Irati by electric bike

Irati has a mountain bike network of 16 routes and more than 400 km of tracks, shared by the four valleys across which the forest extends: Salazar and Aezkoa in Navarre, and Zuberoa and Cize in France. With an electric bike you can climb the hills around the forest without much preparation, and see the beech-and-fir forest from above before going into it. It is a good way to cover more ground in a day than the footpaths allow.

Where to hire

Visit Navarra says there is bike hire at Irati's three reception centres: Irati-Abodi, Casas de Irati and Arrazola, where you can also get small repairs done and ask for information on the routes. It is the most practical option if you want to set out directly from the forest.

With Irati Active

Irati Active, based at the Hostal Haizea in Aurizberri-Espinal, near Orreaga-Roncesvalles, hires electric bikes for half a day or a full day, with or without a guide. It is open every day from 8:00 to 18:00. Its website shows two Orbea Urrun models. They suggest easy routes through the Irati Forest, designed to see the forest from the surrounding hills, and another through Roncesvalles that combines a stretch of the Camino de Santiago with tracks to a Roman road and the site of a Roman settlement of about 4.5 hectares, probably Iturissa.

The hire includes a helmet, insurance, a lock, a phone holder and a tailor-made route; if you wish, they give you a GPS with the track loaded so you can follow the way without worrying. For more experienced cyclists they also organise guided stage-by-stage MTB crossings of the Irati Forest. The website does not publish prices, minimum ages or deposit: ask when booking on +34 679 448 081 or at [email protected].

When to go and what to bear in mind

The best time runs from spring to autumn. In autumn the beech forest changes colour; in winter the high tracks may have snow and the Casas de Irati road may close. In November 2026, moreover, that road will be cut for works from 16 to 20 and from 23 to 27; if you go on those days, set out via Irati-Abodi or Orbaizeta.

Although the e-bike helps on the climbs, you ride on mountain forest tracks: it helps to have some bike experience. Bring water, food and warm clothing, and a charged phone. Always ride on the marked tracks and paths and respect walkers and livestock.

To round off the day

From Aurizberri-Espinal you have Orreaga-Roncesvalles nearby and, through the Aezkoa valley, the Orbaitzeta Arms Factory and the Irabia reservoir, with its walking loop. If you enter through Salazar, Ochagavía is the most convenient base for eating and sleeping.