Attractions and Places To See around Kortezubi - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Kortezubi, located within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve in Bizkaia, offer a blend of prehistoric heritage, artistic expressions, and diverse natural landscapes. This region is characterized by its ecological diversity, encompassing marshlands, holm oak forests, and Atlantic countryside. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from ancient caves to unique art installations.
Best attractions and places to see around Kortezubi
- The most popular attractions is Santa Catalina Hermitage and Mundaka Harbor, a religious…
Last updated: August 2, 2026
Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza
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Guernica Mural in Gernika
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Artzubi Bridge
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The itinerary of the Camino de Santiago from the north or from the coast runs over it.
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Old Tree of Gernika (Gernikako Arbola)
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Oma Forest
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Recreation of Picasso's famous painting. The original can be seen in Madrid.
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The Oma Forest - Omako basoa in Basque - is also known as the painted forest, the enchanted forest or even the Ibarrola Forest. Its most common name - Oma Forest - refers to the district in which it is located, which belongs to the municipality of Kortezubi. This original work of art was created between 1982 and 1985, when the Basque painter and sculptor Agustín Ibarrola used the trunks of trees as a kind of canvas for a total of 47 images. On them he painted animals, geometric figures and people, or just parts of them, such as eyes and lips. In addition, many of the compositions do not consist of a single tree, but must be viewed in the context of several tree trunks. To do this, you must pay attention to the signs on the ground that tell the viewer where to stand in order to enjoy the whole image.
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When the Condor attacked, the residents of Guernica tried to protect the tree with their bodies because it is sacred to the Basques. Even today, elected politicians have to swear their loyalty to the Basque Country at an oak tree that stands a few meters away.
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A peaceful, pretty and quiet walk. Recommended with children.
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In 1982, artist Agustín Ibarrola began painting the pine trees in the forest near his homestead with the intention of using the landscape as a canvas to give continuity to his artistic expression. It is at this moment when he decides to break the law of perspective and transgress the three-dimensionality of a white line until it becomes two-dimensional. From then on, he explored the possibilities offered by the arrangement of the forest trees, playing with the different planes of depth and creating artistic sets composed of human figures, curves or straight lines, and circles of intense colors. The ideas and concepts that it develops become more complex and advances in various directions as the painted forest expands. With the help of two students from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the UPV/EHU, he carried out a large part of the work that was open to the public until 2018, at which time the biological cycle of the forest came to an end. Given the importance that the work had acquired, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia began the process of making the Forest last, for which it had from the first moment the support of the artist who had made clear his desire for the forest to survive. In this way and in order to preserve El Bosque de Oma, the Ibarrola work has been moved to a new location, also recovering original artistic ensembles lost due to felling, attacks and natural tree falls. Today we can enjoy El Bosque de Oma more complete and more faithful to the artist's original idea.
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The Forest of Oma is one of the best-known works of the Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola and is an expression of the artistic movement known as Art and Nature, which emerged in the late sixties of the 20th century and whose purpose is to convey artistic work to the natural environment, using the landscape as a framework, support and raw material for the artist. The work, located in the town of Kortezubi (Bizkaia), is made up of several sets of geometric motifs and figures painted on the trunk of radiata pine trees. The use of natural living supports, the play of two-three-dimensionality and the experience of placing the visitor at the center of the work of art through his discovery, as well as the diversity of responses it proposes, make this work a reference of the Art and Nature movement and of Basque Art in particular.
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Wall reproduction of Picasso's painting "Guernica" exhibited at the Reina Sofía Museum in Paris.
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Gernikako Arbola is an oak tree in the Basque city of Gernika.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural attractions to explore around Kortezubi?
Kortezubi is part of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, offering diverse natural landscapes. A truly unique spot is the Oma Forest, also known as the Painted Forest, where trees are adorned with vibrant designs by artist Agustín Ibarrola, creating a fusion of art and nature. The reserve also features significant marshlands and Cantabrian holm oak forests.
Are there any historical or cultural sites worth visiting near Kortezubi?
Absolutely. You can visit the Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza, an ancient collegiate church and National Monument that was an important stop on the Way of St. James. Another historical gem is the Artzubi Bridge, a beautiful 16th-century Romanesque bridge also part of the Camino de Santiago route.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Kortezubi's attractions?
The area around Kortezubi is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, including touring bicycle and road cycling options. For example, explore the 'Tour of Biscay: Urdaibai Coast Loop' or the 'Biscay Tour Trail: Gernika - Elantxobe Loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Cycling around Kortezubi and Road Cycling Routes around Kortezubi guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Kortezubi area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Oma Forest is a magical experience for all ages with its painted trees. The Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza is also considered family-friendly, offering a peaceful and pretty walk. Additionally, the Basondo Wildlife Refuge, near Santimamiñe Caves and Oma Forest, provides an opportunity to see local wildlife.
What is the best time to visit Kortezubi for outdoor activities?
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, where Kortezubi is located, offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter activities are limited, but the region's natural beauty can still be appreciated.
Where can I see prehistoric art or archaeological sites?
Kortezubi is renowned for its prehistoric heritage. The Santimamiñe Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a crucial archaeological site housing prehistoric remains and impressive animal paintings dating back over 14,000 years. While direct access to the painted areas may be restricted for preservation, the site offers a significant glimpse into ancient history.
What is the significance of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve?
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is a protected area of exceptional ecological and landscape diversity. It encompasses various ecosystems, including marshlands, Cantabrian holm oak forests, and Atlantic countryside. The marshlands along the Oka River estuary are particularly important, serving as a tranquil natural paradise and a vital habitat for numerous species.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around Kortezubi?
Yes, the area offers several scenic spots. The Santa Catalina Hermitage and Mundaka Harbor provides beautiful views of the sea and cliffs from a wild cape. The Artzubi Bridge, nestled in the forest, also offers picturesque scenery, especially when viewed from the riverbank.
Can I find any unique art installations or cultural expressions in the region?
Definitely. The Oma Forest is a prime example, featuring trees painted with vibrant designs as a unique 'Land-art' creation by Agustín Ibarrola. This site offers a distinctive fusion of art and nature, with over 800 painted trees forming 34 distinct artistic groups.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Kortezubi?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of prehistoric heritage, artistic expressions, and diverse natural landscapes. The unique experience of the Oma Forest and the historical significance of sites like the Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza are frequently highlighted. The picturesque coastal town of Mundaka and its hermitage also receive high praise for their views and charm.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting near Kortezubi?
Yes, the Basondo Wildlife Refuge, located near the Santimamiñe Caves and Oma Forest, is dedicated to threatened wildlife. It provides a habitat for local species such as wild boars, deer, foxes, wildcats, and otters, and is involved in reintroduction programs for species like wolves and European bison. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve itself is rich in biodiversity, especially its marshlands.
What is the Guernica Mural in Gernika, and is it related to Kortezubi?
The Guernica Mural in Gernika is a reproduction of Picasso's famous painting, commemorating the 1937 bombing of Gernika during the Spanish Civil War. While Gernika is a nearby town, it's an important historical and cultural site within the broader region, easily accessible from Kortezubi and often included in regional tours.
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