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ALAVA
Alava PlainLocated in the middle of the historical territory and formed by 11 municipalities, Alava Plain has been always a passing route for many pilgrims and traders. Durrounded by ranges and mountains, its relief is very flat, thus, creating a space of wide and beautiful landscapes, through which the river Zadorra runs.
Being an area where natural spaces prevail, the North of the plain presents the appealing landscape of Elgea and Urkilla ranges. The visit to Garayo Natural Park, resting place for a wide variety of water birds, is essential due to its leisure and recreational areas, green fields. To the west we'll find the Badaia range and, in the South, Iturreta and Gasteiz mountains.
The Sanctuary of Estibaliz, excellent model of Basque Romanesque
Besides, the plain is home to a rich cultural heritage. One of the best models of Basque Romanesque: the Sanctuary of Estibaliz, which is in the center of the region, on the outskirts of Vitoria-Gasteiz. In the area around the capital of Alava, we also find lordly houses and medieval-character villages such as Mendoza and Mártioda towers.
The main municipality in Alava Plain is, doubtless, Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the historical territory. The city offers a wide cultural offer and is full of nice parks, trees, green areas and walks. The old part of the city is one of the most appealing in the Basque turning Vitoria-Gasteiz into one of the European cities with the highest quality of life.
There again, Salvatierra constitutes the heart of the eastern plain. We can go for a walk through the streets and enjoy the beautiful palaces in the village, thus feeling its medieval past, till we arrive in the San Juan Bautista square and the homonym parish church. We would like to mention the Aizkormendi dolmens in Eguilaz/Egilatz and Sorginetxe in Arizala, two megalithic monuments worth visiting. In the north, Zalduondo is the area that pilgrims passed by. Nowadays Zalduondo is well-known for its carnivals and its popular figure "Markitos."
Being an area where natural spaces prevail, the North of the plain presents the appealing landscape of Elgea and Urkilla ranges. The visit to Garayo Natural Park, resting place for a wide variety of water birds, is essential due to its leisure and recreational areas, green fields. To the west we'll find the Badaia range and, in the South, Iturreta and Gasteiz mountains.
The Sanctuary of Estibaliz, excellent model of Basque Romanesque
Besides, the plain is home to a rich cultural heritage. One of the best models of Basque Romanesque: the Sanctuary of Estibaliz, which is in the center of the region, on the outskirts of Vitoria-Gasteiz. In the area around the capital of Alava, we also find lordly houses and medieval-character villages such as Mendoza and Mártioda towers.
The main municipality in Alava Plain is, doubtless, Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the historical territory. The city offers a wide cultural offer and is full of nice parks, trees, green areas and walks. The old part of the city is one of the most appealing in the Basque turning Vitoria-Gasteiz into one of the European cities with the highest quality of life.
There again, Salvatierra constitutes the heart of the eastern plain. We can go for a walk through the streets and enjoy the beautiful palaces in the village, thus feeling its medieval past, till we arrive in the San Juan Bautista square and the homonym parish church. We would like to mention the Aizkormendi dolmens in Eguilaz/Egilatz and Sorginetxe in Arizala, two megalithic monuments worth visiting. In the north, Zalduondo is the area that pilgrims passed by. Nowadays Zalduondo is well-known for its carnivals and its popular figure "Markitos."
Western ValleysThe region of Alava's western valleys presents an outstanding natural landscape. Its lands, full of rural flavour, have seen very little changes all through the past, and become a great example of exploitation-free lands. In the north we find the valleys of Zuia and Ayala, with their refreshing waterfalls and solid tower-houses. In the south, we can find singular landscapes such as the Salinas de Añana and the ravine of the Valderejo Natural Park.
Zuia is the closest valley to Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the foothills of the Gorbeia Natural Park, a natural spot on the borderline between Alava and Bizkaia, perfect to go hiking and more mountain sports. Between Zuia and Ayala, we find Orduña, enclave of Bizkaia in the lands of Alava. Very close to the source of the river Nervion, which slides 300 metres down, there is the canyon of Dekila viewpoint, from which the waterfall is quite spectacular to notice. Another spectacular waterfall in the area is Goiuri, formed after meeting the river Altube.
Land of fortifications and outstanding buildings
The valley of Ayara, in the northwestern of Alava, played an important role in history as a connection area between Castilla and the Bay of Biscay. It is worth visiting Quejana/Kexaa, with the Ayala tower-houses, apart from other areas such as Arespaldiza, Amurrio and Llodio/Laudio, second region in Alava in terms of habitants.
