Urkiola Natural Park

Urkiola Natural Park occupies 5,768 hectares between the provinces of Vizcaya and Álava. It is a protected area of the Spanish Government since 1989 and includes the mountains of Duranguesado and the mountains of Aramontz and Aragio.

This area situated on the dividing line between Cantabrian and Mediterranean waters has its main axis in the port of Urkiola.

Its section is abrupt rather than low since its highest peak is located in the mountain of limestone Anboto at 1,337 meters height. This fact contribute to the appearance of diverse karstic landscapes throughout its geography.

The valleys of the lower areas are flanked by rough slopes full of ravines and cliffs that descend from the ridges of their highest heights. This place has several associated legends such as the one that places the home of the pre-Christian Basque goddess Mari in a cave located on top of the Anboto mountain. The human exploitation of these lands throughout history has focused on mining and agricultural activities.

Patrimonial highlights include the sanctuary of Urkiola or Santos Antonios, where San Antonio Abad and San Antonio de Padua were consecrated. As fun fact, Urkiola marks the geographical centre of the Basque Country and the line that divides the waters of the Cantabrian Sea and those of the Mediterranean passes through its roof.