Geology as a common thread
60 million years in 13 kilometers
We are committed to the environment and work towards sustainable tourism.
That is why we are taking measures in this direction. More information
We transmit to our visitors the values of a UNESCO Geopark.
- You will learn about the geological phenomena of the tidal flats and the biodiversity of the area, a unique ecosystem inhabited by more than 250 species
- The activity is based on the interpretation of the natural environment, observing and discovering how the different species live in this complex ecosystem
- We transmit how to conserve and protect the different forms of life with small day-to-day actions.
A fascinating journey through the history of our planet
Can you imagine being able to travel through 60 million years of Earth's history? It may sound like a remote and far away trip, but the truth is that the 13 kilometers of cliffs between the towns of Mutriku, Deba and Zumaia, are a good starting point to discover and learn about some of the most important episodes of the turbulent history of our planet.
Surely you've heard of the word flysch. Maybe you have also heard of the word karst. It doesn't matter. They are two geological terms and concepts that are closely linked to the landscape that shapes our territory and that will accompany you on your trip along the Basque Coast. Immerse yourself first hand in a natural paradise that elegantly combines sea and mountains, a territory that combines a geological heritage of international relevance and jealously guards a unique culture and unparalleled cuisine.
Flysch & Karst
Two very evident and studied geological phenomena characterize the Basque Coast Geopark. With the singularity that the transition from flysch to karst, from the coastal cliffs to the inland valleys, is very fast, occurring in very few kilometers.
In the Basque Coast Geopark it is possible to see in Zumaia a thin rock stratum that was used to develop the theory of the extinction of the dinosaurs due to a meteorite (and that marks the boundary between the Cretaceous and the Paleogene), and in just 10 minutes by car, in Deba, you have the opportunity to walk through the Valley of Prehistory and immerse yourself in an environment that possibly houses the highest concentration and density of Paleolithic sites throughout the Cantabrian arc.
Natural areas
From the vertiginous cliffs overlooking the Bay of Biscay to the limestone massifs of Arno, Andutz and Izarraitz, the variety of landscapes of the Basque Coast Geopark is certainly generous.
Intertidal zones, estuaries, oak groves, countryside and Atlantic forests make up a unique mosaic of biodiversity that justifies the existence of four protected natural areas in a territory of less than 90 km2: the Protected Landscape of the Deba-Zumaia coastal stretch and three Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) included in the Natura 2000 Network: SAC of the Urola Estuary, SAC of Mount Arno and SAC of Izarraitz.
In the marshes, dunes and cliffs, the vegetation faces the strong influence of the Cantabrian Sea and shows surprising adaptations to resist the onslaught of waves and tides. In contrast, at low tide, the biodiversity of the underwater world emerges and fills with life and color the pools of the tidal flats.
Inland, the difficult orography of mountains and valleys of the Geopark hosts outstanding examples of forests (especially oak forests) interspersed with farms and green pastures linked to the agricultural activity of the hamlets.
These limestone mountains, this karstic terrain also shelters caves that offer refuge for an interesting cave fauna, including some species of bats whose survival is nowadays very endangered.
Unique history and precious cultural legacy
Beyond the geological heritage that the Geopark treasures, we must highlight the particular historical and cultural idiosyncrasy of the towns of Mutriku, Deba and Zumaia; three very different coastal towns, each with its own role and specialty.
The historical and cultural legacy can still be perceived today in the three towns, which have not hesitated to study, preserve and enhance the value of their unique heritage; of course, adapting to the new times and the needs of its inhabitants and visitors.
MUTRIKU has been the birthplace of great sailors, scientists and naval engineers, among others, Cosme Damian Churruca or Jose Antonio de Gaztañeta. Its historic center, declared a monumental site, is dotted with palaces and emblazoned houses that evoke times of wealth and splendor, largely due to whale fishing, whose meat and blubber was highly coveted.
DEBA, located at the mouth of the river of the same name, was for centuries an important commercial port, with all the wealth that this entailed. The Deba valley has been one of the main routes connecting Castile with the rest of Europe by sea. Thus, weapons and wrought iron tools worked in forges and in inland towns were transported through this river, as well as the precious wool of Castile, which was later transported by sea to Flanders. An example of this opulence is the church of Santa María, with the appearance of a fortress and unusual dimensions, which is considered one of the jewels of Basque Gothic architecture.
ZUMAIA has always been known for its many shipyards (there are still some still in operation) and for the skill to build boats of all kinds on the banks of the Urola River. Some of them are still in operation today.
The Urola railroad, which for a long time was used to transport goods, iron and steel manufactured in industrial towns such as Azpeitia, Zumarraga or Legazpia, ended in Zumaia, which, like Deba, has always been an important port for cargo and maritime transport.
Ecotourist territory
Time in the Basque Coast Geopark is very relative. Moreover, what sense does it make that our cliffs provide us with more than 60 million years of Earth's history, if people come, take a picture and leave, visiting us in a hurry?
We are a territory that invites to calm and disconnection, to walk, to stop, to read, to learn? and of course, to rest and enjoy good food. Now they call it slow travel, but it has been and continues to be the feeling, the character and the way of life, the philosophy, of the inhabitants of our three towns.
We want you to reserve more than one day to visit the Geopark (ideally at least three, one per town and / or area) and let yourself be infected by the way and pace of life of our territory. We have a lot to show you: our culture and traditions, the best viewpoints and trails, our festivals and dances, the flysch, our txakoli, the beaches, the Basque language, the karst, the local products grown in the farmhouses, the pintxos and the best gastronomy?
And of course, we also want you to learn and take something away with you, at least the essential basics of the geology that puts us on the international map.
Walk and interact with our people, discover and learn with professional guides. We believe in ecotourism as a sustainable and ideal formula to get to know a small territory like ours. You contribute to local development and leave your mark on the local economy. In return, the Geopark will leave you a deep impression on you. Do you accept the deal?