ZADORRA RESERVOIRS
Natural paradise, the bird sanctuary
On the other hand, a rich mosaic of aquatic vegetation develops in the inlets and on the bottoms of the shallow water tails.aacute;tica (especially in the Ullibarri reservoir), with species of interest due to their rarity in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country.
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In addition, within the Ullíbarri-Ganboa Reservoir is the area included in the RAMSAR List of wetlands of international importance called "Colas del Embalse de Ullíbarri", thanks to the confluence of a great wealth of plant and animal species linked to the aquatic environment. Its limnological, climatological and hydrological characteristics make possible the confluence of a great wealth of plant and animal species linked to the aquatic environment, making this area the most important inland wetland of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country. The gentle orography of its banks forms shallow tails where the riverside, marsh and lake vegetation finds an ideal space for its development and offers food and breeding and resting areas for thousands of waterfowl throughout the year. The conservation of this wetland is essential for the reproduction, migration and wintering of numerous bird species that are clearly threatened and to ensure the future of a plant community of high botanical interest.
The Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir serves as a recreational area, as it is one of the most frequented places by the people of Alava in summer. This spectacular spot has two wonderful beaches recognized with the blue flag, for the quality of their environment and the services they offer: Landa and Garaio.
The visitor will also find numerous bathing areas and recreational areas with tables, barbecues, children's games... All of them are ideal places to spend a day with the family and enjoy nature.
It also has the best conditions for the practice of all kinds of activities and water sports (rowing, canoeing, windsurfing ...), as it has two yacht clubs and piers.
ACTIVITIES TO GET TO KNOW THE SPACE
BIRDWATCHING
Discover the Birdlife of the Reservoir
In the Ullibarri Gambo reservoir you can observe a large number of birds, for this there are several routes and equipment prepared to help birdwatching lovers. We suggest you come and enjoy a well signposted round trip itinerary that starts from the Mendixur parking lot to the observatories of Los Carboneros and Los Buceadores.
In this area numerous pairs of coots, grebes, grebes and mallards breed, as well as scarcer species such as the purple heron, the Gadwall or the Northern shoveler. Also, in migration and wintering season this wetland offers shelter and food to numerous ducks, waders and waders.
ON FOOT ALONG THE RESERVOIR
A natural paradise
The southern route of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir, also known as the wetland tour of the tails of the reservoir, is the short and ideal variant for families of the Tour of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir. Due to its length (13km) and almost non-existent slope (+25m), this route allows a circular tour along the shore of the reservoir.
The southern route of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir begins in the parking lots of Garaio Park, from where we will head towards the North Garaio beach bordering the reservoir. After leaving behind the bathing area, we will find the Azua Footbridge, one of the points of interest of the route and that, with its almost half a kilometer long, allows us to cross to the opposite shore.
Once we reach the other shore, we will turn left towards the south, approaching the ornithological park of Mendixur, of great importance as a feeding and resting place during the migration of numerous waterfowl.
After leaving the neighborhood of Urizar behind, we cross the reservoir again by the dike to head towards the Garaio Park by a wooden footbridge over the wetland.
CYCLING ALONG THE RESERVOIR
42 km along the sheet of water
This route completely circles the Ullibarri Gamboa reservoir (42 km and +180m). You can start from Landa or Garaio. If you prefer, you can also start from Vitoria-Gasteiz, using as a link the greenway of the Vasco Navarro, extending the route 12 km more.
A route of great interest that will make us enjoy passing through various walkways, contemplate wonderful green landscapes and even enjoy the birds in the various viewpoints offered by this perimeter.
There is the possibility of a shorter route, covering only the southern part of the reservoir and known as the Tour of the wetland of the tails of the reservoir, idealfor families, because of its distance and slope (13 km and +25 m). A duration of just 1 hour and a half starting from Garaio.