What to see in Urdaibai
Recommended areas to visit
Sites of interest
Different points of interest to explore this area of the Biscay region.
Meeting House and Tree of Gernika: symbol of freedoms
The Casa de Juntas and the Tree of Gernika form a monumental ensemble declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, and above all, they are a symbol of the history of Bizkaia and Euskadi.The heart of the ensemble is the Tree of Gernika; this oak tree is the most universal symbol of all Basques and hosts important events, such as the inauguration and swearing in of the Lehendakari and the General Deputy of Bizkaia. The current Tree of Gernika was planted in 2014, and all have been offshoots of the first Tree of Gernika of which there is memory.In the garden of the Casa de Juntas there is also the so-called Old Tree, although it is not the first of all the Trees of Gernika, it is the oldest remaining one.The Casa de Juntas is a neoclassical style building, which was built between 1826 and 1833 under the direction of the architect Antonio de Etxebarria. Until its construction, the meetings were held in the hermitage of Santa María de la Antigua, demolished to undertake the construction of the current building.
The forest of Oma: land-art
Here you will be captivated by the magical world created by the artist Agustín Ibarrola. Paintings on tree trunks that draw human, animal and geometric shapes. You have to look for the right position to see the images together, a fun game in a space full of magic and mysticism where the trees seem to come to life.an original and different work created by Agustín Ibarrola between 1983 and 1985 as a sample of the relationship between nature and human presence. It is framed in the Land Art, an artistic current that works directly on the natural environment, being the landscape itself the painter's canvas, a total of 47 works painted in different planes of depth. A canvas that each visitor can recompose in their own way, playing with perspectives. In any case, you can also follow the arrows on the floor, which will indicate the correct position to visualize the figure formed by the union of several trees.
Ekoetxea Urdaibai: interpretation of the Biosphere Reserve
Ekoetxea Urdaibai is a center to value biodiversity, and with that objective, and through exhibitions and educational activities, informs and educates visitors about the importance of biodiversity and promotes its approach to people.It is located in Busturia, in the heart of the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai, one of the places with the largest number of ecosystems of Euskadi and occupies a unique building known as the Clock Tower, dating from 1851. In addition, its location is strategic, you can see the entire area of the estuary of Urdaibai. In Ekoetxea Urdaibai you will find endless activities for all audiences, but with special attention to children. Ekoetxea Urdaibai is an initiative of the Department of Environment and Territorial Policy of the Basque Government, which is managed by the public environmental management company, Ihobe.
Urdaibai Birdcenter: living museum of nature
Urdaibai Bird Center is a space open to the public, a great bird research center, a privileged observatory of the marsh, is, in short, a great living museum of nature, where birds set the course. An obligatory stop for ornithology lovers and for all those who enjoy the spectacle of nature, it is in Gautegiz Arteaga, in the heart of the Reserve and with breathtaking views, a center managed by the Aranzadi Science Society dedicated to the research and scientific dissemination of birds, their migrations and the habitats where they live.
Artzubi: a fairytale bridge
Bathed by the waters of the Golako River and surrounded by one of the best preserved oak forests of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, the Romanesque bridge of Artzubi is one of those places that invite you to stop, observe and imagine other times. In addition, through its causeway you can continue exploring the church of Santo Tomás Apóstol and the best landscapes of the Atlantic countryside.
San Miguel de Ereñozar: a view from the heights
Above the village of Ereño, in a privileged spot with unbeatable views, among the vestiges of its walls, its landscape and its legends, is the "medieval peak" of San Miguel de Ereñozar. The hermitage is visible from almost every corner of the Mundaka estuary, and from the top of Ereñozar it is possible to distinguish the mountains of Durangaldea. In summer, guided visits are made to this summit, to relive one of the most unknown stages of our history. The archaeological research confirms a historical sequence from the Middle Ages to the present day. Its main elements are: a necropolis with different stages, a parish church and a castle, now disappeared.The climb is relatively easy, except for the last stretch that has a steep slope. It is a 40-minute walk from Ereño. And during the summer months you can enjoy guided tours of the site.
Mundaka wave: the best in Europe
It is a gift from the sea to this town and more specifically to the lovers of this sport. The Mundaka wave is considered the best left wave in Europe. Kelly Slater, Mark Occhilupo, Aritz Aramburu or Kepa Acero have ridden on the wave of Mundaka, but above all are the local surfers who enjoy it all year round.The wave starts at the bar of Mundaka and ends at the beach of Laida. It can reach up to 4 meters high and 400 meters long. Its tube shape, which allows surfers to contemplate the entire coastline from the inside, gives it an added value.nine times Mundaka has hosted the World Tour.
Santimamiñe Cave: World Heritage Site
It is the most important archaeological site in Bizkaia, and a World Heritage Site. A cave that preserves remains of human settlements from more than 14,000 years ago, fifty cave paintings, and numerous formations of stalactites and stalagmites of great beauty, the cave is located on the southern slope of Mount Ereñozar, dominating a broad landscape with diverse ecosystems: Cantabrian oak forest, countryside, estuary, etc.. The first archaeological excavations were carried out between 1918 and 1962, and from 2004 to the present day, a multidisciplinary team is working on a new phase of excavation.although it is not possible to physically enter the cave, a 3D guided tour allows you to see the cave in its entirety, in an absolutely realistic way. A measure to avoid damaging the cave and to continue enjoying this ancient site.