Discover the green heart of Bizkaia in summer

In Bizkaia, silence is never empty. Here, silence is filled with the clean air caressing the hundred-year-old beech trees of Gorbeia, the murmur of waterfalls, and the echoes of myth in the caves of Urkiola.

Here, walking means coming into contact with a living culture at every turn. It means discovering the soul of a territory that reveals itself without fuss

izkaia is committed to regenerative tourism, a pioneering model that has established the territory as a leading destination.

This model offers profound experiences, such as visiting traditional farmhouses where cheese is made as it has been for generations, walking through beech forests, and tasting txakoli with winegrowers who explain the value of each vine. There are also signposted trails that respect biodiversity, as well as sustainable accommodation that has been converted from old farmsteads.

Urkiola: the mountain that holds legends

Dominated by the imposing Anboto mountain, Urkiola is not an ordinary natural park. It is a sacred space said to be inhabited by Mari, the Lady of the Mountain and protagonist of Basque mythology

The Urkiola Sanctuary, which is the starting point for many routes, is also the site of popular rituals. The park’s routes, which wind through rocky heights, meadows and holm oak forests, offer panoramic views of the Durangaldea and Atxondo valleys. Visitors to the area’s farmhouses can learn how to make cuajada, talos (traditional corn pancakes) and cheeses that capture the essence of the forest and fresh milk. Every flavour is a tribute to the land.

Gorbeia: a cathedral of stone and moss

The limestone massif is home to the highest peak in Bizkaia, standing at 1,482 metres. The Itxina karst unfolds like a stony labyrinth on its slopes. There are hidden caves, such as those at Mairulegorreta, which are perfect for speleology. The most famous galleries are La Capilla, El Zarpazo, Peña Grande and El Pozo del Diablo. In the Saldropo Biotope, where beech trees and deer abound, you will find wetlands teeming with life.

There are routes through the park that can be explored on foot or by bicycle, offering activities for all ages. Those seeking relaxation can enjoy a massage with forest views at the Areatza spa. Adrenaline seekers can opt for climbing, paragliding and hiking.

Sports, culture and gastronomy all speak the same language

In Bizkaia, walking around the mountains is about more than just hiking. Eating a talo at a traditional rural fair is a declaration of love for tradition. Learning to make cheese and taking part in a rural competition brings culture to life.

From Mount Besaide, where the territories of Araba, Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia converge, to the mines and ironworks of Encartaciones, the landscape is inextricably intertwined with history. Open-air museums and farmhouses converted into ecomuseums all form part of a profound and diverse experience.