Urkiola Natural Park

Urkiola Natural Park spreads across the Durangaldea area of Bizkaia. It is a landscape of contrasts: dense woodlands, steep rock faces and dramatic mountain ridges, dominated by Mount Anboto, which rises to 1,331 metres above sea level.

What sets Urkiola apart from other natural spaces in the Basque Country is its deep connection to local mythology and spiritual tradition. Mount Anboto is home to the cave of Mari, the central deity of Basque mythology, whose legendary presence has shaped the identity of this territory for centuries. At the heart of the park stands the Sanctuary of Urkiola, a place of worship with pre-Christian origins, surrounded by local legends tied to its stones and surroundings.

Visitors wishing to explore the park can make use of the Toki Alai Interpretation Centre (Parketxe), which houses a permanent interactive exhibition on the park's natural and cultural heritage, as well as information on hiking routes and points of interest throughout the area.