The valley of Valdegovía in located in the south of the territory. It is a transition area between the Atlantic landscape and the Mediterranean, offering a peculiar view. Salinas de Añana is the main and most beautiful municipality in the valleys, thanks to the incredible salt mines that marked the village's history and gave it a unique personality. The salt fields, with superimposed terraces, form a unique ensemble that gives the village its personality. It is thought that salt's extraction is obtained through the evaporation of Muera River's waters.
Good example of little human pressure is the Valderejo Natural Park and the lands that surround it, full of beech, oak and holm-tree woods. We can make different routes through Valderejo park; the most attractive one being that which goes along the river Purón, with its falls and lagoons. Besides, we'll see two abandoned villages fully integrated in the landscape; wild boars, foxes, woodpeckers; squirrels and wild cats inhabit those villages.
Zuia is the closest valley to Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the foothills of the Gorbeia Natural Park, a natural spot on the borderline between Alava and Bizkaia, perfect to go hiking and more mountain sports. Between Zuia and Ayala, we find Orduña, enclave of Bizkaia in the lands of Alava. Very close to the source of the river Nervion, which slides 300 metres down, there is the canyon of Dekila viewpoint, from which the waterfall is quite spectacular to notice. Another spectacular waterfall in the area is Goiuri, formed after meeting the river Altube.
Land of fortifications and outstanding buildings
The valley of Ayara, in the northwestern of Alava, played an important role in history as a connection area between Castilla and the Bay of Biscay. It is worth visiting Quejana/Kexaa, with the Ayala tower-houses, apart from other areas such as Arespaldiza, Amurrio and Llodio/Laudio, second region in Alava in terms of habitants.
The valley of Valdegovía in located in the south of the territory. It is a transition area between the Atlantic landscape and the Mediterranean, offering a peculiar view. Salinas de Añana is the main and most beautiful municipality in the valleys, thanks to the incredible salt mines that marked the village's history and gave it a unique personality. The salt fields, with superimposed terraces, form a unique ensemble that gives the village its personality. It is thought that salt's extraction is obtained through the evaporation of Muera River's waters.
Good example of little human pressure is the Valderejo Natural Park and the lands that surround it, full of beech, oak and holm-tree woods. We can make different routes through Valderejo park; the most attractive one being that which goes along the river Purón, with its falls and lagoons. Besides, we'll see two abandoned villages fully integrated in the landscape; wild boars, foxes, woodpeckers; squirrels and wild cats inhabit those villages.
Rioja AlavesaVineyard rows alternating between walled villages and cellars are the characteristics of the best known part of Alava, where good wine with the Denominación de Origen Rioja label of quality is produced. Tempranillo grape, together with the region's geological and climatological conditions, is responsible for the excellent quality of the wines that play such an important role in local life.
Under the shelter of the Cantabrian mountain range, 12,000 ha of vineyards spread up to the Ebro valley, covering the landscape with an intense green colour in spring, but with a golden-reddish colour in autumn. Its lands are privileged for vine growing. Thus, two hundred wineries produce delicious wines that will satisfy the most refined palates.
In addition to this, Rioja Alavesa adapts to new ages and combines tradition with the most modern technological advances when producing the wine.
Besides, over the last years new cellars have been erected. Some of them are really appealing for tourists due to their modernist architectural lines, such as Ysios and Baigorri by Santiago Calatrava and Iñaki Aspiazu, or Frank Gehry's Marques de Riscal. Undoubtedly, wine tasting and visits to cellars have turned into one of the main tourist demands in the area, along with the valuable artistic and architectural heritage hosted by the region in the shape of walled villages, ancestral houses and prehistoric remains.
Region with history
Laguardia is one of the 15 municipalities of the Rioja Alavesa that stands out. Located on a hillock, it was a village of enormous military and commercial importance in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it still offers the odd stretch of wall and the entrance gates to its fortified town, in addition to numerous stately homes dating fom the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The Gothic doorway of Santa María de los Reyes is the only one in the State still perfectly to conserve its polychromy.
Many are the prehistoric remains that bear witness to the early human presence in the area. On the feet of Rioja Alavesa's capital we will find the prehistoric municipality of La Hoya, whereas in the municipality of El Villar we'll see the outstanding dolmens of "El Encinal" and "La Chabola de la hechicera."
