Laukiz: Virgen de Umbe Sanctuary, Mountain Route and Beaches

Laukiz showcases religious tradition, historic architectural heritage, beaches and a signposted mountain route. The Virgen de Umbe Sanctuary is located at Barrio Mendiondo 30 in Laukiz. Every year, the Feast of the Virgen Pura Dolorosa takes place there on the first Saturday in September; an edition is also planned for 2026.

Other places include Mallabia, Arrigorriaga, Morga, Urriola, Lekeitio, Durango, Osma and Getxo.

Cultural and religious sites

At the Santuario Virgen Pura Dolorosa de Umbe, the rosary is recited on the first Saturday of every month, followed by the celebration of Holy Eucharist. This recurring sequence shapes the religious character of the sanctuary independently of the annual September festival. For those interested in spirituality and cultural history, both the regular monthly rhythm and the special feast day are therefore among Laukiz's defining themes.

The Caserío Goiartzu in Mendiondo is also part of the local architectural heritage. It is included in the CAPV list of immovable assets proposed for protection. The municipality of Laukiz is also home to the Church of San Martín, built in 1748 over an older hermitage. The caserío and the church thus bring together different examples of local architecture and religious history.

Around Mendiondo

Mendiondo is a named waypoint on the BI-3112. In the surrounding area are Castillo De Butrón, a castle, and Playa Elexalde, a beach. The two places represent different aspects of the surroundings: on the one hand, there is a historic building, and on the other, a coastal destination. Both types of places complement the religious and architectural themes visible at the heart of Laukiz.

Beaches

The beaches of Arrietara, Atxabiribil and Gorrondatxa are also located around Mendiondo. Together with Playa Elexalde, they form a clearly recognizable coastal connection within the landscape around Mendiondo, while the other places mentioned are more strongly shaped by history, religion or regional culture.

Bazaldu Mountain Route

The recently signposted Bazaldu Mountain Route is located within the municipality of Laukiz and is designed as a circular route. It begins and ends at Laukiz Town Hall. The route therefore has clearly defined starting and ending points and complements the beaches and historic destinations with a landscape-focused theme. For nature enthusiasts, a marked circular route within the municipality is thus a central attraction alongside the coastal destinations.

Museums and Palace

Olentzeroren Baserria and Mendibile Jauregia, both museums, are located around Mendiondo. Palacio San Jose Jauregia, a palace, is also situated there. The three different types of buildings broaden Laukiz's cultural profile to include museums and a palace. Together with Caserío Goiartzu, the Church of San Martín and Castillo De Butrón, they create a thematic arc spanning religious sites, rural architecture, museums, a palace and a castle.

For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.