ACTIVITIES IN URDAIBAI
ACTIVITIES IN URDAIBAI & ACTIVE TOURISM
Hiking trails, water sports, surf equipment rentals, mountain bikes… From Neguetxea, we encourage you to enjoy the unique charm of the surrounding nature by engaging in all kinds of outdoor activities in Urdaibai related to active tourism and nature. These activities are the perfect complement to your experience of discovering Basque culture and savoring local gastronomy in the coastal villages.
Here is our Top 10 list of nature and active tourism activities in Urdaibai.

HIKING TRAILS IN URDAIBAI
WINE AND FISH ROUTE (GR38)
Distance: 19.2 km
Altitude: 330 m
Duration: 5h 30’
The Wine and Fish Route was the path once traveled by muleteers and merchants between the main fishing ports of Bizkaia and the Rioja Alavesa region for the trade of these and other goods.
Every day, muleteers departed from Bermeo with their carts and mules loaded with fresh and salted fish, a staple in the medieval diet. Sardines, sea bream, herring, and cod were among the most common fish found in inland markets.
On their return journey, these muleteers transported other goods such as wheat, salt, or the prized wine from Rioja Alavesa. This wine was far superior and more expensive than *txakoli*, the young wine produced in much of Bizkaia.

The route consists of seven different stages, starting from the town of Oyón. The seventh and final stage begins in Gernika and ends in Bermeo.
From the town of Gernika, the route heads towards Bermeo, initially following the path of the old *Camino Real* and later continuing along the ancient inland trails between Forua and Altamira. These historic paths lead to the Katillotxu ridge, where the route crosses a dolmen site just before descending towards the historic port of Bermeo. Along the way, you will experience the vastness and essence of the Cantabrian Sea.
The route can be adjusted to suit the physical condition of each hiker by incorporating intermediate stages between those proposed here. This flexibility allows for both long and challenging treks as well as more relaxed and easy walks, ensuring that every visitor can immerse themselves in the essence of this historic trail.
SAN PEDRO DE ATXARRE ROUTE
Distance: 8.4 km
Altitude: 220 m
Duration: 2h 30’
The Atxarre circular trail invites us to explore one of the most secluded and captivating forests of Urdaibai: the Cantabrian holm oak forest. Starting from Kanala, the trail passes by the hermitage of San Martín before entering the forest through a natural corridor where both the woodland and karst landscape emerge.
The trail reaches the Dantzaleku crossroads, a legendary meeting place for witches, nestled in the shadow of the nearby Atxarre summit—a visit that is simply a must. The breathtaking views from this spectacular viewpoint are truly a feast for the eyes.
From Dantzaleku, the trail continues towards Akorda, which we reach as the dense forest gives way to the traditional Basque farmstead landscape and its surrounding countryside.
The trail crosses the neighborhoods of Akorda, Gametxo, and Antzora, gradually leading us towards the estuary, where the stunning Laida Beach awaits—one of the true gems of this beautiful coastal landscape. After passing by the Arketa campsite, the trail veers away from the main road, returning to Kanala via an inland path.
For those who prefer to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from solid ground, the best spot is La Atalaya.
OGOÑO ROUTE
Distance: 6.5 km
Altitude: 165 m
Duration: 2h
Walking through the holm oak forest, enjoying the stunning views from the Ogoño rock, and exploring the villages of Elantxobe and Ibarrangelu are some of the highlights of this route.
Starting from Ibarrangelu, the trail winds between traditional Basque farmhouses until it reaches the Elantxobe cemetery in Bermokiz, where the path splits. We take the right-hand trail for the ascent to Ogoño, admiring the breathtaking views of the coastline along the way.
We leave the country road behind and take the trail that ascends through the forest, crossing the woodland until reaching the Ogoño lookout. Both the lookout and the summit of Ogoño are exposed to steep slopes and strong winds, so we recommend proceeding with caution, especially when visiting with children.
After taking in the breathtaking views from the lookout, we will return to Bermokiz via the right-hand path, which leads back to the Elantxobe cemetery. From there, we retrace our steps to Ibarrangelu along the same route.
OMA – BASONDO ROUTE
Distance: 6 km
Altitude: 200 m
Duration: 1h 30’
When Ibarrola began painting the Oma Forest in 1982, he knew that one day his artwork would begin to fade as its canvas—the forest itself—aged. This is the fascinating nature of Land Art: most works are ephemeral, and the experience of witnessing them has an expiration date.
Enjoy the tranquility of the valley, the beauty of its traditional Basque farmhouses, its pastures, small vegetable gardens, and the diverse structures associated with these grand homes, such as bridges, barns, village schools, the hermitage, lime kilns, and mills.