Although Laguardia is the most important borough in the area, other including Leza, Elciego, Oyón-Oion, Lapuebla de Labarca or Labastida are also highly interesting for tourists. Labastida, sheltered by the Toloño Mountain, is a very frequented summit by mountaineers due to its attractive silhouette. On the top, the location gives an excellent view of the Ebro valley and its river flowing through the Rioja Alavesa. Smaller villages, such as Salinillas de Buradón, still house the originally walled village centres that witnessed the intensive history of its prosperous winemaking region of Alava.
Under the shelter of the Cantabrian mountain range, 12,000 ha of vineyards spread up to the Ebro valley, covering the landscape with an intense green colour in spring, but with a golden-reddish colour in autumn. Its lands are privileged for vine growing. Thus, two hundred wineries produce delicious wines that will satisfy the most refined palates.
In addition to this, Rioja Alavesa adapts to new ages and combines tradition with the most modern technological advances when producing the wine.
Besides, over the last years new cellars have been erected. Some of them are really appealing for tourists due to their modernist architectural lines, such as Ysios and Baigorri by Santiago Calatrava and Iñaki Aspiazu, or Frank Gehry's Marques de Riscal. Undoubtedly, wine tasting and visits to cellars have turned into one of the main tourist demands in the area, along with the valuable artistic and architectural heritage hosted by the region in the shape of walled villages, ancestral houses and prehistoric remains.
Region with history
Laguardia is one of the 15 municipalities of the Rioja Alavesa that stands out. Located on a hillock, it was a village of enormous military and commercial importance in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it still offers the odd stretch of wall and the entrance gates to its fortified town, in addition to numerous stately homes dating fom the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The Gothic doorway of Santa María de los Reyes is the only one in the State still perfectly to conserve its polychromy.
Many are the prehistoric remains that bear witness to the early human presence in the area. On the feet of Rioja Alavesa's capital we will find the prehistoric municipality of La Hoya, whereas in the municipality of El Villar we'll see the outstanding dolmens of "El Encinal" and "La Chabola de la hechicera."
Although Laguardia is the most important borough in the area, other including Leza, Elciego, Oyón-Oion, Lapuebla de Labarca or Labastida are also highly interesting for tourists. Labastida, sheltered by the Toloño Mountain, is a very frequented summit by mountaineers due to its attractive silhouette. On the top, the location gives an excellent view of the Ebro valley and its river flowing through the Rioja Alavesa. Smaller villages, such as Salinillas de Buradón, still house the originally walled village centres that witnessed the intensive history of its prosperous winemaking region of Alava.
BIZKAIA
Inland ValleysBizkaia's inland valleys are uneven and beautiful, with high mountains and low valleys cloaked in legends and deep valleys with a marked rural flavour. The three main inland regions in inner Bizkaia are Duranguesado, Arratia-Nervión valleys and Orduña, which offer visitors numerous attractions in the shape of medieval boroughs and natural parks -Urkiola and Gorbeia- that Bizkaia shares with Alava.
The Duranguesado valley, on the corridor running between Gipuzkoa and Bilbao, still offers the most rural and peaceful of Bizkaia's atmospheres. From Durango to Atxondo, many marked paths invite us to discover beautiful sports throughout the Urkiola Natural Park, with the mythical Anboto Mountain (1.331 m), very frequented by mountain lovers and popular for being Mari's dwelling, Anboto's Dame and main Goddess of Basque mythology.
Durango is one of the main accesses to the Urkiola Natural Park. The old quarter of the smart and noble village still keeps its medieval layout. The Neapolitan style of the Renaissance Town Hall facade and the Baroque Kurutziaga cross are eye-catching. Elorrio is another outstanding borough in this area. Now classed as historical monument, this village is remarkable for its accumulation of solidly built, emblazoned houses set out in elegant rows, dating back to the 17thand 18th centuries. On the outskirts heading towards Berriz we will find the Argiñeta necropolis, one of the most important funeral monuments in the Basque Country, formed by a group of pre-Christian grit and funeral steles.
Arratia and Orduña Valleys
Country buffs will feel completely at home in the Arratia and Orduña valleys in the south of Bizkaia. Arratia, named after the homonymous river born on the hillside of the Gorbeia massif (1.481 m), is the highest in the historical territory. The Gorbeia Natural Park spreads around it. Visitors can gain access from many municipalities, such as Zeanuri, Artea and Areatza, localities that offer samples of the Basque popular architecture like country houses, which are the most characteristic dwellings in the region.
