Even the air feels different. And it is not because of the altitude; the highest peak is only 1,350 m. It is different because it takes you back in time to a place where you can feel the energy of the earth and the water, the cliffs and the forest.
Declared a Natural Park in 1989, Urkiola covers an area of over 7,700 hectares which includes the Aramotz-Eskubaratz, Duranguesado and Aragio mountain ranges. Located on the boundary between the provinces of Bizkaia and Araba, the park includes part of the Abadiño, Amorebieta-Etxano, Atxondo, Dima, Durango, Izurtza, Mañaria and Aramaio municipalities.
There are several access points via the towns located on the park perimeter. The easiest way to get into the heart of Urkiola is to take the BI-623 that goes from Durango to Vitoria-Gasteiz via Legutiano, as it is the only road that cuts through the middle of the park, from north to south.
The Basque Government declared it a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation in 2016. Standing at 1,337 m, Mount Amboto is the park’s highest peak and is highly symbolic for the Basques as it is the home of Mari, the most prominent figure in Basque mythology. Urkiola Natural Park and Gorbea Natural Park together constitute an important natural resource.
There are many things to do there including sports and leisure activities, bird-watching, etc. The best place to learn about the park and its flora and fauna is to visit the Toki Alai Interpretation Centre, located at the Urkiola mountain pass.
Hiking in the mountains is undoubtedly one of park’s major attractions with trails ranging from easy walks to difficult climbs.
For the more adventurous, the rocky walls of the Atxarte gorge present an exciting challenge. There are hundreds of different climbing routes to suit all levels. Pot-holing is also available at the park.
Even a short stroll is enough to feel the magic of Urkiola and the autumn in Bizkaia. After you’ve worked up an appetite, try out one of the many restaurants in the area, or check out the local farmhouse produce on sale. The cheese is excellent. Whatever you do, you are in for an authentic experience.
