Route 5: Nature, mythology, and Txakoli
Take a fascinating journey through the Durangaldea region. This Bizkaia administrative region has its own, deep-rooted identity. Here, exuberant nature, magical mythology, and vibrant txakoli culture intertwine.
Durangaldea is steeped in the legends of lamias and mythological beings, but most important is Mari, the Basque Goddess of Earth and Nature. Mari inhabits all Basque mountains, yet a cave in Mount Anboto is her most important dwelling. They say that when clouds shroud Anboto’s peak, that means Mari is “home”.
Route map
Route 5: Nature, mythology, and Txakoli
Stages of the route
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Stage 1 Urkiola Sanctuary
Your route begins in the Urkiola Sanctuary, a sacred place of great historical and spiritual importance that is surrounded by majestic mountains and dates back to the 8th-11th centuries. Before the arrival of Christianity, this site was already considered sacred by our ancestors.
Just a few metres from the Urkiola Sanctuary through a lovely forest you will find the Three Crosses Lookout.
Take in the view. Contemplate the panoramic beauty of the environment and marvel at the vastness of the nature that surrounds you.
You will find an informative panel in front of the lookout that will help you identify the surrounding mountains.
Curiosity: INTERESTING NOTE: One of the Sanctuary’s most curious aspects is a peculiar stone that can be found out front. Although locals believe that it is a meteorite, it is actually an iron mineral. According to local legend, if singles walk around the stone, they will attract good fortune and find their perfect partner. It is a ritual that has been passed down from generation to generation, and many people still believe in its magical power.
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Stage 2 Natural Park of Urkiola
We encourage you to explore the untouched nature of Urkiola with an outdoor activity. You can choose between a wide variety of options: explore natural paths on foot, bicycle, or horseback. Test your skills with rock climbing or orienteering. Get a first-person perspective on local traditions like pastoring or enjoy family activities... Whatever you choose, you will be immersed in the magic of this unique natural environment.
Discover all the available options at https://durangaldeaturismoa.eus/es/experiencias-durangaldea-turismo/
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Stage 3 Visit to a Txakoli winery (Multiple options to choose from)
After enjoying a morning in nature, dive into the world of txakoli.
This region has many bodegas to choose from.
At Txakoli Arritxola in Durango, you can learn about txakoli history and the wine-making process in its museum, and learn about viticulture’s connection to the Goddess Mari https://txakoliarritxola.com/?page_id=170
At Bodegas Lapazaran in Muxica, quite close to Durango, you can discover the secrets of txakoli at a family-friendly bodega located in a spectacular vineyard environment surrounded by majestic mountains.
Another option is Bodega Etxerriaga in Amorebieta. This small family bodega is a country house that offers a quite unique experience as it produces txakoli as well as cider. You can taste both, and stroll through their vineyards and apple orchards. https://tienda.etxerriaga.eus/visita-bodega-de-txakoli-bizkaia-enoturismo-bizkaia/
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Stage 4 Durango lunch
When it’s time to eat, we have various recommendations depending on the bodega you have visited. You may choose to have lunch at one of the restaurants in Durango. Another option is Amorebieta, or Bodega Etxerriaga, where you can also taste some of the products they produce at their country house.
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Stage 5 Durango - Visit
After your meal, explore Durango's historic streets and medieval charm. Follow the self-guided tour https://www.turismodurango.net/es/recorrido-audioguiado to discover the city’s best-kept secrets and visit noteworthy points of interest. Plus, you may choose to pick up a few things and shop regional products in local stores.
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Stage 6 Elorrio
The route ends with a visit to Elorrio. Elorrio’s old town is a true treasure, with stone streets, palaces, and stately homes like the Casa Lariz, as well as imposing monuments like the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, which stands out due to its architectural beauty and historical significance.
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Stage 7 Argineta Necropolis
If you still have a little time and night hasn’t yet fallen, don’t miss a visit to the Argineta Necropolis in the Zenita neighbourhood outside Elorrio. This is the most important funerary site of its kind in the Basque Country, with a collection of stelae and tombs dating back to the 7th and 8th century. It is a fascinating archaeological site that will transport you back in time while learning about ancient burial traditions.
https://www.elorrioturismo.eus/en/what-to-do-in-elorrio/guided-visits-in-elorrio/
Alternatives
If travelling as a family, you have a wide variety of options to enjoy in this area: Try visiting Durango as a family, the Arrazola Green Route, herding for a day, Belaze zaporeak…
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