Route from Kurtzegan, in Orozko, to Matxitxako

Enjoy a good plate of beans in any of the taverns in this unique town while you are in Orozko. Ask about the path that leads to the spot known as Kurtzegan.

There, you can admire the tallest menhir in the Basque Country and one of the tallest in the whole peninsula. It is a 5.4-metre-high block of rock that has watched over the landscape of forests and hills for many centuries. Take a deep breath.

Listen to the cowbells of the flocks.

Head towards the village of Areatza, cobbled and huddled in the foothills of the most important mountain in the whole territory: Gorbea. Visit its ancient streets and watch the river that gives its name to the valley: Arratia. The road follows the course of the waters towards Artea, Igorre and Lemona.

At this point, take the turn-off for Amorebieta-Etxano, built on the banks of the Ibaizabal; a lively town with an open market in its arcaded square and good restaurants.

Head towards Gernika and continue on to Forua, where you can visit the excavated remains of the ancient Roman port.

Mundaka, its corsair-scented harbour and world-famous left wave, and enjoy the viewpoints over the Urdaibai estuary on the right-hand side of the road. Pass through Bermeo, but come back another time – the old fishing village is worth a calm and attentive visit – and continue towards Tala-Aritzatxu.

Here you can explore the paths that lead from the cliffs to the beach and feel the force of the waves of the Bay of Biscay. Will there be any cetaceans on the skyline? If you have a good pair of binoculars in your suitcase, you will be able to check it out.

A little further towards Bakio and well before San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. You are at the Matxitxako headland. Where you will see two lighthouses: the old one, which is no longer in use, and the modern one, which is currently in working order. The old lighthouse dates back almost two centuries and operated until 1909. And next to it stands the current lighthouse.

The lighthouses are like menhirs of light that watch over the waves. Is it a good time to return to Bermeo?