Etxauri

Etxauri lies in a climbing paradise of Basque country. Basque country is a unique place with an unusually high concentration of great quality crags and also climbing fanatics. The whole area has a long climbing tradition and Etxauri in particular belongs among the classics of the area. It is set in a beautiful scenery, offers great quality solid limestone and on top of that, is very easy to get to – it lies only 15 km away from Pamplona!

Etxauri is a one of those places which you simply can't miss out if you like challenging technical climbing. There are more than 800 lines of all grades and climbing styles. As mentioned above, its specialty is challenging technical climbing. Little crimps and hardly any footholds on slabby, vertical or slightly overhanging faces – that is Etxauri's classics and that obviously requires great amount of technique and skill. 

Etxauri is a huge area and offers great variety of climbing. Apart from the main sport crags, there are good quality multipitches areas and also interesting little sport areas such as San Fausto, which are definitely worth your attention too. 

Most of the popular crags are on the sun which makes Etxauri great spot to enjoy sun when the temperatures drop down. You can come in autumn or spring but make sure you avoid summertime. If you wish to come in winter, you can try but count on with very low temperatures on cloudy days and a high probability of rain.

To get to Basque country you can fly into Bilbao, Vitoria or San Sebastian, all of which are less than 2 hours away from Pamplona. The closest is San Sebastian which is about only about an hour drive from Pamplona. Like everywhere in Spain you will get around much better in a rented car than in public transport.

When it comes to where to sleep, in the Etxauri area you have a great choice: There are 3 campsites nearby Pamplona or you can simply visit Pamplona and choose what you like. Those of you who are used to Mediterranean mild temperatures  shouldn't forget that the climate in Basque country is rather different from Spain. It is much colder at night and rainier especially during spring, autumn and winter. Another thing which makes the area different from the rest of the country are the prices – Basque country is one of the most expensive provinces in Spain.