Valle Salado de Añana Dive into a world of salt, nature and tradition

VALLE SALADO DE AÑANA – ALAVA

A historic site in the heart of the Spanish Basque Country

The Valle Salado de Añana, located in the province of Álava, in the Spanish Basque Country, is one of the oldest cultural landscapes in Europe still in use. This unique site bears witness to more than 7,000 years of salt exploitation through a dense network of canals, evaporation basins and wooden structures that sculpt the relief in a unique way. The whole constitutes a remarkable example of human adaptation to his environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Artisanal salt production still active

Salt production in Añana is based on ancestral know-how, passed down from generation to generation. Fed by natural saline springs, wooden platforms allow for water evaporation and salt harvesting using traditional methods. Visitors can observe the various stages of the process, from channeling the water to crystallization in the basins. This artisanal salt production is now recognized for its quality and limited environmental impact.

A model of sustainable management and heritage enhancement

The Valle Salado de Añana Foundation is responsible for the preservation and enhancement of the site. It coordinates salt pan restoration activities, promotes environmentally friendly operations, and organizes educational guided tours. The goal is to maintain economic activity around the Añana salt, while raising public awareness of the region's rich heritage and environmental heritage.

An educational and sensory experience

The site is open to the public year-round, with guided tours suitable for all ages. The tour provides insight into the history of the site, how the facilities operate, and the cultural importance of salt production in this valley. Visitors can also participate in salt harvesting workshops or treat themselves to a wellness break with treatments using local mineral salt.

A preserved natural environment

The Salado Valley is nestled in a valley surrounded by semi-arid landscapes, rare in northern Spain. The region's unique climate, characterized by low humidity and long hours of sunshine, favors water evaporation and salt production. This microclimate has also allowed for the development of a specific biodiversity, with the presence of plant and animal species adapted to a saline environment.

What to discover around the Valle Salado de Añana

Near the Valle Salado de Añana , there are many opportunities for visitors. The hiking trails of the Valderejo Natural Park allow you to discover cliffs , forests and varied wildlife, such as the griffon vulture. Traditional villages such as Salinas de Añana or Espejo reveal a well-preserved rural heritage.

Local markets and small producers offer local products: cheeses, honey, Rioja Alavesa wines or truffles. Less than 30 km away, Vitoria-Gasteiz seduces with its medieval old town, its museums and its lively streets.

The surrounding rivers and valleys provide a setting conducive to relaxing in the heart of nature and observing local biodiversity.