The most fascinating public gardens of Euskadi

Cars, technology, smoke, people, noise … that’s how 21st century cities are. Sometimes we need to escape from their hustle and bustle. That is why we wanted to write about the most beautiful gardens in Euskadi. We encourage you to explore them, to give yourself some time to relax while connecting with nature. Let’s follow the example of Ortega y Gasset: “I have reduced the world to my garden and now I see the intensity of everything that exists.”

Ramón Rubial Botanical Garden (Barakaldo)

This Euskadi garden is located in the center of Barakaldo and has more than 300 species of plants from around the world. It is a semicircular space inaugurated in 2002, designed by the architect Ángel de Diego Rica. It is dedicated to Ramón Rubial, one of the most important politicians in the region. What makes this place unique is its seasonal vegetation, which divides the place into four parts, so that in each season of the year flowers one of them. The visitor counts on guided visits and the Hall of Nature that hosts exhibitions of great interest.

 Alderdi Eder Gardens (San Sebastián)

Alderdi Eder means “beautiful place” in Euskera, which perfectly defines this old military maneuvering field located next to La Concha beach and San Sebastián City Hall.  Nowadays, the weapons have been replaced by plants of all kinds, from palm trees to tamarinds, courtesy of the Emperor of Japan. The modernist lampposts and the merry-go-round are two of the key elements of a place that has its roots in La Belle Epoque. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in Euskadi, without a doubt.

Miramar  Gardens (San Sebastián)

Without leaving San Sebastian we find this jewel of great landscape value of the nineteenth century. It was built to accommodate the royal family during the reign of Maria Cristina. The Casa de Campo building is of English style and the whole park covers an area of 34.136 m² designed by Pierre Ducasse. This garden of Euskadi is the perfect place to observe the bay between paths of grass, trees and flowers.

Iturraran Botanical Garden (Zarautz)

This temple of botany located in Zarautz has 25 hectares populated with a collection of 5,500 taxa as well as native plants and other species from all over the world. It dates back to 1986 and since then new species have been added. The result is eight different zones that can be traversed through a 3.5 km trail network. In this garden of Euskadi we can admire oaks, maples, rose bushes, elms, bamboos and many more.

Santa Catalina Botanical Garden (Trespuentes, Álava)


The last of Euskadi gardens surrounds a 13th century monastery, which gives it its name. Located in the town of Trespuentes (Álava) at an altitude of 600 meters, it has a thousand species from five continents and the perfect conditions for them to grow. It also holds exhibitions on beekeeping and courses on recognizing birds and medicinal plants.


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