Hiking in the Izki Natural Park

Located in Alava , the Izki Natural Park is a paradise for hiking and observing flora and fauna . It is about thirty kilometers from Vitoria-Gasteiz , the largest city in Alava, and consists of deep forests , the aptly named Izki River , and mountains reaching up to 1176m (Mount Kapildui). We headed to Korres and had a beautiful hike to see waterfalls . Ideal for cooling off on hot summer days! Shall we go?

Photos from the report: Basque Country Guide

Izki Natural Park

North of the Cantabria massif, the Izki Natural Park is a magnificent forest area of approximately 9000ha. It is dotted with small rivers, including the Izki River (the largest) and offers beautiful hikes where water is very present and offers sumptuous landscapes of waterfalls , gorges, rocks and lagoons, canals. The pretty hamlet of Korres is an ideal starting point. Come and have a coffee and enter the Park Information Center to glean information and prepare your hikes. The center houses a permanent exhibition on the fauna and flora. You will be well informed and could find topo guides, books on ornithology, information on activities organized in season for visitors. Guided hikes, discovery workshops, sports activities, there is something for all tastes and ages.

The villages and hamlets (San Román de Campezo, Durruma Kanpezu, Quitana, Urturi, Markinez, Maeztu ...) are scattered throughout the mountain, often accompanied by beautiful parish churches and hermitages (Virgen de la Peña in Korres).

Birdwatching enthusiasts will not forget their binoculars because the park is home to many species, including the Middle Spotted Woodpecker, whose population remains significant here although it is declining elsewhere. The Booted Eagle, the Sparrowhawk, and the European Short-toed Eagle are easily observable for keen eyes! Otters, minks, foxes, martens, wild boars, small deer... The park is a haven of peace for wild animals.

In Korres, a large parking lot with a playground will be an ideal place for a picnic, there are also tables for BBQs depending on the season and overnight parking is tolerated. In the park, multiple rural accommodations are available for a stay meeting the locals and in a typical environment of the region.

Hiking from Antoñana to the waterfalls

Being there on a very hot summer day, we did not want to embark on an exposed hike and preferred to explore the beech, holm oak and maple forests around the small town of Antoñana. A large car park allows you to park your vehicle outside the small hamlet. Note that another interpretation centre is available in Antoñana, it is fun because it is located in an old train, completely covered in graffiti!

We set off on foot towards the hamlet, enjoying the pretty church and the charming village centre. Continue by turning slightly to the right towards the Cascade de Aguaque. Be careful! Do not take the path on the left which goes up, stay following the signs in the valley for now. We will join a canal and follow it until we reach a very beautiful place with waterfalls. Popular with the locals, we see families with children who also come to enjoy the coolness of this place. There is little water as we pass, but enough to create a pleasant atmosphere under the vegetation! We like to climb, so we ferret around towards the heights until we reach a climbing site and by climbing a little more you will reach a very beautiful viewpoint. By climbing further into the forest, you will reach a road (the Chemin Arrabal ) which will allow you, by following it, to reach another very pleasant and pretty waterfall, larger: the Cascada del Molino de Oteo. It's possible to reach it by the trails, but we got lost and preferred to stay on the road... Head near the ruin to reach the waterfall a few dozen meters away. A superb and little-known place ! The locals wonder what two tourists are doing here!

At this second mill, there is a path to the east, which allows you to make a loop to reach the hamlet of Antoñana. To find your way, look on Google Map. The village, the two waterfalls and the various paths are well signposted!

What to do around Park Izki?

• A multitude of activities are available in the park and the surrounding area: canyoning, bungee jumping, various hiking or mountain biking trails, horse riding, climbing, golf, fishing
• You're not far from Rioja Alavesa, a place to discover wine and pretty wine-growing and medieval villages, such as Laguardia ! Also take a trip to Elciego right next door
• A little further on, we recommend the Ruta del Agua , another hike around the water with even more majestic waterfalls!

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