Delight In The Urdaibai Estuary Of Northern Spain’s Basque Country

If you have previously spent time on Spain’s famous Costas, make a plan in 2025 to experience another side of the European nation. The Urdaibai Estuary in northern Spain’s Basque Country is a place of true beauty and an important Biosphere Reserve. Not only can you visit some fascinating towns along the way, but you can also spend time in beautiful nature, hiking through meadows and leafy woods. On the subject of woods, a must-visit to the area is the Painted Forest of Oma. Read on to learn more about the beautiful Urdaibai Estuary in the Basque Country of northern Spain.

Nature Lovers: Explore the Urdaibai Estuary in Spain in 2025

Located in northern Spain’s Basque Country and nestling on the Bay of Biscay,  the Urdaibai Estuary is a beautiful place and an important Biosphere Reserve. The reserve covers an area of around 85 square miles, including towns like Bermeo, Gernika and Mundaka to explore along the way.

The surrounding landscape features salt marsh and is hugged by sheer and high cliffs, while surrounded by meadows, oak groves and leafy woods. While nothing like the crowded and popular Costas of Spain, the coastal area here boasts idyllic, golden-sandy beaches.

The beaches are backed by beautiful scenery, cared for by the coastal towns’ fishermen, farmers and forestry, causing the tourist sector to grow in strength. Meanwhile, one of the best beaches in the area is in Mundaka, which has grown popular with surfers from around the world.

History in Basque Country

In the area of the Urdaibai Estuary, much history can be seen, with fascinating sites from the Prehistoric, Roman and Middle Ages. Among them is the Santimamiñe Caves, considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the Basque Country. A visit to the cave reveals its famous mural paintings from the Magdalenian period, depicting images of bison, deer, goats and horses.

In not-so-distant history, Mundaka has an interesting history, as the town was the birthplace of Juan Zuria, the son of a Scottish Princess, who later became the first Lord of Biscay.

Meanwhile, the town features evidence of the Vikings’ arrival around 900 years ago. Moreover, the port nestles in the center of the town, surrounded by the original medieval fishermen’s houses.

Visit the Painted Forest of Oma

For those who love art in nature, the Painted Forest of Oma lies within the Biosphere Reserve, close to the Urdaibai Estuary and Mundaka. This stunning work of art is a worthwhile day trip and a colorful stroll in the shade of the forest.

Meanwhile, this wondrous art hails from the Basque artist, Agustín Ibarrola, who is part of a movement known as Art and Nature. The movement emerged in the late 1960s and placed its works of art in nature, using the landscape as a backdrop.

Located in Kortezubi, the Painted Forest of Oma comprises groups of geometrical figures and motifs, painted on the trunks of Monterey pine trees. With this natural, living canvas, visitors can experience two- and three-dimensional images, viewed at different angles by visitors to the forest and is a wonderful place for colorful photography.

With different visitors seeing such varying forestscapes, the Painted Forest of Oma is a truly natural artistic experience, which can be seen differently each time you visit.

Stay awhile in the Urdaibai Estuary

When visiting the area, Bermeo, Gernika and Mundaka are the recommended towns to seek comfortable accommodations in either a small, traditional hotel or a rural bed and breakfast. These are the perfect bases for exploring all the wonders of the surrounding area.