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Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Gernika lies in the heart of Urdaibai, making it the perfect place from which to explore the reserve. In Urdaibai, culture and heritage merge with nature, green spaces and water. While it may well be true that it’s worth making the trip just to see the estuary on its own, that doesn’t mean you should leave it at that. There are lots of things to see and do near Gernika - here are a few ideas!
This proposal will allow you to be in direct contact with nature in the area around the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, enjoying the varied cultural offer, but also to enjoy some of the entertaining outdoor activities the region has to offer:
And there’s so much more to discover!
10 must-see places near Gernika.
This list of the best places to see in Urdaibai will make sure you don’t miss out on anything important in this region, which boasts some of the most popular places to visit in the entire Basque Country.
The hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe belongs to the municipality of Bermeo. Perched on top of a rocky outcrop, it is linked to the peninsula by a marvellous little bridge that leads to the 241 steps you need to climb to get to the hermitage. This natural environment, declared a Biotope Protection Area, has become extremely popular thanks to its starring role as “Dragon Rocks” in the seventh season of Game of Thrones.
The Oma Forest is being relocated to another pine forest close to the current one and will be open to visitors as of the summer of 2022. For the time being, visits will be guided and by reservation only. Only one area will be open until the forest is fully accessible in the summer of 2023.
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Urdaibai is to walk along the trails on offer in this Biosphere Reserve, the only one of its kind in the Basque Country.
Humankind and nature have interacted with one another since the dawn of time in Urdaibai. The generosity of the reserve’s nature and its privileged geographical location have forged customs and ways of life that survive amidst a rich heritage, a legacy that has been developed in such a way that visitors can experience it in a sustainable way.
Located in the region of Busturialdea, Urdaibai was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984. The centrepiece of this exceptionally beautiful natural area is the river Oka and its main feature is its spectacular estuary surrounded by small peaks and a landscape teeming with life thanks to its natural resources and the people who live here.
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve covers an area of approximately 23,000 hectares and is made up of 22 municipalities that are home to some 45,000 people. Inhabited for more than 15,000 years, this territory is full of history and boasts an impressive cultural, historical and natural heritage. Are you ready to explore it?
