Hiking in the Urkiola Natural Park

In Biscay, we take you for a dizzying hike in the Urkiola Natural Park. A large and majestic limestone barrier with breathtaking ridges and panoramas! Deep valleys inhabited by free-roaming cows and pottocks, ravines and peaks that touch the clouds... A natural park well equipped for hiking, for all levels. From family walks to real alpine hiking, there is something for everyone. Here we go ?

The Toki Alai Park Visitor Center

Our expedition begins at the park information center, where you will find brochures, visiting tips and weather information. Be careful because conditions change quickly in the mountains and even if the weather may seem mild, you need to find out so as not to be surprised by the clouds. We were lucky and set off with fog in sight, which quickly cleared, allowing us to climb to the top of Anboto's highest ridge. The Urkiola Natural Park Reception and Interpretation Center is located 200 meters from the Urkiola pass. Park in the car park and walk up, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the ridges. A permanent exhibition is available to learn more about the fauna, local flora and geography, geology of the place. A wealth of information for those who like to observe nature. Activities are organized in season for the general public, guided hikes, bird watching outings, mushroom identification … Farms, caves, sanctuaries, parish churches, there are many points of interest to discover.

Hike to Anboto

We left the park on foot, heading towards the Sanctuario de Urkiola. Walk around the 19^th century building, there is a café where you can have a quick drink before leaving or on your way back. It is a starting point for many routes.

We continue towards the mountains, the route is well signposted. At this point if you stay at the foot of the mountains, the hike is quite charming and easy for families. If you like sporting challenges, go well equipped and plan to go to the summit of Antobo. You need something to eat, cover yourself, water and very good shoes to climb the rock like an ibex! Click to see the topo guide for this approximately 13km hike to Anboto.

The Pol-pol fountain (for the noise it makes when falling !) is one of the water points on the road. We missed it on the way out but were delighted to find it on the way back, especially to cool off because it was very hot ! It is a very ferruginous spring advertised as drinkable but we had doubts and did not drink it. Find out more at the information center and take some water with you.

Continue on the plateau, you will come across familiar cows and Pottocks, Basque horses or rather ponies which move in small groups. They look nice, but remember that they are wild animals and not particularly domesticated. Stay away to protect yourself and not scare them. Don't try to pet them ! These are animals of very ancient origin in the Basque mountains; rock representations have been found in certain caves.

Look for signs that indicate the start of the climb to Anboto. It is just before a slight descent into the valley. Get ready, it's going to get tough. The path is not always easy to find, but it is not very complicated, because it is always straight ahead and towards the top ! You will come across wild goats in herds, with beautiful horns, stay at a distance... Arrived a few dozen meters from the summit, you come close to climbing, but it is not dangerous provided you have your feet on, good shoes and the habit of using his hands to climb on all fours in places.

You reach the summit, breathe, observe, it’s magnificent ! We love these landscapes and spent time enjoying them. You can walk along the ridge, but I don't recommend it to those who are not used to mountains or climbing. You can more easily go to the right to reach the highest point which gives you a 180 degree view of the entire park.

We came back down the same way and walked the path to the parking lot. The descent is quicker and easier than the climb, except for weak knees! Remember to hydrate well throughout the hike, because although it is not long, the altitude difference is tough (around 800m positive).

There are other starting points for hikes in the park, to reach other peaks. You will find them on your favorite hiking application and all the information is available in the information center! We wish you wonderful hikes in the Urkiola Natural Park!

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