Orduña is the only place in Bizkaia to boast the title of "city". Surrounded by land belonging to the Alava province, it acquired a great deal of importance in the Middle Ages when a road leading from Bizkaia to the meseta was opened through the Orduña crags. It is worth visiting its old quarter, which was classed as historical-monumental heritage in 1997, and admiring the buildings that form Los Fueros Square. Sierra Salvada offers the chance to practice hiking or other sports activities, such as paragliding and hang gliding, as well as to enjoy the spectacular landscape that offers the view of the river Nervión source.
The Duranguesado valley, on the corridor running between Gipuzkoa and Bilbao, still offers the most rural and peaceful of Bizkaia's atmospheres. From Durango to Atxondo, many marked paths invite us to discover beautiful sports throughout the Urkiola Natural Park, with the mythical Anboto Mountain (1.331 m), very frequented by mountain lovers and popular for being Mari's dwelling, Anboto's Dame and main Goddess of Basque mythology.
Durango is one of the main accesses to the Urkiola Natural Park. The old quarter of the smart and noble village still keeps its medieval layout. The Neapolitan style of the Renaissance Town Hall facade and the Baroque Kurutziaga cross are eye-catching. Elorrio is another outstanding borough in this area. Now classed as historical monument, this village is remarkable for its accumulation of solidly built, emblazoned houses set out in elegant rows, dating back to the 17thand 18th centuries. On the outskirts heading towards Berriz we will find the Argiñeta necropolis, one of the most important funeral monuments in the Basque Country, formed by a group of pre-Christian grit and funeral steles.
Arratia and Orduña Valleys
Country buffs will feel completely at home in the Arratia and Orduña valleys in the south of Bizkaia. Arratia, named after the homonymous river born on the hillside of the Gorbeia massif (1.481 m), is the highest in the historical territory. The Gorbeia Natural Park spreads around it. Visitors can gain access from many municipalities, such as Zeanuri, Artea and Areatza, localities that offer samples of the Basque popular architecture like country houses, which are the most characteristic dwellings in the region.
Orduña is the only place in Bizkaia to boast the title of "city". Surrounded by land belonging to the Alava province, it acquired a great deal of importance in the Middle Ages when a road leading from Bizkaia to the meseta was opened through the Orduña crags. It is worth visiting its old quarter, which was classed as historical-monumental heritage in 1997, and admiring the buildings that form Los Fueros Square. Sierra Salvada offers the chance to practice hiking or other sports activities, such as paragliding and hang gliding, as well as to enjoy the spectacular landscape that offers the view of the river Nervión source.
EncartacionesThe Encartaciones region, formed by ten municipalities, is the most western and the less known point of Bizkaia. It is land of battles between different sides and tower houses, many of them perfectly kept that will take us, magically, to an enchanted past. Its magnificent buildings and very appealing villages with woods, meadows and mountains make of the Encartaciones a unique and spectacular region.
Balmaseda, located on the banks of the river Kadagua, is the main town in the Encartaciones. Witness of pilgrims and traders, the first village of Bizkaia is popular as, at Easter, its inhabitants represent Jesus Christ's Passion. It is famous as well because of its rich cultural heritage. In its main square, with the beautiful church of San Severino and the Town Hall, with a wide colonnade known as La Mezquita (The Mosque), due to the amount of columns that withstand it.
History and Nature
Other areas such as Güeñes, Zalla and Sopuerta have many interesting monuments. The first one, which combines rural and urban areas and houses many palaces worth visiting, such as Arangoiti and Estrada, and the parish church of Santa María, commonly known as "El Sol" (the sun) for its exceptional facade. From there, we will visit the Murga baroque palace, current Town Hall in Zalla, whereas the Assembly House of Avellaneda is located in Sopuerta, a tower-house where in the past the General Assemblies of the ten regions forming the Encartaciones would meet.
Likewise, we can go to Carranza valley, an area with unique beauties such as the Ecological Park of Bizkaia, Karpin Abentura, where we will find different species of wild animals representing the Iberian and European fauna. The caves of Pozalagua are, doubtless, another spot worth visiting, with its spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations that defy gravity.
Balmaseda, located on the banks of the river Kadagua, is the main town in the Encartaciones. Witness of pilgrims and traders, the first village of Bizkaia is popular as, at Easter, its inhabitants represent Jesus Christ's Passion. It is famous as well because of its rich cultural heritage. In its main square, with the beautiful church of San Severino and the Town Hall, with a wide colonnade known as La Mezquita (The Mosque), due to the amount of columns that withstand it.
