Adarra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Adarra |
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The Aballarri rocks on the left and Adarra (centre)
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 811 m (2,661 ft) |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Place of horns |
| Language of name | Basque |
| Pronunciation | Basque: [aˈdara] |
| Geography | |
 Adarra
Location in Pyrenees
Adarra
Location in Spain
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| Location | Gipuzkoa, Spain |
| Parent range | Adarra-Mandoegi |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | From Besabi in Urnieta |
Adarra is a mountain in the Basque Country, located south of the city of San Sebastian. Its name means 'mount of horns' in the Basque language. Many local people enjoy hiking to its peak. Adarra is part of a long mountain range. This range sits between the Urumea and Leitzaran valleys. The mountain is 811 meters (about 2,661 feet) tall.
Contents
What is Adarra Made Of?
Adarra is at the western edge of the Pyrenees mountains. The rocks here tell a long story. You can find different types of rocks like slate and sandstone. These rocks formed a very long time ago. They come from the Paleozoic Era and Mesozoic Era.
Trees and Plants on Adarra
On the eastern side of the mountain, you will see many native forests. These forests have trees and plants that naturally grow in the area. The western side is different. Here, you will find lots of pine trees. These pine trees are grown for logging, which means they are cut down for wood. You will also see grassy areas. Sheep and horses often graze in these open fields.
Ancient History on Adarra
The Adarra mountain area is full of history. You can find many ancient monuments here. These monuments are called megalithic art. They were built by people living here long, long ago. Most of them are small and date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age.
Types of Ancient Monuments
Around Adarra, you can discover 34 stone circles. These are rings made of stones. There are also four dolmens, which are ancient tombs. You might also find three cists (small stone chests) and two menhirs (tall standing stones).
The Legend of Eteneta Stone
There is a cool legend about one of the stones, the Eteneta menhir. A famous anthropologist named Jose Miguel Barandiaran shared this story. The legend says that a giant named Sanson was angry. He wanted to throw a huge stone at people dancing in Arano. But he slipped on some cow dung! The stone fell short and landed where the Eteneta stone is today.
Ancient Burial Site
Scientists also found something amazing in a nearby cave. They found the remains of a person buried with a dog and a lamb. This burial is about 6,000 years old!
Fun Events on Adarra
Every New Year's Day, Adarra becomes a lively place. People of all ages climb the mountain. Some go to see the first sunrise of the year. Others just want to start the new year in a good way. Many people bring musical instruments. You might hear a trikitixa (a type of accordion) or a tabor and pipe. This makes the atmosphere very festive!
How to Reach Adarra
There are a few ways to get to Adarra. The main starting point is a place called Besabi.
Starting from Besabi
To get to Besabi by car, you take a small road called GI-3121. This road leads to a tiny village called Xoxoka. From there, you turn left onto road GI-4721, which goes straight to Besabi. There is a car park at the end of the road.
The Path to the Top
From Besabi, you follow a paved path that goes uphill. It passes a farmhouse. Then, a wooden barrier opens to a dirt trail. This trail goes steadily uphill through a forest. You will cross a stream and slowly leave the forest. The last part to the summit is steep but not too long. Near the top, the path goes over rocky ground.
Coming Down from Adarra
When you come down, you can go south from the summit. You will reach a spot called the Col of Eteneta. This is where the ancient menhir stands tall. This spot has been a guide for shepherds for many years. From here, you can turn northwest. The grassy fields will change to a bushy area with narrow paths. These paths will lead you back to the beech forest you walked through earlier.
Another way down is to head straight north from Adarra. You will reach the pass of Mantale. This is south of the Aballarri rocks, where you can see more ancient remains. The trail then leads down a steep slope to a concrete path. This path goes west, back to Besabi.
Starting from Leitzaran Valley
You can also start your hike from the Leitzaran valley. From Andoain, take the GI-3091 road into the valley. This road follows the river. The old train tracks here have been turned into a green path for bikes and walkers. After you pass a tunnel, you will see a small signposted trail. This trail goes up through pine trees, away from the main path.
See also
In Spanish: Adarra para niños
