Urdaibai estuary and Biosphere Reserve: Beauty in the Basque Country, Spain

The Urdaibai estuary is located in the Basque Country of northern Spain, a place of beauty, as well as an important Biosphere Reserve. 

[Photo by Gaizka Peñafiel/CC BY-NC 2.0]

Situated on the Bay of Biscay, the reserve covers an area of approximately 85 square miles. Towns in the area include Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika. The landscape consists of a salt marsh, hugged by high and sheer cliffs, with a surrounding countryside of meadows, leafy woods and oak groves.

The coastal area also includes wonderful golden sandy beaches. While the economy of the surrounding area is involved in fishing, farming and forestry, an important tourist sector has grown due to the quality of these local beaches. The beach in the town of Mundaka is particularly popular with surfers from all over the world.

The coastal area also includes wonderful golden sandy beaches. While the economy of the surrounding area is involved in fishing, farming and forestry, an important tourist sector has grown due to the quality of these local beaches. The beach in the town of Mundaka is particularly popular with surfers from all over the world.

Photo by Arrano / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In the area much history is to be found with remains from the Prehistoric, Roman and Middle Ages, including the Santimamiñe cave, considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the Basque Country. The cave is best known for its fascinating mural paintings of the Magdalenian period, which depict images of horses, deer, goats and bisons.

The history of Mundaka is also an interesting one and the town was the birthplace of Juan Zuria, son of a Scottish princess who became the first Lord of Biscay, while the name of the town apparently has Danish origins. There is evidence that the Vikings arrived in the area around 900 years ago. In the center of the town the port looks out to sea, surrounded by the original, medieval fishermen’s houses.

Within the Biosphere Reserve and close to the Urdaibai estuary and Mundaka, can be found the “Painted Forest of Oma,” a beautiful work of art perfect for a day-trip and enjoyable stroll.

Photo CC by-SA Danel Solabarrieta

While visiting the Urdaibai estuary, Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika are the best towns to find comfortable accommodation in either a small hotel or rural bed and breakfast, with plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas.