A car route to discover Enkarterri
Dominated by evocative landscapes formed by mountains and valleys, the inner areas of Bilbao Biscay are authentic natural paradises
Even the most remote places are easily accessible by car having Bilbao as a base. This circular route around Enkarterri will show you the essence of our culture, the heritage our ancestors passed down to us, the wonders of the nature that surround us, and the peacefulness that characterises our rural towns and villages
Enkarterri, one of the largest regions of Bilbao Biscay, extends at the westernmost part of Bilbao Bizkaia, less than 30 km away from Bilbao by car. The first stop on our trip to explore the most special places of Enkarterri is made in Sopuerta, where the little ones will have plenty of fun among trees in Sopuerta Abentura.
Alternatively, if you just want to enjoy a relaxing time, you can take a detour to visit Galdames, where the Torre Loizaga exhibits a spectacular collection of classic cars, among which we can see elegant Rolls-Royces from all decades.
As we continue towards the west, in the region of Karrantza, there is a place that will thrill young and old alike: Karpin Abentura, a wildlife rescue centre that allows you to have a close look at bears, panthers, deer, kangaroos, ostriches, wolves, birds of prey, and all the other animals that are being rehabilitated or living there. On top of that, the centre has a whole section dedicated to the most distinguishable dinosaurs of the Jurassic. Tyrannosaurus rex included!
A few kilometres further on, we get to Pozalagua, one of the geological wonders of Biscay. Situated in Las Peñas de Ranero, this cave was discovered accidentally, and it is one of the few places in the whole world where you can see eccentric stalactites. Such is the sublime beauty of the sight offered by the formations that have been growing for millennia under the ground that one of its spaces is known as the Versailles Hall.
The Pozalagua Cave lies at the edge of Armañón Natural Park, one of the most singular natural spaces in Biscay. Its particular climate prompts the growth of plant species such as holm oaks and beech trees that are very uncommon in Biscay. A clear example of this is the Encinar de Sopeña. In addition, its karstic mountains, pierced by over 200 caves, are home to a large number of birds of prey, like eagles or vultures, and bats. Enjoying this rich ecosystem is also possible thanks to the several country trails that run across the park.
Continuing towards the western end of Biscay, we get to Lanestosa, a small town that keeps preserving its medieval charm. We can still appreciate its medieval layout on the narrow streets, and its palaces manifest the importance the town had in the past as a key commercial enclave of the Lordship of Biscay.
In the direction of Bilbao is Balmaseda, the first municipality in Biscay. It was a crossroads in the Middle Ages, and the relevance the town had back in the day is evidenced by the Puente Viejo, built in the 13th century to bridge the River Cadagua; by the imposing presence of the Church of San Severino; by the spectacular Gothic style of the church of San Juan; and by the palaces that ornament the medieval old town. Boinas La Encartada Museum is another must-visit, an entertaining way to learn about the past of the textile industry in Balmaseda.
The next step on the journey will take us to one of the most significant places for the identity of Biscay, the Casa de Juntas of Abellaneda. The same as in Gernika, the representatives of the different villages of Enkarterri gathered together to make government decisions. The Casa de Juntas accommodates Las Encartaciones Museum, containing a vast collection of items that explains the nature, the history, and the idiosyncrasy of the region.
Following the road towards the east, we get to two of the most important and historic towns in Enkarterri: Zalla and Güeñes. The former stands out due to a precious historic legacy, with palaces and churches scattered all over the town. In the latter, apart from visiting the singular houses and palaces built by the Indianos–the immigrants who made their fortunes in America–, you must visit Arenatzarte, a botanical garden that includes specimens of great ecological and landscape value, where we can also find interesting avant-garde sculptures.
Before returning to Bilbao, you can make a stop at El Pobal Ironworks, in Muskiz, where you can see the work carried out by the blacksmiths that brought fame to Biscay first-hand. Last but not least, nothing can beat a visit to La Arena Beach to finish the trip with a refreshing bath in the Cantabrian Sea, weather permitting, or or walk along the Itsaslur Greenway. A spectacular route hanging over the cliffs of the westernmost coast of Bizkaia.
