The Basque Coast Geopark, an immersion in the heart of more than 60 million years of history

Cliffs, flysch, karst, caves and mountains, the Basque Coast Geopark is of infinite richness that is discovered during the research and missions of the association created in 2009 by the town halls of Deba, Zumaia and Mutriku. Located in the north of Spain in the province of Gipuzkoa, it is the guardian of a precious past, the witness of more than 60 million years of history. Prepare yourself to live an extraordinary adventure !

The Basque Coast Geopark, promoting exceptional nature

The Basque coast is a mosaic of colors and landscapes made up of fields, sea, mountains and forests, without forgetting the most important treasure of the region which is located under your feet, in the bowels of the Earth. United by the same desire to preserve the environment and its riches, the town halls of Deba, Mutriku and Zumaia developed the Geogarapen association and saw the geopark registered in the European and Global Geoparks Network in 2010. True actors in the preservation of geological and natural heritage, these 3 villages are magnificent destinations to visit.

• Mutriku, with its narrow, cobbled streets, is one of the best-preserved historic centres in Gipuzkoa and also one of the oldest fishing ports in the region.
• Deba surprises with its sublime cliffs formed by the famous black flysch of the geopark, its magnificent beach which attracts surfers and its “txikiteo” atmosphere (drink taken standing at the bar).
• Zumaia is absolutely charming with its views of the Cantabrian Sea, its historic buildings and its Algorri Interpretation Centre.

Take your time, the story is just beginning.

The Basque Coast Geopark: incredible guided tours tailored to your needs

Throughout the year, passionate guides invite you to discover the surprising secrets of the Geopark and its geology . With family, lovers or friends, you will be captivated by the preserved treasures of this part of Northern Spain explored during a guided tour.

Boat tours, a dive into the marine world of the Basque Coast Geopark

Open your eyes wide to admire the incredible coastal flysch cliffs, geological splendors sculpted by the sea. These works of nature are also host to a unique biodiversity and one of the richest ecosystems on the Basque coast. Understanding its history, its formation, the ways of life and traditions that have marked this land, this is what the guides promise you during your boat tour on the Cantabrian Sea.

Geological tours, a unique spectacle to discover

As you can see, flysch and karst are the precious treasures of the Basque Coast Geopark, which witnessed the extinction of the dinosaurs. During your outing, a specialized guide will introduce you to each rock and its specificity, as well as the richness of the fauna and flora that have adapted to the imposed natural conditions. The seabed and the hidden valley of Olatz in Mutriku are also the object of visits to travel 100 million years back in time and meet the region's cheese producers.

Zumaia, its beach, its dikes... and its flysch! Take the time to contemplate the liveliness of the ocean and the flysch

Family visits, friendly moments to share

Young and old alike are invited to actively participate in the outings through craft workshops such as making corn cakes, tasting flysch octopus, or even fun games to discover minerals and fossils. From Lastur to Mutriku, you'll love experiencing these precious moments!

The Basque Coast Geopark, the must-sees of Northern Spain

Let yourself be amazed by the beauty of the landscapes that mark the 90 km2 of the Geopark and the 13 km of cliffs. Although the entire coastline is fascinating for its natural wealth and geology, some destinations are nevertheless unmissable :

• Itzurrun-Algorri, an exceptional site that presents verticalized layers of flysch up to the beach of Itzurun de Zumaia called the geological sanctuary of the Geopark.
• Elgorriaga with its panoramic views of the limestone mountains, the Baratzazarrak viewpoint and the opportunity to taste the famous txakoli wine.
• Sakoneta, a land of surfers and experienced hikers who discover the splendor of the cliffs and the Bay of Biscay in the heart of the Deba-Zumaia Protected Natural Landscape. Don't miss the fantastic Mendatagaina viewpoint!
• Saturraran, which surprises with its crescent-shaped beach and its mix of colors between sand and black flysch, is a wonderful starting point to admire more than 100 million years of history before visiting the Nautilus Museum in Mutriku.
• Olatz offers a picture-postcard landscape with its green pastures and its enclosed valley, a preserved place out of time where picturesque farms producing traditional cheeses are nestled.
• Lastur offers access to the highest peaks of the Geopark, with impressive views of this remote valley. The Plazaola mill and the viewpoints are open to visitors.

