Additionally, having a vehicle will allow you to move comfortably between different points of interest and adapt your itinerary according to your preferences, making the most of your visit to this green lung of the Basque Country.
Less than 40 minutes by car from Bilbao, the Gorbeia Natural Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers. This park, the largest in the Basque Country, offers a variety of landscapes: meadows, magical beech forests, and rock formations that seem to come from another world. The most iconic point is Mount Gorbeia, crowned by a 17-meter-high cross, symbol of the park.
Accessing the park by car from Bilbao is simple and offers the flexibility to explore its many hidden corners. One of the most recommended routes is to head towards the town of Areatza, located on the Biscayan side of the park. From there, you can enter trails that will lead you to iconic spots like the Otzarreta Beech Forest, known for its magical atmosphere and uniquely shaped trees. For the more adventurous, the Supelegor Cave is a place steeped in Basque mythology. To complete the experience, nothing beats trying the local cuisine in one of the typical restaurants in the area, famous for their lamb chops, Tolosa beans, and artisanal cheeses.

Recommended time: Full day
Trip type: Nature
Distance: 50.6 km
Time on road: 59 min

To fully enjoy your visit to the Gorbeia Natural Park, we suggest the following activities:
1. Ascent to Mount Gorbeia (3-4 hours round trip): Starting from the Pagomakurre recreational area, begin the hike to the summit of Mount Gorbeia. The route, of moderate difficulty, passes through forests and meadows before reaching the cross that crowns the summit at 1,482 meters. The panoramic views of the valleys and mountains will leave you breathless.
2. Explore the Otzarreta Beech Forest: Just a 20-minute drive from Pagomakurre, this beech forest is perfect for a short walk. Its twisted trees and exposed roots create a magical atmosphere, especially in autumn when the ground is covered with fallen leaves.
3. Visit the Gujuli Waterfall: A 15-minute drive will take you to the viewpoint of the Gujuli Waterfall, which plunges more than 100 meters. A short walk from the parking area will lead you to the viewpoint, where you can enjoy the sight of water cascading into the void.
4. Traditional meal in Areatza or Murgia: To recharge, stop at one of the local restaurants about an hour’s drive away. We recommend trying lamb chops cooked over vine shoots or Tolosa beans with chorizo.
5. Explore the Arraba Meadows and Supelegor Cave (2-3 hours): From Pagomakurre, a circular route of around 2-3 hours will take you to the Arraba Meadows, a green pastureland where cows and sheep graze. Nearby, a 30-40 minute walk will lead you to a detour for visiting the Supelegor Cave, surrounded by Basque mythological legends.
Where to Park
Pagomakurre: This recreational area has a large parking lot, but it is advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Otzarreta Beech Forest: There is a nearby parking area at Barazar Pass, from where you can access the forest.
Gujuli Waterfall: There is a small parking area next to the waterfall viewpoint.
Areatza: The town has several parking areas where you can leave your car to start your routes.
From 29,99€ / day

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