Zugarramurdi is a small village 95 km north of Pamplona, close to the French border in the far north of Navarre, best known for the Cuevas de Zugarramurdi — a natural limestone cave system where the Spanish Inquisition staged its most famous Navarrese witch trial in 1609. The caves form a natural tunnel approximately 120 metres long, carved by the Infernuko Erreka (Hell's Stream), and are classified as a Natural Monument of Navarre.
The journey from Pamplona takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by car via the A-10 north and A-8 motorways through the Pyrenean foothills and the scenic Baztan valley. A Conda bus to Elizondo (1h 30min, approximately €9) followed by an 11 km taxi to Zugarramurdi is possible but adds considerable time and cost; a hire car is strongly recommended.
Entry to the caves and the adjacent Museo de las Brujas (Museum of Witches) costs approximately €6–8 for adults. The museum, housed across two well-designed floors, documents the 1609 Logroño witch trial, the Inquisition proceedings, and the anthropological history of Basque witch mythology. The cave tunnel walk takes 30–45 minutes; a forest loop above the caves adds another 45 minutes with dramatic cliff-face views.
Zugarramurdi village is a traditional settlement of Basque farmhouses. A local sagardotegia (cider house) and several bars serve Basque food. The annual Aquelarre festival — held in late June or early August — recreates the alleged witches' sabbath and draws thousands of visitors to the otherwise quiet village; accommodation fills months in advance for this weekend.
Combining Zugarramurdi with the nearby village of Urdazubi/Urdax (3 km south, with a 16th-century Augustinian monastery and its own stalactite caves) makes a logical half-day extension. The French village of Ainhoa (10 km north), classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, can also be included for a full cross-border day. The drive back through the Baztan valley, with a lunch stop in Elizondo, rounds off the excursion well.
How to get there
- Car via A-10 north
- Bus to Elizondo then taxi
Location
Paraje de las Cuevas s/n, 31710 Zugarramurdi
43.2778, -1.5333 View on map
Highlights
- Cuevas de Zugarramurdi: 120-metre natural limestone cave tunnel carved by the Infernuko Erreka stream
- Museo de las Brujas: well-curated museum documenting the 1609 Logroño witch trial and Basque witch mythology
- Annual Aquelarre festival (late June/early August): witches' sabbath recreation drawing thousands of visitors
- Scenic Baztan valley drive through traditional Basque farmhouse country on the route north
- Optional extension to Urdax monastery caves and the classified French village of Ainhoa
Tips for visiting
- A hire car is far more practical than the Conda bus + taxi alternative, which adds roughly 90 minutes and ~€20 each way
- Book accommodation months in advance if visiting during the Aquelarre festival in late June or early August
- Allow at least 2 hours for the cave tunnel and museum together before moving on to Urdax or Ainhoa
- The forest trail above the caves can be muddy after rain — wear footwear with grip
- Stop in Elizondo on the return for pintxos at one of the Baztan valley's well-regarded bar-restaurants
When to visit
Late June or early August for the atmospheric Aquelarre festival; the caves are open and enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures for the outdoor forest trail above the cave system.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Cuevas de Zugarramurdi?
The caves are a natural limestone tunnel approximately 120 metres long, carved by the Infernuko Erreka stream. They gained notoriety as the alleged gathering site for the witches tried in the 1609 Logroño Inquisition, which resulted in 12 executions. The caves are today a Natural Monument of Navarre and are open to the public year-round.
How much does entry to the caves and museum cost?
The combined cave and Museo de las Brujas ticket costs approximately €6–8 for adults, with reduced rates for children and seniors. Entry includes the cave tunnel walk, the forest loop above the caves, and both floors of the museum. No advance booking is required outside the Aquelarre festival weekend.
When is the Aquelarre festival held?
The Aquelarre is held annually on a weekend in late June or early August; the exact date varies. The local council (Ayuntamiento de Zugarramurdi) publishes dates each spring. The festival draws up to 10,000 visitors and the village's limited accommodation fills months in advance.
What else can be visited near Zugarramurdi?
Urdazubi/Urdax, 3 km south, has a 16th-century Augustinian monastery and its own stalactite cave system. The French village of Ainhoa, 10 km north across the border, is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Elizondo in the Baztan valley, on the route back to Pamplona, is worth a lunch or pintxos stop.