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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.

hotel boutique gernika planes turismo en urdaibai bermeo cab

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.

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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:

 

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Laga Surf Camp

Surf school and camp

Laga Beach (Ibarrangelu)

Tel: 667 737 397 / 94 627 63 16

www.lagasurfcamp.com

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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

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Gudari Caribe Surf

Surf school

Mundaka

Tel: 627 889 331

gudaricaribe@gmail.com

www.gudaricaribe.com

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Mundaka Surf Shop

Surf school and equipment rental

Mundaka

Tel: 94 617 72 29

info@mundakasurfshop.com

www.mundakasurfshop.com

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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…

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BERMEO

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Bay of Biscay Sailing

Catamaran tours

Tel: 605 74 67 61

bayofbiscaysailing@gmail.com

www.bayofbiscaysailing.com

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Hegaluze

Regular boat tours. Whale watching.

Tel: 666 791 021

info@hegaluze.com

www.hegaluze.com

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Matxitxako Nautika

Sailboat rentals with or without a skipper.

Tel: 678 844 128

info@matxitxako.net

www.matxitxako.net

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Urdaibai Kiroleroak

Tourism and adventure activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding.

Tel: 699 761 736

urdaibaikiroleroak@hotmail.com

www.urdaibaikiroleroak.com

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GERNIKA-LUMO

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Basati Bike

Bicycle rental.

Goikoibarra kalea 15, Gernika-Lumol

Tel: 94 465 38 39

www.basatibike.com

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Bizkaebike

Electric mountain bike rental.

Tel: 613 058 412

bizkaebike@gmail.com

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Nueva Europa

Bike rental, guided electric bike tours.

Tel: 634 243 762 / 94 625 06 06

www.visiturdaibai.eus

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MUNDAKA

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Izkira Urdaibai

Maritime transport between Mundaka, Sukarrieta, and Laida. Tourist boat trips.

Tel: 633 331 230

cristina@izkiraurdaibai.com

www.izkiraurdaibai.com

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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

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Traola Itsas Bidaiak

Boat tours in Urdaibai.

Tel: 689 56 76 05

info@traola.es

www.traola.es

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Urdaibai BOAT

Maritime transport between Mundaka, Sukarrieta, and Laida. Tourist boat trips.

Tel: 688 771 771

urdaibaiboat@gmail.com

Book your experience at the best price and take advantage of the advantages on our official website