Orientation tables and interpretive elements mark the Geopark along the viewpoint trails to help you understand the landscape and its past. Remember to bring your camera to immortalize the moment.

The Basque Coast Geopark: fascinating museums to travel through time

To understand the formation of flysch and karst, the extinction of the dinosaurs or the sculpture of cliffs by the Cantabrian Sea in the north of Spain, the Geopark invites you to visit its 3 museums and the Valley of Prehistory (HAB) located in Deba.

• The Algorri Interpretation Centre in Zumaia explores the creation of the cliffs and the abrasion platform, while also presenting the nature of this coast and the formation of flysch. Open year-round with varying opening hours depending on the season, it offers guided tours and a video room.
• The Nautilus Geological Interpretation Centre in Mutriku features a vast collection of minerals collected along the coast over the past 30 years, as well as ammonites, some of the most representative fossils from the Secondary Era. Panels display the characteristics of the flora and fauna of the time, while a video explains the geological history of Mutriku from 120 million years ago to the present day.
• The Z Cultural Space in Zumaia, created around the figure of Ignacio Zuloaga, is an exhibition of his completed works collected throughout his life. Several buildings are worth visiting, such as the Historical Collection Museum, the Santiago Hermitage, and the painter's studio-workshop.
• The Valley of Prehistory (HAB) is an open-air museum located in Deba. The tour follows a 3.5 km route that reveals the living environment of our ancestors with replicas of archaeological and paleontological finds, illustrations of everyday scenes, and surprising details about life in the past. Enjoy an immersive experience as you travel back in time on an unusual walk through the heart of prehistory.

Surprise, emotion and admiration are there!

The Basque Coast Geopark, outdoor activities loved by locals and vacationers

Lovers of wide open spaces and thrills, you will be won over by the richness of the region which offers numerous possibilities to escape at the pace of your desires. More than a geological sanctuary, the Geopark is a real playground where young and old can have fun.

Hiking, a 100% natural pleasure

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the flysch and karst is to explore the hiking trails that make up the Georoute network. Marked and open to all, they vary in difficulty and duration, allowing you to discover the landscapes at your own pace on the six geological routes offered. Between Algorri, Elgorriaga, Sakoneta, Lapari, Olatz, Talaia, and of course Deba, Mutriku, and Zumaia, you'll have the opportunity to take in the sights in any season.

Info : It is possible to do the Geopark Tour, which is a 54 km circular hike divided into 3 stages: Mutriku-Deba / Deba-Zumaia / Zumaia-Mutriku. Maps, tracks, and accommodation are available to easily organize your trip. All stages are accessible by public transport to facilitate your hiking excursion.

Surfing, the Geopark’s flagship activity

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, take on the waves on the beaches of Deba, Mutriku and Zumaia for a thrill ride all season long.

• Itzurun Beach in Zumaia offers beach breaks and multi-peak waves, with right and left waves depending on the tide. It is equipped with showers, changing rooms, a surf school, a lifeguard station, and a refreshment bar in summer.
• Santiago Beach in Deba offers one of the biggest waves on the Basque coast, reaching up to 5 meters in height, making it ideal for experienced surfers. It has a large parking lot, showers, restaurants, nearby accommodation, a surf shop, a school, and green spaces.
• Alkolea Beach in Mutriku is nestled in a beautiful rocky cove with left-hand point breaks visible from the road. Parking is available nearby, as are picnic areas.

On your boards, the waves are waiting for you!

The Basque Coast Geopark, an unforgettable destination in the north of Spain .

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