TOURISM IN URDAIBAI: TOP 10 PLANS AND VISITS IN URDAIBAI
nature, visits, walks, culture and much more. We are in a unique enclave on the Basque coast to enjoy nature, mountain walks, beaches, gastronomy … that is, a perfect place to breathe pure air and live an unforgettable experience enjoyed tourism in Urdaibai through its most prominent plans.
This is our Top 10 Tourism Plans in Urdaibai
GERNIKA: JOINT AND TREE HOUSE
The house of joints and the Gernika tree form a monumental set declared of cultural interest, and above all, they are a symbol of the history of Bizkaia and Euskadi.
The heart of the whole is the Gernika’s Elárbol; this oak is the most universal symbol of all Basques and hosts acts, such as the takeover and oath of the Lehendakari. The current Gernika tree was planted in 2014, and all have been offspring the first Gernika tree from which memory is stored.
The house of joints is a neoclassical -style building, which was built between 1826 and 1833 under the direction of the architect Antonio de Etxebarria. In the building, the joint room stands out, the central nucleus of the building that contains the pictorial works that represent the different lords of Bizkaia, and the window space dedicated to the history of Bizkaia dimensions that do the cover functions.
SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE
In the municipality of Bermeo, between Cabo Matxitxako and Bakio, there is a coastal section in which the earth and the sea hinder battles and where the sea shows its power in caves and natural arches and the earth beats leaving islets of hard limestone rerecifals. In the heart of this space is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a rocky islet shaped like a peninsula in the middle of the Cantabrian Sea, crowned by a small hermitage dedicated to Saint John. It is accessed via 241 steps that climb up the rugged slope, leading to the hermitage, which sits 80 meters above sea level. This imposing rock formation resembles a castle rising from the water, which is why it has long been called *Gaztelu-aitz* (castle rock) or *Gaztelu-gache* (rough or difficult castle).
SANTIMAMIÑE
It is the most important archaeological site in Bizkaia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cave preserves evidence of human settlements from over 14,000 years ago, including around fifty cave paintings and numerous stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is located on the southern slope of Mount Ereñozar, overlooking a vast landscape with diverse ecosystems such as Cantabrian holm oak forests, meadows, and estuaries. The first archaeological excavations took place between 1918 and 1962, and since 2004, a multidisciplinary team has been working on a new phase of excavation.
Although physical entry into the cave is not possible, a 3D guided tour offers a completely realistic way to explore the entire site. This measure helps protect the cave while allowing visitors to continue enjoying this millennia-old archaeological treasure.
MUNDAKA AND ITS FAMOUS WAVE
It is a gift from the sea to this town, and more specifically to lovers of this sport. The wave of Mundaka is considered the best left-hand wave in Europe. Kelly Slater, Mark Occhilupo, Aritz Aramburu, and Kepa Acero have ridden the Mundaka wave, but above all, it is the local surfers who enjoy it all year round. Mundaka has hosted the World Circuit nine times.
The best season is in autumn-winter, between 2 hours before and 2 hours after low tide, with onshore wind. When the waves break with force, they create extremely long barrels over a sandy bottom, something very rare in Europe.
For those who prefer to enjoy the spectacle from solid ground, the best spot is La Atalaya.
BERMEO: THE PORT AND THE OLD TOWN
The current old town accurately represents what the medieval town was like when Bermeo was the head of the Lordship of Bizkaia. Its irregularly sloping streets intersect to form one of the oldest and largest historic centers in Euskadi.
The humble fishermen’s houses contrast with the solid walls of the tower houses that housed the nobility. A faithful example of this is the Ercilla Tower. Along with the palaces and towers of the nobility, religious architecture was the most significant in Bermeo. The beautiful old port of Bermeo, full of color and terraces, is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of rest. Bar-hopping and sharing moments with friends is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in Euskadi.
ELANTXOBE
The charm of a fishing village, genuine and unique. That is Elantxobe. It is built on a hillside facing the sea, sheltered by Cape Ogoño, with tiered buildings and narrow, steep streets leading down to the port.
Elantxobe originated from a small fishing settlement that already existed in the early 16th century and gradually grew with people from neighboring villages. However, it was not until 1833 that it separated from the municipality of Ibarrangelua.
The unique architecture of Elantxobe divides the village into two areas: the upper part and the lower part. In the upper part, on the only flat area of the village, stands the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, surrounded by fishermen’s houses. Wandering through its streets, you can enjoy several viewpoints overlooking the port and the open sea.
EA
Founded by the *arrantzales* of Bedarona, Ereño, and Natxitua, Ea is a rural village that retains its fishing spirit. The municipality consists of the urban center of Ea and the neighborhoods of Natxitua, Bedarona, and Angelutxu, each with its own characteristics and personality, completing a splendid and diverse landscape.
The urban center is a charming and picturesque place, made even more special by its small and family-friendly beach. Its port, the *txalupas*, and the character of its inhabitants reflect its fishing origins. The estuary that flows through the village, along with the series of stone bridges connecting both banks, adds a unique appeal that makes Ea’s urban center truly one of a kind.
A place full of originality and charm, inviting visitors to stroll through its streets and cross the stone bridges linking both sides of the estuary. Natural trails, cliffs, and postcard-worthy landscapes shape Ea, a village with deep Basque roots—an ideal destination for both families and groups of friends.
EKOETXEA URDAIBAI
Ekoetxea Urdaibai is a center dedicated to highlighting biodiversity. With this goal in mind, it informs and educates visitors about the importance of biological diversity through exhibitions and educational activities, promoting a closer connection between nature and people.
It is located in Busturia, at the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, one of the areas with the greatest variety of ecosystems in Euskadi. The center is housed in a unique building known as the Clock Tower, dating back to 1851. Its strategic location offers a panoramic view of the entire Urdaibai estuary.
At Ekoetxea Urdaibai, you will find countless activities for all audiences, with a special focus on children. All activities are designed to foster knowledge and respect for biodiversity. Ekoetxea Urdaibai is an initiative of the Department of the Environment and Territorial Policy of the Basque Government, managed by the public environmental management company, Ihobe.
URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Urdaibai Bird Center is an open space for the public, a major bird research center, and a privileged observatory of the marshlands. In essence, it is a vast living museum of nature, where birds set the course. A must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys the spectacle of nature.
It is located in Gautegiz Arteaga, at the very heart of the Reserve, offering breathtaking views.
The center is managed by the Aranzadi Science Society and is dedicated to the research and scientific dissemination of birds, their migrations, and the habitats they live in.
Urdaibai Bird Center also provides visitors with access to two bird observatories, open to the public every day except Tuesday. One is in Orueta, and the other in Ozollo, both accessible on foot from the center.
