Alava - Northern Alava

Map of Alava and its main cities

Ullíbarri-Gamboa, Lake Urrúnaga, Aramaio

North of Vitoria-Gasteiz (note that you can go there by bike, it is about fifteen kilometers), the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir is a popular place for its recreational area. There are areas reserved for barbecues and 3 bathing beaches, as well as large areas for water sports such as sailing and canoeing. Many hiking trails start from the banks of the lake, as well as a path that goes around it (45 km on foot or by mountain bike). It is also a wetland ideal for observing birdlife. Head to the south to enjoy the wild vegetation that is home to many species of wading birds and migrants (also visit the Mendixur Ornithological Park). To the north of the lake, the Landa Provincial Park is another interesting recreational area.

Ullibarri Gamboa © AdobeStock_jon_chica

Legutio is on the shores of another lake: Lake Urrúnaga, which borders Alava and Biscay (in Otxandio). This is another leisure area with restaurant and hotel options, playgrounds and two natural parks on the shores of the lake. Legutio is a pretty village, it is an old medieval city, and if you climb to the top of Mount Albertia, you will have a splendid view of the surroundings and the lakes. Also visit the Museo de Alfarería Vasca, a Basque pottery museum with beautiful collections and informative historical elements. Further north, a third reservoir, much smaller (4 km and without leisure activities except fishing and apparently a nudist beach!), the Embalse de Albina, is in a truly preserved and natural setting, with a mountainous backdrop. In all seasons, these lakes are a real pleasure and the surrounding vegetation changes color gracefully!

Aramaio

In the far north, on the edge of Alava, lies Aramaio, surrounded by mountains. As if in a small basket, it is surrounded by Biscay and Gipuzkoa. There you will visit a forge and a farm (yum, cider!), a hermitage and good little restaurants await you. If it is not the most touristy place, it is in any case a peaceful place close to the hustle and bustle of the city and the tranquility of the mountains.

Zuia, the Gorobe massif

Zuia is a community of municipalities, with Murgia as the capital. There are farms with small producers and the Honey Museum to learn all about bees and their local production. You are close to the Gorbeia Natural Park and to visit it we recommend you take a tour of the park's interpretation center, near Murgia. Also climb (by car) to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Gold, an ancient place of worship, high up and in the middle of pastures. Continue your wanderings to reach the village of Urkabustaiz / Izarra, from there you can take a path to see the spectacular waterfall of Goiuri-Ondona, which is not far from Biscay. Delika is located on the border of the enclave with Biscay and there is an impressive canyon where you can see, at the end of a fairly easy hike, the very beautiful and large Nervion waterfall. Not far away, Amurrio is a rural town that was once at the crossroads of several communication routes. There is local heritage, such as the Santa Maria church, 3 towers and a hermitage with a pretty park.

The Gorobe-Salvada massif is to the west of the enclave of Biscay, bordering the province of Burgos. It has numerous caves, beech forests and several peaks over 1000 m in altitude.

1482 meters, finally, the summit!

Artziniega and Laudio

A little further north, on the edge of Biscay, Artziniega is a small medieval village, with an old quarter classified as a historical monumental together. There you will see an ethnographic museum - the Museo Etnografico de Artziniega, there is also another museum/workshop the Taller-Museo Santxotena where you will meet a passionate and talented sculptor, there is a park, a workshop and conferences. In Artziniega there is also a sanctuary in a beautiful natural setting, with a breathtaking golden altarpiece, the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de La Encina.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Encina

Laudio, in the Ayala Valley, is a small town and yet it is the second most populated in Alava. Despite its apparent calm, it is an attractive destination, with beautiful shops and many nature and sports activities to do there. Stroll through the very pretty Lamuza Park, where you will find the House of Culture. Pass over the Anuntzibai Bridge to see the Ugarte Tower House.