Follow the valley path and visit the Bolunzulo mill, where the Oma River disappears beneath the limestone mountain, as well as the Olakoerrota and Goikolea mills, located in the easternmost part of the valley, where Kortezubi borders the lower area of Nabarniz.
After your walk, stop by the Santimamiñe Interpretation Center. Enjoy guided tours of the cave and discover the special activities they organize, allowing visitors to travel back in time, understand how the first inhabitants lived, and learn about ongoing archaeological research, from Aita Barandiaran to the present day. Be sure to call and book in advance.
A large recreational area surrounds the hermitage of San Mamés (*Santi Mami*), where you can rest and continue enjoying a peaceful day in nature.
SURFING IN URDAIBA
A UNIQUE PLACE FOR SURFING
Urdaibai offers exceptional conditions for surfing. Mundaka and its famous left-hand wave are known worldwide and serve as a benchmark in the sport. But other locations, such as Laida and Laga beaches, also provide great opportunities to enjoy this activity.
Surfers often say that the sensations on a board are indescribable. When you add a paradise like Urdaibai to the mix, those sensations become even more intense. Mundaka, along with Laida and Laga beaches, are perfect spots for surfing. Beginners will find Laida ideal, while experienced surfers can take on Mundaka’s legendary left-hand wave. Laga’s conditions vary depending on the forecast.
In Urdaibai, you will find several surf schools:
Laga Surf Camp
Surf school and camp
Laga Beach (Ibarrangelu)
Tel: 667 737 397 / 94 627 63 16
www.lagasurfcamp.com
Ur Urdaibai
Canoe descent, courses, and rental of kayaks, stand-up paddle, surf, and coasteering.
Laida Beach (Ibarrangelu)
Tel: 94 627 66 61 / 688 635 190
www.urdaibai.com
info@urdaibai.com
Gudari Caribe Surf
Surf school
Mundaka
Tel: 627 889 331
gudaricaribe@gmail.com
www.gudaricaribe.com
Mundaka Surf Shop
Surf school and equipment rental
Mundaka
Tel: 94 617 72 29
info@mundakasurfshop.com
www.mundakasurfshop.com
Mundaka Barra Surf
Surf school
Mundaka
Tel: 688 772 622
reservas@mundakabarrasurf.com
www.mundakabarrasurf.com
WATER ACTIVITIES IN URDAIBAI
WATER AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN URDAIBAI
Canoeing, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, multi-adventure, climbing… A wide and diverse range of outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy.
The beaches of Urdaibai offer countless opportunities for fun, and water activities are among the best. Outdoor sports with full safety guarantees, suitable for everyone. Canoeing routes, paddleboarding, diving courses, multi-adventure experiences, and boat trips…
BERMEO
Bay of Biscay Sailing
Catamaran tours
Tel: 605 74 67 61
bayofbiscaysailing@gmail.com
www.bayofbiscaysailing.com
Hegaluze
Regular boat tours. Whale watching.
Tel: 666 791 021
info@hegaluze.com
www.hegaluze.com
Matxitxako Nautika
Sailboat rentals with or without a skipper.
Tel: 678 844 128
info@matxitxako.net
www.matxitxako.net
Urdaibai Kiroleroak
Tourism and adventure activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding.
Tel: 699 761 736
urdaibaikiroleroak@hotmail.com
www.urdaibaikiroleroak.com
GERNIKA-LUMO
Basati Bike
Bicycle rental.
Goikoibarra kalea 15, Gernika-Lumol
Tel: 94 465 38 39
www.basatibike.com
Bizkaebike
Electric mountain bike rental.
Tel: 613 058 412
bizkaebike@gmail.com
Nueva Europa
Bike rental, guided electric bike tours.
Tel: 634 243 762 / 94 625 06 06
www.visiturdaibai.eus
MUNDAKA
Izkira Urdaibai
Maritime transport between Mundaka, Sukarrieta, and Laida. Tourist boat trips.
Tel: 633 331 230
cristina@izkiraurdaibai.com
www.izkiraurdaibai.com
Taho Boat Rental & Charters
Boat rentals with and without a license, tourist boat trips, and fishing excursions.
Tel: 623 320 040
tahoboatrental@gmail.com
www.tahoboatrental.com
Traola Itsas Bidaiak
Boat tours in Urdaibai.
Tel: 689 56 76 05
info@traola.es
www.traola.es
Urdaibai BOAT
Maritime transport between Mundaka, Sukarrieta, and Laida. Tourist boat trips.
Tel: 688 771 771
urdaibaiboat@gmail.com