Ekoetxea Urdaibai- Madariaga Tower
Ekoetxea Urdaibai is a centre for highlighting biodiversity, and with this objective, and through exhibitions and educational activities, it informs and educates visitors about the importance of biological diversity and promotes its approach to people.
It is located in Busturia, in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, one of the places with the largest number of ecosystems in the Basque Country and occupies a unique building known as the Clock Tower, which dates back to 1851. In addition, due to its strategic location, you can see the entire area of the Urdaibai estuary.
At Ekoetxea Urdaibai you will find an endless number of activities for all audiences, but with special attention to children. All focused on promoting knowledge and respect for biodiversity.
Location
General and/or specific data
- Ekoetxea Urdaibai is an environmental centre located in the Madariaga Tower, that dates back to before the 15th century and was built at the time of the war of the factions.
- The tower is located in the heart of the only Biosphere Reserve in the Basque Country.
Information about accessibility
A Good Idea
Another centre where you can enjoy nature is Urdaibai Bird Centre. It is a large bird research centre and a privileged observatory of the marsh where birds set the course. It is a space open to the public and a mandatory stop for ornithology lovers and for all those who enjoy the spectacle of nature.
It is located in Gautegiz Arteaga, in the very heart of the Reserve and with breathtaking views.
It is a centre managed by the Aranzadi Science Society dedicated to research and scientific dissemination of birds, their migrations and the habitats where they live.
Did you know?
Ekoetxea is the Network of Environmental Centres of the Basque Country, with an offer of unique experiences for all audiences in emblematic places, aimed at improving awareness of the importance of caring for the environment and taking action with the acquisition of sustainable habits on a daily basis. The network is managed by the Basque Government through its public company Ihobe.
In the Basque Country, of the four centres that exist, two of them are in Bizkaia. In addition to Ekoetxea Urdaibai, Bizkaia has Ekoetxea Meatzaldea, an environmental centre that has two headquarters located in the municipalities of Ortuella (Peñas Negras) and Abanto-Zierbena (Gallarta), which are characterised by being immersed in a unique landscape full of contrasts, due to the karst landscape and the transformation of the environment by human industrial activity.