region of Debabarrena is made up of the towns of Deba, Eibar, Elgoibar, Ermua, Mallabia, Mendaro, Mutriku and Soraluze. The latter being the special protagonist of this route.

Route of the dolmens of Debabarrena.

The route of the dolmens of Soraluze is perfect to enjoy the stunning scenery that the Basque mountains give us. And is that, without making great efforts, this route gives us spectacular views over mountains like Aizkorri, Anboto or Gorbeia while villages like Elgoibar or Eibar are literally at our feet. Undoubtedly a route with a great reward-effort ratio. Remember that although the PR-GI 94 route joins Karakate and Iturriberri, we will only do the section between Karakate and Irukurutzeta, a route of 340 meters of unevenness, which makes it easier for entire families to know this small “txoko” (corner in Basque) of Euskadi.The route of the dolmens begins in the parking lot of Karakate, next to the communications antenna. It is here, in one of its sides, where we find the first signposting of the route. After a few minutes, we leave the asphalt to go into the nature through a small path that we find next to the sign. Remember to follow the marks of the small routes (PR, yellow and white colors). We follow the road, soon, Elgoibar will appear next to us, under our feet, on the left. Undoubtedly one of the best views of the town of Gipuzkoa.Follow the path until you come to a fork. This time we must decide if we want to opt for the best views (left) or the easiest and most comfortable way (right). In case of going with children or elderly people, the option on the right is usually stronger. And you should know that the left path has an ascending slope of certain notoriety and a somewhat complicated descent for the aforementioned groups. In short, you should opt for better views and more complicated path (left) or less spectacular views and easier path (right). The final decision is yours alone.In any case we will reach the Arribiribilleta menhir first and the Irukurutzeta dolmen shortly after. The latter is located just a few meters from the top of Irukurutzeta (898 meters), where, after the routine photos, we must turn around and return the same way we came. Although the route of the dolmens of Debabarrena does not present great complications, we leave the complete route (22 km), which the tourist office of Debabarrena has uploaded to Wikiloc. A perfect option if you want to download the route to your GPS or mobile devices.

Dolmens.

This route owes its name to José Miguel Barandiaran, one of the most important figures in the culture and history of the Basque Country. A Basque priest, anthropologist, ethnologist and archaeologist, who, after discovering most of the elements catalogued today, did not hesitate to dub this route as the “Route of the dolmens“. The studies and excavations were carried out between 1920 and 1922, although, unfortunately, many of them were looted even before he began his research. Tumuli and dolmens of great archaeological value add value to a route that already has a great natural charm. According to the experts, the tumuli, dolmens and the rest of the elements found here are dated between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age.All of them belong to the megalithic station of Elosu Plazentzia (Bien de Interés Cultural). 16 elements, which, scattered in the Irukurutzeta and Agerreburu karakate range, cover the lands of Bergara, Azkoitia, Antzuola, Elgoibar and Soraluze. Of all the elements that we find in the 9 kilometers of route we must emphasize 2: Arribiribilleta and Irukurutzeta.

As you can see, the route of the dolmens has a great landscape and archaeological value. A space, in which we find multiple landmarks used as burial sites or marking of territory.

Difficulty.

As we have already mentioned, the route of the dolmens starts from the top of Karakate, more than 700 meters above sea level. A fact, which means that we only have 340 meters of unevenness during the whole route. And although there are some slopes, they do not differ much from the rest of the family routes that we have recommended so far. In short, all those people who are used to make family routes in Euskadi will not find any difficulty that prevents them from finishing this route successfully.

Location.

Placencia de las Armas, Soraluze in Basque, is a small municipality located in the Gipuzkoan region of Debabarrena. A town that throughout history managed to gain a foothold in the important arms industry of the peninsula. Such was the importance of this sector in the town that it was adopted as a surname, hence its name. In the 15th century, what would later become the foundations of the town’s industry were established. These foundations led to the creation of the first forges and workshops for the manufacture of weapons. We must emphasize that the crown, main customer of the arms industry of Soraluze, established in 1573 the first royal arms warehouse. Today Soraluze is still an industrial town with a great natural heritage as the one we have shown you today.

The best views of Euskadi?

It is difficult to choose the corner with the best views of Euskadi. There are too many mountains and cliffs to choose just one. However, it is clear to us that some of the natural viewpoints that we found along the route of the dolmens would be clear candidates for it. Never before had we seen so clearly the mountains and villages of Euskadi. Mountain ranges and urban centers that are lined up in front of us to offer us a movie-like perspective. We all succumb to these views. Get your cameras ready.

How to get there.

To reach the top of Karakate we can choose to walk or take a private vehicle. And we must take into account that there is currently no public transport that reaches the parking lot from where the route of the dolmens begins. If you choose to walk up from the center of Soraluze, the route changes drastically, indeed, it would no longer be a family route. On the other hand, if you choose to use private transport, know that the road to reach the top of Karakate is somewhat complicated. And we must remember that the Karakate pass is classified as a first class pass. This winding and narrow mountain road starts from the town itself, from where we must follow the signs to Ruta de los Dólmenes. Here is the road that we must follow to arrive at the Karakate Parking.

Guided tours.

Although it is possible to do the route of the dolmens on our own, relying only on the signage and information panels along the way, you should know that there is the possibility of doing this route in the company of a professional guide. If you choose to take the guided tour of the dolmen route, you should know that it is necessary to reserve a place in advance by calling the tourist office in Deba. During the visit you will walk along the Karakate Irukurutzeta mountain range linking the villages of Soraluze, Elgoibar and Bergara. A route of approximately 9 kilometers that shows us 7 of the more than 16 megalithic monuments in the area. This guided tour lasts 3 hours and has been designed for all ages (minimum age recommended from 7 years old).

Where to park.

The only parking we found on this route is at the top of karakate, a space that only has about 15 plots approximately. As you can see it is a small parking lot. A place that in summer season hangs with certain assiduity the full sign. That is why we recommend you to get up early to avoid parking problems. By the way, if you are organizing a group excursion, know that both the road and the parking lot are not enabled to receive buses.

Where to eat.

If you want to eat in Soraluze, our recommendation is Txurruka Jatetxea. A restaurant that is known among the plazentziarrak for its generous portions and homemade food. In short, a traditional restaurant where the house specialty, the lamb, is finger-licking good. Of course, it is not the only dish that surprises in this Basque restaurant.

The views offered by this Basque restaurant is another of its great attractions, and is that having a drink on the terrace while watching the beauty of this valley is priceless.

What to see near the route of the dolmens of Debabarrena.

In case you want to know more areas of Gipuzkoa and Euskadi, we recommend you to visit towns like Deba or Mutriku. Moreover, if you have more time, you can also extend your trip to Alava and Bizkaia. Here are some places of interest that may be of interest to you:

Recommendations and frequently asked questions.

After doing the route of the dolmens we believe it is convenient to create this section to give you some advice and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this route. In case you do not find an answer to your questions we recommend you to use the comment system that you will find below these lines. We will try to answer you as soon as possible.