History and Nature
Other areas such as Güeñes, Zalla and Sopuerta have many interesting monuments. The first one, which combines rural and urban areas and houses many palaces worth visiting, such as Arangoiti and Estrada, and the parish church of Santa María, commonly known as "El Sol" (the sun) for its exceptional facade. From there, we will visit the Murga baroque palace, current Town Hall in Zalla, whereas the Assembly House of Avellaneda is located in Sopuerta, a tower-house where in the past the General Assemblies of the ten regions forming the Encartaciones would meet.
Likewise, we can go to Carranza valley, an area with unique beauties such as the Ecological Park of Bizkaia, Karpin Abentura, where we will find different species of wild animals representing the Iberian and European fauna. The caves of Pozalagua are, doubtless, another spot worth visiting, with its spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations that defy gravity.
GIPUZKOA
Inner ValleysHuge/monumental boroughs with remarkable buildings and churches, forges and salt mines that evoke past times: natural areas with tall/high summits, rural townships dotted with farmhouses that, sometimes, coexist with industrial areas. These are just some of the attractions to be found in the three regions that enjoy their own personality: Tolosaldea and the high territories of the Urola and Deba basins are part of the green Gipuzkoa, which it is also monumental/huge, rural and industrial.
Following the course of the river Oria and under the unmistakable silhouette of the Txindoki mountain (1,346 m.) we will find settled Tolosaldea, a county that better has kept alive its Basque cultural and folk traditions, along with Goierri. The core of the region was for some time capital of Gipuzkoa. But nowadays it is popular for its incessant cultural activity ýwith international Masses and puppets- due to its tradition of bonnet making and for keeping its especially popular carnivals alive. We cannot forget either Tolosa's pastrymaking specialities or its markets and fairs with locally grown products.
We cannot forget its confectionery specialities, markets and fairs with season products that are held both in the town as well as in the whole area. This region also characterises by its wide gastronomic offer: Tolosa beans, Ibarra chillies, and cider, beef chops, etc. In the inland it is worth visiting small rural villages, such as Amezketa and Abaltzisketa, which are surrounded by an idyllic setting.
Urola and Deba Valleys
Rural and urban elements coexist on the upper Urola since many centuries. In the so-called Valle del Hierro (Iron Valley), which is made up of Zumarraga, Urretxu, Legazpi and Ezkio-Itsaso, there were numerous forges, reservoirs; millsý built on the banks of the river Urola. Nowadays the iron culture can be seen reflected on the Mirandaola forge, in Legazpi, recalling the region's past as a land of blacksmiths. Pastoral and agricultural activities were also important, as they can be noticed in the Ecomuseo del Pastoreo (Pastoral Ecomuseum) ýalso located in Legazpi- and in Ezkio-Itsaso's Igartubeiti farmhouse.
First and foremost, the inland is monumental. We will find ourselves in the lands of Ignatius of Loyola and the well-known route of the three temples that enable visitors getting to know Zumarraga's hermitage of La Antigua, the basilica of Loiola in Azpeitia and finally, the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, in Oñati, at the foothill of the Aizkorri Natural Park. Precisely, the latter is one of the main attractions of Alto Deba, as it houses several architectural samples such as the gothic-style Church of San Miguel and the wonderful Renaissance-style University of Sancti Spiritus.
Bergara is yet another interesting borough with attractive buildings. Its old part has many ancestral houses and churches, as well as the building that once housed the Royal Seminary, a place of reference for 18th century scientific world. To the far south of Gipuzkoa is Leintz-Gatzaga, a village related to salt production. Several gateways leading to the village still can be seen as the royal road of Castile ran through here. It is worth visiting the streets of the old part, as well as attending the Museo de la Sal, located in the former facilities where over centuries "white gold" was produced.
Following the course of the river Oria and under the unmistakable silhouette of the Txindoki mountain (1,346 m.) we will find settled Tolosaldea, a county that better has kept alive its Basque cultural and folk traditions, along with Goierri. The core of the region was for some time capital of Gipuzkoa. But nowadays it is popular for its incessant cultural activity ýwith international Masses and puppets- due to its tradition of bonnet making and for keeping its especially popular carnivals alive. We cannot forget either Tolosa's pastrymaking specialities or its markets and fairs with locally grown products.
We cannot forget its confectionery specialities, markets and fairs with season products that are held both in the town as well as in the whole area. This region also characterises by its wide gastronomic offer: Tolosa beans, Ibarra chillies, and cider, beef chops, etc. In the inland it is worth visiting small rural villages, such as Amezketa and Abaltzisketa, which are surrounded by an idyllic setting.
