The Basque Country is a captivating destination with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and firm commitment to sustainability. Nestled between the Cantabrian Sea and the mountains, it offers a perfect combination of wild nature and tradition, ideal for those seeking authentic ecotourism experiences. With its lush forests, impressive cliffs, and endless trails to explore, the Basque Country is your destination for enjoying green tourism.

Protected areas and natural wealth

The Basque Country is home to a variety of protected natural areas that reflect the richness of its biodiversity and its commitment to conservation. Among them, the Urdaibai Basque Reserve, a paradise for birdwatchers and a marsh ecosystem of great ecological value.

El Gorbeia Natural Park It is the largest in the Basque Country and stretches between Bizkaia and Álava. At its heart stands Mount Gorbeia, an emblematic peak in Basque culture, crowned by its iconic cross. This park is home to extensive beech forests, waterfalls like Gujuli, and a network of trails that allow you to explore spectacular landscapes, where tradition and nature intertwine in perfect harmony.

we can't forget the Valderejo Natural Park, a biodiversity refuge with mid-mountain landscapes, gorges such as the Purón, and a remarkable wealth of fauna, especially for observing birds of prey. Also noteworthy is the Izki Natural Park, known for being home to the largest oak forest in the Basque Country (pyrenean oak) and for being an ideal place for birdwatching or cycling.

For its part, the ZEC Salburua, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, is an urban wetland of great ecological value, a key spot for observing aquatic and migratory birds. Spaces like this demonstrate that even in urban environments, nature finds its place and offers us opportunities to reconnect.

El UNESCO Global Geopark of the Basque Coast, for its part, is a unique place where the impressive flysch continuously records 60 million years of geological history. Among its layers, a thin black line stands out, marking the impact of the meteorite that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, a visual testament to Earth's past.

Between the coast and the mountains

The Basque geography is distinguished by its spectacular contrasts. Throughout its more than 170 kilometers of coastline, the jagged cliffs, wild beaches and picturesque fishing villages create a perfect setting to enjoy the sea. Within the UNESCO Global Geopark of the Basque CoastThe fishing village of Mutriku stands out not only for its charm and fishing tradition, but also for housing the Nautilus Museum, which houses one of the most impressive collections of nautilus fossils in the world, allowing you to travel through the planet's geological history.

The interior of the Basque Country is a delight for hiking and nature lovers. Natural Parks such as Gorbeia, Izki and Valderejo They offer mountain routes through green meadows, native forests, and peaks with spectacular views. Each trail allows you to discover the essence of the Basque Country, where nature, tradition, history, and gastronomy blend into dreamlike landscapes.

What to do in the Basque Country

In Euskadi, every visitor can find their own adventure:

• • Hiking and nature trails: Discover the beauty of the beech forests of the Gorbeia Natural Park, where trails lead into a landscape of ancient forests and hidden waterfalls. On the coast, explore the impressive cliffs of the UNESCO Global Geopark from the Basque Coast, where the flysch reveals the planet's geological history in a unique landscape. You can also explore the trails of the Izki and Valderejo Natural Parks, or walk the paths that cross the Salburua wetlands, in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
  • Observation of fauna and flora: The Basque Country offers unique settings for nature observation. From the Urdaibai Basque Reserve, a paradise for aquatic and migratory birds, to the forests of Gorbeia and Izki, where woodpeckers find refuge among oak and beech trees. In the ZEC Salburua, wetlands are home to a great diversity of aquatic species, while in the rugged landscapes of Valderejo and Sobrón, you can spot majestic griffon vultures. The Basque coast also offers the opportunity to go out to sea to observe whales and seabirds. Izki There are also private hides for observing wildlife in a respectful manner.
  • Active scan: The paths that run through the natural spaces of Euskadi and its surroundings can be explored both on foot and by mountain bike, using the marked routes of the BTT centers of Izki-Montaña Alavesa and Valderejo-Añana. Both options allow you to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace, allowing you to observe the surrounding flora and fauna. From the trails of the Gorbeia Natural Park to the coastal routes of Geopark of the Basque Coast, each route offers a unique perspective of the landscape wealth of the territory.

• Experiences with identity: Basque ecotourism companies offer more than twenty experiences that combine nature, culture, health, and sustainability. From geological routes through the flysch to birdwatching and mycological workshops, as well as guided tours, ethnographic workshops, accommodation in sustainable cabins, and wellness experiences, all in the natural spaces of the Basque Country. Green Spain Ecotourism Reserve There are proposals for all tastes that integrate tradition, knowledge and responsible enjoyment of the environment.

Where to sleep and eat

For those seeking charming accommodations committed to sustainable tourism, the Basque Country offers a wide variety of options. From cozy rural farmhouses to eco-friendly hotels surrounded by nature, staying in certified establishments within the Green Spain Ecotourism Reserve guarantees a responsible stay in harmony with the environment.

Gastronomy is another of the destination's great attractions. From traditional pintxos to dishes made with local produce, Basque cuisine is a reflection of its natural environment. Choose accredited restaurants within the Basque Country. Ecotourism Reserve It allows you to enjoy fresh, zero-mile products and traditional recipes, ensuring a culinary experience that supports sustainability and the local economy.

Start your adventure in Euskadi!

The Basque Country has it all. Every corner of its territory invites you to discover, explore, and experience unique experiences in a privileged setting.

We invite you to continue exploring the Green Spain Ecotourism Reserve with us and immerse yourself in the magic of the Basque Country. Are you ready for your next adventure?