4.1
(74)
867
riders
53
rides
Mountain bike trails Betelu are set within the mountainous landscape of Navarre, at the foot of the Maioak mountains and the Sierra de Aralar Natural Park. The region is characterized by dense forests, lush greenery, and natural springs, with the Plazaola Greenway offering a distinct cycling path. This varied terrain provides a range of mountain biking experiences, from gentle greenways to more challenging singletrack.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4
riders
38.4km
04:00
1,070m
1,070m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(23)
161
riders
45.6km
03:04
570m
570m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.6
(7)
82
riders
36.4km
03:11
570m
570m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(7)
71
riders
35.5km
03:06
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
55
riders
39.1km
04:32
1,360m
1,360m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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As of May 24, 2026, the tunnel is closed. The alternative route is by road to the village of Leitza. From there, you take the greenway again.
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A bar with a view and good food, a good place to stop. Closed Mondays.
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At this point, you can see the remains of wood used by the aizkolaris (axe-wielding log cutters). There is also a statue honoring the aizkolari women, with a text on its back in Basque that means "Women have always cut wood."
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Great route for beginners as has mainly constant and light slopes. Only half a dozen uphills the first 30 km from Pamplona.
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One of the ideal areas to start the Plazaola greenway
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The 2700m tunnel is impressive and seems to never end. Advice: Bring clothes at least when passing through this tunnel as it is cool. Otherwise there is automatic lighting.
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climb with 3 different slopes from Leitza about 6km from Goizueta about 15km from Santesteban about 23km
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There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Betelu, catering to various skill levels. This includes 3 easy routes, 18 moderate routes, and 35 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners to experienced riders.
The Plazaola Greenway, a popular route in the area, is especially enjoyable during warmer seasons. The region's lush greenery and natural springs make spring and summer particularly pleasant for riding, offering shaded areas along rivers.
Yes, the Plazaola Greenway is an excellent option for families. This route follows an old railway line, offering gentle, consistent slopes and a scenic journey through tunnels like the 235-meter-long Bartolo Tunnel, making it suitable for beginners and a pleasant ride along the river.
Betelu is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the Ixkier Waterfall, the Amezketa Stream Waterfall, and the Sources of the Iribas River. The area is also at the foot of the Maioak mountains within the Sierra de Aralar Natural Park, offering stunning mountainous landscapes and dense forests.
Yes, many routes in Betelu are circular. For example, the moderate Witches' Bridge – Plazaola Greenway loop from Leitza offers scenic riding along the Greenway. Another option is the Plazaola Greenway – Santa Cruz Tunnel loop from Areso, which takes you through the historic Greenway and its tunnels.
The region features the significant San Miguel de Aralar Sanctuary, a 12th-century Romanesque church within the Sierra de Aralar. Additionally, the Plazaola Greenway itself is a historic route, utilizing an old narrow-gauge railway path.
The mountain bike routes in Betelu are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 70 reviews. More than 800 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse options from gentle greenways to challenging singletrack.
Absolutely. Betelu offers 35 difficult mountain bike routes. A notable challenging option is the Lekunberri - Leitza – circular por la Vía Verde del Plazaola, a 38.4 km route with significant elevation gain that takes about 4 hours to complete.
Yes, the historic Plazaola Greenway features several tunnels. The Plazaola Greenway – Santa Cruz Tunnel loop from Areso specifically highlights a journey through these tunnels, including the well-known Bartolo Tunnel.
You can expect diverse landscapes, from the mountainous terrain at the foot of the Maioak mountains and Sierra de Aralar Natural Park to dense forests, lush greenery, and areas with natural springs and rivers. The Plazaola Greenway offers a distinct experience along an old railway path.
Yes, there are 3 easy mountain bike routes available. The Plazaola Greenway is particularly well-suited for beginners due to its gentle, consistent slopes and scenic, flat sections along the river.
Betelu is famous for its natural springs. The Piscinas de Betelu (Betelu Pools) are an enchanting spot with fresh, crystalline waters from the river, forming natural swimming areas. This picturesque setting offers pleasant walks and shaded areas for relaxation.


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