Attractions and Places To See around Urdaibai - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Urdaibai, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Basque Country, offer a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This region is characterized by its diverse ecosystems, including estuaries, wetlands, cliffs, and beaches along the Bay of Biscay coast. It serves as a critical habitat for birdlife and marine species, making it a significant natural area. Urdaibai provides opportunities to explore historical landmarks and experience Basque culture within its varied landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Urdaibai
- The most popular attractions is Santa Catalina Hermitage and Mundaka Harbor, a religious building and settlement that features a picturesque coastal town and a hermitage on a wild cape. This spot offers views of the sea and cliffs, alongside a colorful old town.
- Another must-see spot is Oma Forest, a unique forest art installation. This work by Agustín Ibarrola features painted trees, creating an "enchanted forest" experience with geometric motifs and figures.
- Visitors also love Artzubi Bridge, a Romanesque bridge from the 16th century. This well-preserved historical site is part of the Camino de Santiago and blends into its natural surroundings.
- Urdaibai is known for its diverse natural features, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. The region offers a variety of attractions, from birdwatching spots and beaches to ancient caves and unique art installations.
- The attractions around Urdaibai are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and over 40 photos shared across 82 highlights.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
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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Guernica Mural in Gernika
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Santa Catalina Hermitage and Mundaka Harbor
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Old Tree of Gernika (Gernikako Arbola)
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Oma Forest
Highlight • Forest
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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Popular around Urdaibai
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Picturesque old town with a relaxed surfer vibe
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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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The legend that attributes the name of Mundaca to the Latin expression munda aqua (clean water). This legend appears in the Chronicle of Vizcaya written by Lope García de Salazar in the 15th century. According to this story, a ship from Scotland arrived on the coast of Mundaca carrying a princess who had been banished from her land. The Scots called the place Munda aqua in their Latin language (sic) since they found a very clean source of water that contrasted with the murky waters of the Urdaibai estuary.
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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 natural attractions can I explore in Urdaibai?
Urdaibai, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the Urdaibai Estuary and Wetlands, a critical habitat for birdlife. Don't miss the iconic Santa Catalina Hermitage and Mundaka Harbor, offering stunning sea views. The region also boasts beautiful beaches like Laga and Laida, popular for surfing and relaxation. For panoramic vistas, head to Cape Matxitxako or enjoy the Views over the Urdaibai marsh.
Are there good hiking opportunities in Urdaibai?
Yes, Urdaibai offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels. You can find easy walks, such as the 'Visitor center – Oma Forest loop from Ereño' or the 'Santa Catalina Peninsula – Mundaka Port loop from Bermeo'. For more options, explore the 'Easy hikes around Urdaibai' guide on komoot, which features several routes like the 'Church of Santo Tomás – Artzubi Bridge loop from Mendata'.
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in Urdaibai?
Urdaibai is home to significant historical and cultural landmarks. Explore Gernika-Lumo, a town steeped in history, featuring the Meeting House and Tree of Gernika, and the Gernika Peace Museum. You can also see the Guernica Mural in Gernika. The Santimamiñe Cave is an important archaeological site with ancient cave paintings, accessible via a 3D guided tour. Don't forget the 16th-century Artzubi Bridge, part of the Camino de Santiago.
Are there family-friendly activities in Urdaibai?
Absolutely! Families can enjoy the unique Oma Forest, an outdoor art installation with painted trees that creates an 'enchanted forest' experience. The Urdaibai Bird Center in Gautegiz Arteaga is a fantastic spot for birdwatching and learning about the region's diverse bird population. Many viewpoints, like the Views over the Urdaibai marsh, are also easily accessible for families.
Where can I go birdwatching in Urdaibai?
The Urdaibai Estuary and Wetlands are a prime location for birdwatching, serving as a critical habitat for over 200 native and migratory species. The Urdaibai Bird Center in Gautegiz Arteaga is specifically designed for this, offering observatories and educational exhibits to help you spot black storks, herons, eagles, and many other birds.
What unique art installations or 'hidden gems' can I find in the region?
A truly unique experience is the Oma Forest (Painted Forest), an outdoor art installation by Agustín Ibarrola where trees are painted with geometric motifs and figures. This 'enchanted forest' offers a distinctive blend of art and nature. Another gem is the vertically built village of Elantxobe, preserving its seafaring soul on a slope facing the sea.
Can I find easy walking trails in Urdaibai?
Yes, Urdaibai offers several easy walking trails perfect for a relaxed exploration. You can find routes like the 'View from San Pedro de Atxarre loop from Elantxobe' or the 'Arteaga Castle – Urdaibai Bird Center loop from Urdaibaiko biosfera erreserba'. For more options, check out the 'Easy hikes around Urdaibai' guide on komoot, which provides details on various accessible paths.
What are the best beaches in Urdaibai?
Urdaibai is home to beautiful sandy beaches. Laga Beach, located at the foot of Cape Ogoño, is a wild and picturesque spot, often described as paradise and very popular for surfing. Laida Beach is another well-known option, notable for how its size and shape change with the tides.
When is the best time to visit Urdaibai for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Urdaibai for outdoor activities generally depends on your preferences. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring, with lush landscapes and active bird migration. Summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches and water sports, though it can be busier. Winter provides a quieter experience, especially for birdwatching, as many migratory species arrive.
What kind of cycling routes are available in Urdaibai?
Urdaibai provides diverse cycling opportunities. You can find challenging MTB trails, such as 'Katillotxu a Matxitxako – circular por Vista de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe desde Bermeo', or 'Centro BTT Urdaibai Ruta 8 – Reserva de la Biosfera de Urdaibai'. There are also gravel biking routes like 'La Nevera de Neberondo – Neverondo Ice House loop from Durango'. Explore the 'MTB Trails around Urdaibai' and 'Gravel biking around Urdaibai' guides on komoot for detailed route information.
What is special about the town of Gernika-Lumo?
Gernika-Lumo is a town of profound historical and cultural significance, symbolizing Basque identity and freedom. It's famous for the 1937 bombing during the Spanish Civil War, an event immortalized by Picasso's painting. Visitors can see the Meeting House and Tree of Gernika, a historic assembly point, and the Gernika Peace Museum. A reproduction of Picasso's famous Guernica Mural in Gernika is also on display.
Where can I experience the maritime history of Urdaibai?
To experience Urdaibai's rich maritime history, visit Bermeo, a charming medieval fishing village. Explore its historic port, narrow streets, and traditional fishermen's houses. The Ercilla Tower is a notable example of its past. Mundaka, famous for its 'left wave' surfing, also offers a glimpse into coastal life with its picturesque old town and the Santa Catalina Hermitage and Mundaka Harbor.
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