Route 7: The Arratia Valley Enjoy Rural charm amongst mountains and meadows The gigantic Mount Gorbeia majestically keeps watch over the valleys which surround it. The shepherds and their sheep learnt, many centuries ago, to recognise the Bilbao best hillsides with fresh grass. This route is immersive, experiential, unique. Savour, herd, and then submerge AP-8 25km yourself in the thermal waters or in dams which appear 34’ straight off a postcard. Arratia is rugged, authentic and special. We leave Bilbao towards the the Galdakao Arratia Valley which winds its way N-240 between the tips of Gorbeia and El An- boto. Take the AP-8 towards Donostia/ San Sebastián, take exit 105 to Galda- Igorre kao and continue on the N-240 Vito- ria-Gasteiz/Galdakao Hospitalea until 6 km you reach Igorre. This quiet town per- 9’ N-240 fectly reflects finding pleasure in the Dima small things. Within its heritage, the Vildósola Palace from the 17th centu- ry stands out, as does Casa Zubizarre- Areatza ta and the town’s different baserris BI-2543 28 29 (farmhouses), the construction of 17km Gorbeia Park”. Continue along this concrete towards the typical Basque houses which dates back to between the Pagomakurre 22’ 16th and 18th path and after approximately 1km on the inside. You can refresh centuries. Otxandio you will come to a fork in the road. yourselves during the summer Take the path on the left and carry months in the reservoirs’ artificial We leave Igorre The Gorbeia Natural Gorbeia Natural N-240 You can enjoy a spa circuit at the straight on until you arrive at the car beaches and also partake in water behind us in or- Park stretches out Park park which is next to Otzarreta. sports. 9km Balneario Areatza Hotel or maybe der to move on over more then 20,000 23km A-623 12’ visit a cheese dairy where you can to Areatza on hectares between 24’ The Hayedo de Otzarreta is a magical The A-623 and the BI-3941 take watch the elaboration process of the N-240. This Araba and Biscay, making place, full of charm, where you can us to Otxandio, back in Biscay Idiazabal, the Denomination of Origin town is sheltered it the most extensive natural take in landscape which appears to again. From the Town Hall to the Cheese and partake in a tasting. by Gorbeia, the reserve in the Basque Country. A have come straight out of a fairytale. Santa Mariñe church, with the highest moun- cross stands at the summit of Mount You will also be introduced to Its centenarian beech trees do not Vulcano fountain being a main Gorbeia which is 18 metres high, the grow horizontally, but vertically, attraction, you will be fascinated Areatza tain in Biscay Legutio the “latxa” sheep, a breed native (1,842m) which symbol of the Park. to the Basque Country, as well as more than 50 years ago their by its monumental richness. Our gives its name as the work of the Gorbeia branches were pruned in order to next destination is Dima. To reach to the Natural Park. Areatza has an difficult descent. It can be completed sheepdogs (Information and obtain carbon from their firewood. this town, take the BI-2543 road. The San Pedro Apóstol parochial important architectural heritage: the in 4 hours, there and back (12km). reservations: +34 946 941 212, We go back along the N-240 towards church, the Humilladero shrine, the Convent of Santa Isabel, the San Bar- www.viajesporeuskadi.es). Vitoria-Gasteiz and then continue Gorbeia Urizar palace, the Ziarrusta tower tolomé church and, in the square; onto the A-2620 Legutio-Aramaio- the Gortazar palace and the city hall Otxandio From Areatza, on the N-240 following and the Gothic church of Magdalena the signs towards Vitoria-Gasteiz, Arrasate/Mondragón, we head for which is of a Neo-classical style. Here If you want to climb to the peak, we de Lamindao all form part of the you will discover the spectacular Legutio, a beautiful corner of Álava, we also find the Areatza o Parketxe In- recommend that you use the road historical patrimony. Hayedo de Otzarreta. To get there, surrounded by green pastures and terpretation Centre which invites fam- which ascends from Areatza and at kilometre 38.5, when you get to the nearby reservoirs of Urrunaga Returning to Bilbao, we head ilies to better get to know this natural leave the car in the recreational area the top of Barazar, take the concrete and Albina. At its entrance, an old towards Igorre and, via the N-240, environment. of Pagomakurre. From here, this road which is on your right. There is gateway with a double pointed arch we reach the A-8 which takes us to hiking route is signposted and has a a sign which says: “Gorbea Natural from the medieval era guides us the capital of Biscay..