El Izki Natural Park It is an exceptional forest enclave where the Pyrenean oak, or Pyrenean oak, dominates, covering a large part of the Izki River valley. This forest, one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe, coexists with beech, holm oak, oak, and birch groves that cover more than 7.000 hectares of the park.
El Izki Natural Park It is an exceptional forest enclave where the protagonist is the Pyrenean oak or rebollo, which covers a large part of the Izki River valley basin. This formation, one of the largest and best preserved in Europe, coexists with beech, holm oak, oak and birch groves that cover more than 7.000 hectares of the park. In addition, Izki stands out for its botanical richness, with carpets of daffodils and orchids, the only Basque population of white water lilies and the presence of Rhynchospora fusca, a rare herbaceous species whose main Iberian population (95%) is found precisely in this natural area.
The diversity of habitats favors the presence of a rich and varied fauna, with particular importance for forest birds. It is home to six of the eight species of woodpeckers found on the Iberian Peninsula. The middle-billed woodpecker population is particularly notable, accounting for 30% of the Iberian population, along with emblematic species such as the golden eagle, the Egyptian vulture, and the extremely rare Bechstein's bat. Izki is notable for its amphibians—such as the agile frog—and also stands out for its odonate populations, with the highest density of dragonflies and damselflies on the Iberian Peninsula.
The landscape, with its gentle altitudes and distinct Mediterranean character, invites leisurely strolls and observation of the flora and fauna, especially in the Izki Canyon. With a comprehensive visitor center in Korres, Izki is a perfect destination for enjoying the forest at any time of year.
El Izki Natural Park It can be visited all year round, but spring, autumn and winter are especially recommended.
In spring, the forest awakens with a surge of wildlife activity and flowering; it's an ideal time for birdwatching, including the woodpecker and amphibians. It's also the breeding season, when woodpeckers drum to mark their territory and are more vocal, making them easier to spot. The absence of leaves in the treetops also makes observation easier.
Summer is the best time to see dragonflies and damselflies, and hiking through shady forests is also very pleasant.
Autumn offers spectacular landscapes due to the changing colors of the oak orchards, as well as being an excellent time for mycology.
And in winter, the peaceful surroundings allow for a more intimate experience of nature, and snowshoeing is sometimes possible. These seasons invite you to explore the park at a leisurely pace and discover its natural beauty with fewer visitors.
El Izki Natural Park It's an ideal place for hiking and birdwatching, especially for the common woodpecker, an emblematic forest species with one of its largest populations in Spain in this area. The trails pass through lush Pyrenean oak forests, but there are also rocky areas, cliffs, and the Izki Canyon, which offer a diverse and ever-changing landscape.
The park is also a good destination for forest landscape interpretation, nature photography, and environmental education, thanks to the various trails and the infrastructure of the Korres interpretation center.
Furthermore, the Vasco-Navarro Greenway, one of the longest in Spain, runs very close to the park. This adds an attractive cycling and scenic option to the visit, connecting natural and historical heritage in an accessible and charming route.
The interpretation center of the Izki Natural ParkLocated in the town of Korres, this is the ideal starting point for exploring this area. From here, the route leads to the Izki River Gorge, one of the park's most iconic sites, where vertical cliffs and dense forests combine to create a rugged landscape of great beauty. The route allows you to delve into the heart of the oak forest, the park's most emblematic forest formation, and discover its distinctive botanical and faunal richness.
Another highlight is the Senda de los Arrieros (Mule Drivers' Path), a forest trail that runs through woodlands and open clearings, offering views of the park's interior and the forest mosaic that defines it. This route allows for a peaceful immersion in the landscape, ideal for observing forest birds and enjoying the silence of the forest.
Finally, the Izki Viewpoint, accessible on foot, offers a panoramic view of the Izki Valley, with its continuous canopy of oak forest and the surrounding terrain. It's a good place to understand the scale of the protected area and its geographical configuration.
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The Green Spain Ecotourism Reserve is an invitation to experience northern Spain in a different way. It's not a network of accommodations.