Urola and Deba Valleys
Rural and urban elements coexist on the upper Urola since many centuries. In the so-called Valle del Hierro (Iron Valley), which is made up of Zumarraga, Urretxu, Legazpi and Ezkio-Itsaso, there were numerous forges, reservoirs; millsý built on the banks of the river Urola. Nowadays the iron culture can be seen reflected on the Mirandaola forge, in Legazpi, recalling the region's past as a land of blacksmiths. Pastoral and agricultural activities were also important, as they can be noticed in the Ecomuseo del Pastoreo (Pastoral Ecomuseum) ýalso located in Legazpi- and in Ezkio-Itsaso's Igartubeiti farmhouse.
First and foremost, the inland is monumental. We will find ourselves in the lands of Ignatius of Loyola and the well-known route of the three temples that enable visitors getting to know Zumarraga's hermitage of La Antigua, the basilica of Loiola in Azpeitia and finally, the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, in Oñati, at the foothill of the Aizkorri Natural Park. Precisely, the latter is one of the main attractions of Alto Deba, as it houses several architectural samples such as the gothic-style Church of San Miguel and the wonderful Renaissance-style University of Sancti Spiritus.
Bergara is yet another interesting borough with attractive buildings. Its old part has many ancestral houses and churches, as well as the building that once housed the Royal Seminary, a place of reference for 18th century scientific world. To the far south of Gipuzkoa is Leintz-Gatzaga, a village related to salt production. Several gateways leading to the village still can be seen as the royal road of Castile ran through here. It is worth visiting the streets of the old part, as well as attending the Museo de la Sal, located in the former facilities where over centuries "white gold" was produced.
GoierriVisiting this area is essential in order to know deeply the everyday life of the territory, because Goierri is considered the heart of the historical territory. Is formed by 18 municipalities and borders both with Alava and Navarre.
Goierri merges urban and rural areas because, united to a deep development, the population has maintained the historic heritage untouched. This way, nice natural landscapes merge with great companies and industries.
Ordizia is a beautiful starting-point for our trip. The fair held on Wednesdays is very famous. It began in 1512 and is specialised in agriculture and livestock products from the area's farmers. Afterwards, we'll go to Beasain to know the Igartza Monumental Complex, formed by a palace, a hermitage and some other buildings worth visiting. To finish the cultural aspect, we can visit Lazkao's heritage and its nice monasteries.
Nature spots of great beauty: Aralar and Aizkorri
With regard to nature, Aralar range, with the Txindoki mountain (1,346m) as backdrop, presents a fascinating relief. High calcareous elevations, nice rivers and water sources, rich vegetation and fauna and traditions full of myths and legends can nothing but captivate the visitor. That's the case with the Aizkorri Natural Park too. If we follow its paths we'll meet the legendary San Adrián cave and, moreover, the old Roman causeway.
Besides, in order to know deeply this region's characteristics we must visit municipalities like Idiazabal, famous because of its worldly famous cheese, Segura and Zerain. Finally, we'll go to Ormaiztegi where, for instance, we can visit Zumalakarregi's historic museum.
Goierri merges urban and rural areas because, united to a deep development, the population has maintained the historic heritage untouched. This way, nice natural landscapes merge with great companies and industries.
Ordizia is a beautiful starting-point for our trip. The fair held on Wednesdays is very famous. It began in 1512 and is specialised in agriculture and livestock products from the area's farmers. Afterwards, we'll go to Beasain to know the Igartza Monumental Complex, formed by a palace, a hermitage and some other buildings worth visiting. To finish the cultural aspect, we can visit Lazkao's heritage and its nice monasteries.
Nature spots of great beauty: Aralar and Aizkorri
With regard to nature, Aralar range, with the Txindoki mountain (1,346m) as backdrop, presents a fascinating relief. High calcareous elevations, nice rivers and water sources, rich vegetation and fauna and traditions full of myths and legends can nothing but captivate the visitor. That's the case with the Aizkorri Natural Park too. If we follow its paths we'll meet the legendary San Adrián cave and, moreover, the old Roman causeway.
Besides, in order to know deeply this region's characteristics we must visit municipalities like Idiazabal, famous because of its worldly famous cheese, Segura and Zerain. Finally, we'll go to Ormaiztegi where, for instance, we can visit Zumalakarregi's historic museum.
INTERIOR TOWN BY TOWN
Municipality