O f the three territories that make up the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, Araba is the least populated, and the one which offers the greatest variety of scenery. Three mountain ranges cross Araba from east to west, each one merging into the other. The northernmost range establishes the boundary between the province and the Atlantic valleys of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia.

A wide flat area stretches out between these northern ranges and a second line of mountains crosses the middle section of territory. This valley is known as the "Llanada Alavesa" or Plain of Araba, and is a preview to the ochre tones of the more southern plains. To the south, the Cantabrian Mountains are the last natural barrier befores the plains of Rioja Alavesa, a land of vineyards stretching as far as the Ebro Valley, and eventually melting into the Castilian plateau. This unique orograply also brings substancial climatic variety, ranging from the damp cool climate of the mountain areas to the dry Mediterranean climate of the lands toward the south.

A raba has important industrial zones, such as the capital itself - Vitoria-Gasteiz - where the best part of the territory´s population is concentrated - and towns such as Llodio-Laudio, Amurrio and others. Most of the territory of Araba, however is still rural and sparsely populated, with unspoilt scenery and interesting natural areas. Some of these areas are currently protected by law and others are in the process, such as the Nature Reserves of Valderejo, Gorbeia, Entzia and Izki ...

T he capital of Araba and of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country since 1980, Vitoria-Gasteiz is the seat of the main Basque institutions, such as the Autonomous Parliament and the Government. The importance of Vitoria-Gasteiz dates back to the Middle Ages, and the oustsatanding role it played in ancient times is evident in its finely-conserved historic centre, declared a Historical Monument.

I n recent decades, this city of over 214,000 inhabitants has grown spectacularly. However, unlike what has happened in other parts of the Basque Country, the quality of its city planning has barely been affected by this growth. In the modern development of Vitoria-Gasteiz, special care has always been taken in regards to the environment. It is a city wich enjoys a high quality of life, as is attested to by the numerous international awards it has won, and which offers the visitor renovated historical areas as well as numerous parks, gardens, promenades and public amenities.

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Basque Country with pleasure

Source: Presidency of the Government - General Secretariat for Communication