Field trips

To enjoy and learn from the surroundings of San Sebastián, field trips were organised. The field trips took place on Wednesady, 17 October. 

1. Zumaia - The Flysch- FLYSCH ESENTIAL (returning by 17:30)
2. Pagoeta Natural Park & Gaintza winery (returning by 19:00)

Field trip description

1. Zumaia - The Flysch- FLYSCH ESENTIAL

Just 35km away from San Sebastián you will have the opportunity of having a great sightseeing tour by boat of the Tidal area or flysch in Zumaia, where earth, life and marine biodiversity are the main players. You will have the chance of admiring the formation caused by the erosion of cliffs due to the effect of the waves, which holds millions of years of geological history in astonishing cliffs carved by the sea. The true interest of this place is to be found in its bowels.

Geology is the true protagonist of a landscape that preserves the history of some of the most dramatic episodes in the Earth’s recent history. The 13 km of cliffs in the Geopark have a spectacular formation of rock layers known as Flysch deposits, which in the manner of a large encyclopaedia show us over 60 million years of the history of the Earth. You will discover, for example, the thin black layer that indicates the impact of a giant asteroid and the wholesale extinction of the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago. This beautiful and singular landscape also hides one of the richest ecosystems in the Basque Coast, with a unique biodiversity that cannot be seen in other parts of this territory.

This is an opportunity to learn about how marine ecosystem services are providing opportunities to coastal villages development in terms of scientific services (many geologists and paleontologists, from all around the world, come here to study that thin layer), cultural services (in this area some of the scenes of Game of Thrones have been recorded and, together with the natural importance, this has promoted tourism) as well as food services (since the area has small fisher villages exploiting the resources in a traditional way.

2. Pagoeta Natural Park & Gaintza winery

Just 30 minutes ride from the city of San Sebastián, you will be at the Pagoeta Natural Park. This park strikes the perfect balance between the natural and human environments.It covers an area of 2,860 hectares, most of which lie within the municipal boundaries of Aia and, to a lesser extent, Zarautz and Zestoa.

The name Pagoeta means "beech grove" and these trees, along with a rich and varied flora and fauna, are found in abundance in this natural reserve, which is characterised by its easy access and the balanced presence of human activities. It shows a succession of gentle mountains with woods and plains which stretch out to the coast.

The proximity of the sea and the diversity of orientations and soil types ensure the vegetation, which is always green as a result of the Atlantic climate, is tremendously varied.Compared to other natural reserves, Pagoeta is unique due to the presence of man.The homesteads, with their traditional Basque agricultural exploitation, are spread over a landscape which they humanise, providing an example of a balanced relationship with nature.The influence of man can be seen in some of the emblematic points of this space: the restored iron mining site of Agorregi, the primitive natural ice houses ("elurzuolak") and the botanical garden which surrounds the Iturraran homestead.

You will have the opportunity of having a great sightseeing of the rural Basque Country. The Iturraran Farmhouse, a beautiful 14th Century oak structure, sits at the park entrance, surrounded by botanical gardens with 5000 different species of plants, where you will visit the gardens as well as the museum.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit Gaintza Txakolina (winery). A family winery that has been producing txakoli for four generations, and which currently combines modern machinery and traditional production processes. Three are the basic pillars of this winery: oenological excellence, constant innovation and respect for the identity of txakoli. You will have a small pintxo before heading to San Sebastian.

Here you will have the opportunity of learning about traditional food, provision ecosystem services: traditional Basque farms, but also a modern production of a white wine, which is being produced in a respectful way to the environment.

Recommended appropriate footwear for a 20-30 minutes hike in the land. It is a nice path but unpaved.