Auritz-Burguete is a “street-village” that Ernest Hemingway placed “in the wildest desert of the Pyrenees…”. It is a beautiful town through which the Camino de Santiago passes. Additionally, it has been recognized as a Cultural Heritage.
It was born on the south side of the Pilgrim’s Path to attend to pilgrims from Europe crossing the Pyrenees. However, its history dates back to prehistoric times; among other historical events, Roman legions crossed and settled here for both Spanish and Lusitanian campaigns. The Basques defeated the most powerful army of the time, that of Charlemagne, in the 8th century. This feat gave birth to the Song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland in French), the epic poem par excellence of the Middle Ages.
After traveling 2.5 km on the Camino de Santiago and passing through a beautiful beech forest, you arrive at Auritz-Burguete. It is a welcoming town with a unique beauty on the Camino de Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will find plenty of restaurants to eat or have a coffee; the truth is, it’s hard to go wrong. In all of them, you will encounter generous portions, friendly service, and an excellent representation of local cuisine.
Auritz-Burguete is a village with an economy based on agricultural activity. Nevertheless, it boasts spectacular French-style houses with gardens and wrought iron fences. In addition, its small water channels that run through its main street remind us of other cities in Europe. All this incredible architecture in a small mountain village creates a special atmosphere that has even been classified as aristocratic.
Recently, a shallow natural pool has been created that allows for safe bathing for the whole family.
For shopping, you will find cheese sales, various crafts, plants, and flowers. However, artisanal production in Burguete is best expressed, among other companies, by Etxenike, an artisanal industry dedicated to the production of duck-derived products. Their commitment to quality makes a visit and purchase worthwhile. They have recently launched their first organic products.