About Urkiola Natural Park
Discover the secrets of this incredible National Park
One of the most outstanding groups of fauna in the Park is that of birds, represented by a large number of species of birds of prey, among which are the Egyptian vulture, the peregrine falcon, the sparrow hawk or the goshawk. In addition to the birds of prey, flocks of wood pigeons, thrushes and passerines fly over the Urkiola hills on their long journeys. Among the mammals, another important faunal group, it is worth mentioning the presence of several carnivores, such as the marten, marten, marten, civet cat, badger and stoat.
The Urkiola Natural Park groups together the highest areas of the Sierra de Aramotz, forming a great limestone barrier between the Biscayan regions of Arratia, Durangaldea and the Alavese valley of Aramaio, and separating the Cantabrian and Mediterranean basins. If you like rugged landscapes, this is yours. The Park includes a series of mountain ranges and limestone crags, ravines and deep valleys, with peaks that have fostered a great love of mountaineering and hiking.
The Anboto, its highest peak, is very popular, with the cave of Mari as a mythological reference. In the Natural Park is the Sanctuary of the Antonios, of Padua and Abbot for centuries an important spiritual reference of the Basque Country. A few meters from the Sanctuary, we find the best viewpoint of the Park, the Mirador de las Tres Cruces. In front of the Sanctuary of Urkiola you will find a symbolic stone that is a place of pilgrimage for those who wish to find a mate. According to legend it only takes three turns of the stone to do so. At the top of the Urkiola pass you will find the Toki Alai, the Natural Park Visitor Center, which offers guided tours and activities.
Interpretation Center:
- Address: Barrio Urkiola, Abadiño (Bizkaia).
- Telephone: +34 946 814 155
- E-mail: urkiola.parke.naturala@bizkaia.eus