Nature is at its best in Urkiola. As you climb your way up, the leafy forests give way to the meadows and their grazing animals. At the summit, the trees are replaced by rocks, which creates a landscape with powerful contrasts.
What makes Urkiola unique is the geography itself: a perfect blend of mountains, rocks and valleys. The rugged terrain is home to 137 animal species and 700 different plants and trees.
The park’s main meeting point is the Shrine of San Antonio Abad and San Antonio de Padua, aka Santuario de Urkiola. It is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every year. If you are single and walk three times around the giant rock in front of the chapel, you will meet your significant other soon. You can leave your car at the nearby car park.
Hiking and climbing are the two most popular outdoor activities in Urkiola. There are trails for all ages. Best known are those with starting points in Saibigain and Urkiolagirre, but you can also try others, like Atxarte-Asuntze, Atxarte-Txakurzulo-Atxarte or Astitxi-Alluitz. Footpaths are divided into Gran Recorrido (GR, long distance), Pequeño Recorrido (PR, short distance) or Senderos Locales (SL, local trails), for all kinds of hikes.
The vertical slopes in Atxa, Urresti and Alluitz are the most popular among mountaineers. Legend has it that when Mount Anboto is wrapped in clouds, goddess Mari is back home, in the caves of Bolinkoba and Baltzola, or by the Jentilzubi Bridge.
Routes
For a hike in full contact with nature, try climbing Mount Urkiolagirre (1008m) –a three-hour walk affording stunning views of Urkiola’s forests, mounts and grasslands.
When you reach the summit, take your time to soak up the splendour of nature in Urkiola Nature Park and its wonderful landscape
The hike begins at the chapel. Get to the fence and set off on your way up, amidst silver birches and meadows commanding breathtaking views of the park and the majestic summit of Mount Alluitz. You will reach the top in about 30 minutes.
Take your time at the top. Breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the show of nature around you. Then walk down Asuntze Hill, where you will spot the trail leading to the chapel of Santa Bárbara de Larrano (15 minutes’ walk). The chapel affords great views of the Atxondo Valley and the towering peak of Alluitz.
Back from Asuntze, drink some of the icy water from the Pol-Pol fountain. Follow the path around the southern slopes of Mount Urkiolagirre to get back to the starting point.