Route 10: Vineyards, towers, and castles

Txakoli is a drink with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, and it will be your travel companion on this route as you discover the charm of the most picturesque medieval finds.

You will dive into the fascinating Uribe region through its Medieval Route, which will lead you through the area’s most noteworthy medieval heritage, full of towers, fortresses, and castles.

Route map

Stages of the route

  • Stage 1 Butrón Castle

    The route begins with an outdoor visit to the impressive Butrón Castle located in Gatika.

    This castle is surrounded by an impressive oakwood forest that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Its origins go back to the 13th century when it was simply a modest tower-house of the Lords Butrón. It became Bizkaia’s unique, impregnable castle in the 14th century.

    The castle’s interior cannot be visited currently, although it is very much worth the effort. You can also enjoy a pleasant stroll around the area in an environment with great ecological value.

    Information about accessibility: Butrón Castle

  • Stage 2 Visit to a Txakoli winery (Multiple options to choose from)

    After exploring these valleys’ beautiful landscapes and stepping into life in the Middle Ages, take some time to check out a txakoli bodega and discover the secrets of this character-rich wine steeped in the region’s many traditions.

    There are various txakoli producers in the region that provide tours, so there are many bodegas to choose from:

    Magalarte Zamudio, a small, family-run bodega with a long wine-making tradition that goes back to the 19th century. Today, the torch is carried by the sixth generation, following the family txakoli producing legacy for the last century. Visiting this bodega means understanding a family’s history while wine tasting among the vines. They offer tours with different kinds of tastings.

    https://bodegamagalartezamudio.com/enoturismo/

    Magalarte Lezama is a bodega that is deeply rooted in txakoli production, and shares its 19th-century family origins with the previously-mentioned bodega. It is located in a traditional country house in Lezama among vineyards you can stroll through during your visit and taste excellent wines while travelling back in time with family lore.

    https://magalartelezamatxakolina.com/

    Gorka Izagirre is a family-run bodega located among the vineyards in Larrabetzu. It is located within the Azurmendi culinary complex. The bodega offers guided tours that include a wine tasting paired with different products inspired by traditional hamaiketako.

    https://www.gorkaizagirre.com/visitas-catas-bodega/

    After your bodega visit, enjoy a culinary experience that has earned 3 Michelin stars by eating at restaurante Azurmendi de Eneko Atxa right next to the bodega https://azurmendi.restaurant/

    Another great option is Bodegas Butroi https://butroi.com/ , which offers group tours. If you decide on visiting this bodega, we recommend you stop here after visiting Butrón Castle but before Mungia, as this is a shorter route.

    Francisco Uriarte’s great-grandparents began planting vineyards and producing wine at Caserío Eguzkitza in Fika in the late 19th century. At Bodegas Uriarte, they understand that taste in wines and how to pair them with food is something very personal. Thanks to their experience and love of a job well done, they offer a glimpse into innovations full of personality, without forgetting the most acclaimed classics. https://bizkaikotxakolina.eus/bodegas/uriarte/

  • Stage 3 Mungia

    If you have time, we recommend you make a stop in Mungia during your trip.

    Here you will find another stop on the Medieval Route: Torrebillela

    Mungia is also home to Bizkaia’s oldest baserri - Landetxo Goikoa, which was built in 1510. This traditional Basque country house offers guided tours and is set up as a performance centre for Basque mythology.

  • Stage 4 Zamudio - Lunch

    The next stop is Zamudio.

    This town in the Txorierri valley has preserved its traditions and heritage, including its renowned gastronomic products—cider and txakoli—references to which date back to 1679.

    Zamudio is also a point along the Coastal Route of the Way of Saint James. A visit to the Arteaga neighbourhood reveals its historic centre, where some of the most intriguing buildings are located, or you can head to Zamudio Tower, a medieval defensive structure near the parish church that now houses the municipal library. For a bite to eat, we suggest enjoying the diverse gastronomic offerings at its steakhouses and restaurants.

  • Stage 5 Lezama – Goitioltza promenade

    There’s nothing better after a meal than a nice walk along the Paseo Goitioltza, in Lezama.

    This low-difficulty, 7.7 km trail runs through txakoli vineyards and past traditional country homes.

    More information: https://www.lezama.eus/es-ES/Turismo/Rutas/Paginas/default.aspx

  • Stage 6 Lezama- Athletic Bilbao training camps

    This trail ends at the Athletic football club training camp in Lezama. If you’re a fan of the team or football in general, don’t miss this opportunity to visit Athetic’s facilities. This pitch in Lezama is now home to the old San Mamés arch.
    Sometimes they have open houses and training sessions that are open to the public, and the little ones can enjoy Campus del Athletic in the summer.

    Curiosity: A veces se realizan jornadas de puertas abiertas y entrenamientos abiertos al público y en verano se realiza un Campus del Athletic para los más pequeños.

Alternatives

If you fancy it or have extra time, consider following the Medieval Route to visit Anguleri Palace in Larrabetzu or the monthly market of local gastronomic products, held on the first Saturday of every month in Zamudio.

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