Álava between nature parks, salt landscapes and culture

In Valderejo, its rich ornithological heritage can be discovered along routes, at observation points and in equipped areas.

Other places: Gopegi, Laguardia, Elciego, Bernedo, Murgia, Añana, Amurrio, Lasarte, Eskuernaga, Samaniego, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araia, Labastida, Rivabellosa, Elburgo/Burgelu, Zambrana, Legutio, Apodaka, Goiuri-Ondona, Pinedo, Hueto Arriba, Bujanda, Abornikano, Maestu, Corro, Oion, Lapuebla Labarka, Páganos, Bilar, Laserna, Lukiano, Sobrón, Ibarguren, Murga, Añes, Lezama, Urturi, Maturana, Arkaia, Leza, Gorbeia Inguruak, Artziniega, Alaiza, Castillo-Sopeña, El Campillar, Hereña, Caicedo-Sopeña, Molinilla, Campezo / Kanpezu, Agurain, Aprikano, Guinea, Barrón, Pobes, Viñaspre, Manurga, Lalastra, Gurendes, Moreta, Navaridas, Urizaharra, Izarra, Guereña, Villanañe and Lagran.

Nature

Gorbeia Nature Park covers 20,016 hectares and extends across Álava and Bizkaia. In Izki Nature Park, its diverse flora and fauna, together with elements associated with human activity over time, form an outstanding ecological and cultural heritage. Because of its ecological value and beauty, Izki is specially protected. The Laguardia lagoons form a protected biotope in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, near Laguardia’s fortified old town.

Water and trails

Since 2016, three beaches in Álava have carried the Blue Flag: Landa in the municipality of Arratzua-Ubarrundia, Moskurio (Garaio Norte) in the municipality of Barrundia, and Salurriaga (Garaio Sur) in the municipality of Elburgo. At the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir, bicycles can be rented from the bicycle rental service at the Garaio information centre’s storage facility.

The Prao de la Paul route runs for 2.5 kilometres alongside the wetland and is accessible to people with disabilities; however, it is not recommended in rainy weather. A birdwatching centre with a capacity of approximately 18 to 20 people is located along the route. The keys can be requested from the tourist information office. The GR 38, the wine and fish route, begins in Oyón, passes through Laguardia and Lagrán, reaches the Llanada Alavesa at Estíbaliz, and continues towards the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir.

In the Aizkorri-Aratz area, there is a car park and a picnic area in the nearby La Leze recreational area for access to the monolith area. For the remaining sectors, approaching from the village of Egino is recommended.

Salt and wine

The Valle Salado comprises more than four kilometres of wooden channels and more than 2,000 restored salt pans that are in operation. Guided tours are available at the Valle Salado. The Valle Salado is 30 kilometres from Vitoria-Gasteiz and can be reached via the A-2622 or via the AP-1 and A-2622.

Four types of natural salt from the Valle Salado are marketed: mineral spring salt, fleur de sel flakes, liquid spring salt and salt bars. Rioja Alavesa offers wine tourism with small family-run wineries, avant-garde winery buildings, vineyards and monumental places such as Laguardia.

Culture and history

The origins of the Torre de los Varona date back to the late 14th or early 15th century. Historian Micaela Portilla described it as Álava’s best-preserved fortified complex. The Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen is considered one of the most significant dolmens in the Basque Country and is probably regarded as the largest and best-preserved dolmen in the area.

BIBAT combines the Álava Archaeology Museum and the Fournier Museum of Playing Cards. The archaeological site of Iruña-Veleia covers more than 1,500 years of history—from the first millennium BC to the 5th century AD. Most of the wall and the southern gate of the fortified complex remain visible.

The Museo de Armería de Álava dedicates a separate section to the Battle of Vitoria in 1813. Its collection consists mainly of offensive and defensive weapons, as well as related equipment, dating from prehistory to the beginning of the 20th century.

To the higher-level travel overview: Basque Country.