Lejona: Discover Culture, Nature and Txakoli

Leioa lies at the mouth of the Nervión, close to Bilbao and the sea.

Culture and History

The Basque Museum of the History of Medicine and Science preserves and displays more than 6,000 medical and scientific objects from the 19th and 20th centuries. Artatza Jauregia Palace was built in 1914. Its architect was Manuel María Smith; the building was constructed in the English Queen Anne style. The Ondiz Tower was built at the beginning of the 16th century. It was a modest palace tower. Between 2010 and 2013, the Ondiz Tower was restored. Its original structure was preserved, and a space for sociocultural activities was created.

The Elexalde Mill was built in the 18th century and remained in operation until 1969. It can be reached on foot from Kultur Leioa. Parque del Horóscopo features a tree-horoscope garden with 21 tree species. Its design combines Celtic symbolism with references to Basque culture.

Txakoli

Mendibile Txokoa is an interpretation centre. Its five exhibition areas explain the history and development of Txakoli, viticulture and production. The aromas and tasting, as well as the designation of origin, are also covered. To promote Txakoli, Mendibile Jauregia organises activities such as tastings and other events.

This means that the presentation of Txakoli ranges from its historical and agricultural foundations to its production, aromas and tasting. The designation of origin is also one of the interpretation centre's topics, while Mendibile Jauregia organises events to promote the wine.

Nature

The Arboretum is a 19-hectare protected botanical park in Leioa and includes the Lertutza reservoir. Pinosolo is a 7-hectare nature reserve. Native and exotic plant species grow there, providing a habitat for diverse animal and plant life. Artatza Park is a 15-hectare natural landscape in the heart of Leioa.

The Lamiako floodplain is included in the Basque Wetlands Inventory. It provides a habitat for waders and migratory birds. Part of the Lamiako floodplain was redesigned as a recreational area around a recovering ecosystem.

In Leioa, botanical areas, a natural landscape and a wetland therefore stand side by side. The Arboretum includes the Lertutza reservoir, Pinosolo preserves native and exotic plants, and Lamiako combines a habitat for birds with the partially redesigned recreational area.

Paths and Parks

An easy route runs through the lower part of Leioa, partly along the estuary shore and around the Lamiako plain. Arriena Park offers recreational areas and children's playgrounds. There is also a picnic area, a dog agility course, a space for festive and cultural events, as well as several footpaths.

The network of paths complements the protected landscape areas with a route explicitly described as easy. In Arriena Park, the mentioned areas are allocated to recreation, picnicking, dog sports, events and footpaths.

Other Places

Discover other places in Valle De Trápaga, Mimetiz, Nabarniz, Basauri, Gordejuela, Muskiz, Amorebieta-Etxano and Zubialde.

Getting Around

Leioa has two metro stations. The journey from Bilbao takes 16 minutes by metro. Thus, alongside its location at the estuary, a direct connection between Leioa and Bilbao is also described.

For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.