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Here are our top recommendations for exploring the history of our stunning surroundings from a prime location
LUXURY GASTRONOMY
The rustic décor – in the traditional style of a Basque farmhouse – is combined with modern design elements, so that large windows offer diners an unrivalled view of the mountains and valleys of Durango. A unique place in a stunning natural setting.
It offers cuisine that blends tradition with the most innovative trends. They use high-quality, locally sourced, seasonal produce. You’ll also find a wide selection of wines and cavas from Spain’s finest Designations of Origin (D.O.)
DISTANCE: 250 metres
Eneko Atxa is renowned across more than half the world for his cuisine, which is “fresh and dynamic, whilst remaining sophisticated and staying true to Basque produce”. Such is this Basque chef, one of the youngest to have earned his third Michelin star with Azurmendi, his flagship restaurant located in the town of Larrabetzu, Bizkaia.
It opened its doors in 2005 and has received numerous accolades. It has twice been named the world’s most sustainable restaurant and ranks 49th on the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list.
DISTANCE: 18 km
Bittor Arginzoniz, the chef at Asador Etxebarri, is famous for being able to grill practically anything and for drawing out incredible flavours from seemingly simple ingredients. And that’s not all: to have greater control over the cooking process, he designed the restaurant’s grills himself.
Arginzoniz took over the running of Asador Etxebarri in 1990. Since then, he has managed to secure the restaurant sixth place in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022.
DISTANCE: 8,7km
Urdaibai, a biosphere nature reserve
At its heart lies the River Oka, which rises on Mount Oiz and becomes an estuary as it reaches Mundaka, creating spectacular salt marshes teeming with life.
Urdaibai boasts some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the Basque Country. It also features natural viewpoints, such as the Peñón de Ogoño and the chapels of San Pedro de Atxarre in Ibarrangelu and San Miguel de Ereñozar in Ereño, which offer unforgettable panoramic views of all this beauty.
Beautiful fishing villages: Bermeo, Elantxobe and Mundaka – the latter being well known for having one of the best waves in the world. Further inland, there are hidden treasures, such as the Santimamiñe Caves, which contain cave paintings of inestimable value. Don’t miss Gernika either, the cradle of Basque identity. Highlights include the Medieval Causeway and the Artzubi Bridge, built in the 16th century.
DISTANCE: 24 km
Top Museums
It takes you on a journey through the general history of art from the 12th century to the present day. The originality of the way the paintings are arranged is striking, with the frames perfectly aligned in a single row.
The collection brings together ancient art, contemporary art (Bacon, Menz and Tàpies) and works by Basque artists (Regoyos, Zuloaga and Echevarría), alongside small selections of applied arts. The exhibition is presented in chronological order, spanning from the 12th century to the present day. The collection comprises over 6,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and decorative arts.
DISTANCE 35 km
Obra del arquitecto americano Fank O. Gehry, representa un magnífico ejemplo de la arquitectura más vanguardista del siglo XX. Con sus 24.000 m2 de los cuales 11.000 se destinan a espacio expositivo, representa un hito arquitectónico por su audaz configuración y su diseño innovador, conformando un seductor telón de fondo para el arte que en él se exhibe.
Desde su apertura en 1997, se ha centrado en obras realizadas a partir de mediados del siglo XX hasta nuestros días, complementando de esta forma los fondos de la Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation y forjándose, al mismo tiempo, una identidad singular, con especial atención a los artistas vascos y españoles modernos y contemporáneos con el fin de conservar su importantísimo patrimonio cultural y mostrarlo al mundo.
DISTANCIA: 41km
Mantiene vivo el recuerdo del diseñador más internacional a través de su obra inmortal. Se encuentra en su localidad natal; Getaria. Primer museo del mundo que se dedicaba, en exclusiva, a la figura de un modisto.
La colección constituye no solo la mayor colección de creaciones y documentación de Balenciaga en el mundo, sino la de mayor relevancia tanto por su amplia extensión cronológica como por la calidad de las piezas que la componen. Comprende más de 3.000 piezas, incluyendo bocetos, muestras de tela, fotografías, cartas, accesorios y prendas de vestir. La colección se ha formado principalmente a partir de donaciones de antiguos clientes y amigos.
DISTANCIA: 51km
Urkiola Nature Reserve
It is one of the natural gems of the Basque Country. The contrast between birch forests and its rugged landscapes limestone peaks They paint a picture of a place of great beauty and geographical and scenic interest, where the mind is able to switch off and appreciate everything without prejudice or fear.
Standing out amongst the imposing Sierra de Aramotz mountain range is Anboto, its highest peak. According to Basque mythology, its impressive vertical north face is home to Mari’s cave, the abode of the Lady of Anboto, the personification of the earth and queen of all the spirits.
In the forest of beech, ash and birch trees At the top of the hill stands the Urkiola Sanctuary, an unfinished building in the Neo-Romantic style dating from the late 19th century. Next to it, the tower from the previous church, dating from 1870, still stands.
DISTANCE: 11km
The Holm Oak of Etxeita
Designated a ‘Singular Tree’ of the Basque Country. It is over 19 metres in diameter and its crown has a circumference of over 60 metres. More than 300 sheep can find shelter beneath it.
The regular and systematic pruning of its branches over several generations, to provide acorns for livestock, has gradually shaped it into its current distinctive form, characterised by the width and symmetry of its crown and the density of its foliage.
DISTANCE: 1,5km
WINERIES
Bodegas Itsasmendi is much like the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve to which it belongs: constantly evolving, rich in diversity, natural and complex. The team’s restless and innovative spirit has given rise to a new concept for Txakoli, rooted in respect for the natural environment. This new building, which embodies the land from which it emerges, is intended to be a living structure that evolves naturally over the years, adapting to the space in which it has been built.
DISTANCE: 13km
SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE
Situated on the coast of Bizkaia, 35 km east of Bilbao, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a must-see if you’re visiting the Basque Country. Many will recognise it as Rocadragón Fortress from the seventh series of Game of Thrones. However, its real name translates as ‘rock castle’ in Basque (‘gaztelu’ = castle + ‘aitz’ = rock).
The island is connected to the mainland by a man-made stone bridge. The bridge narrows into a path of 241 steps that zigzags from side to side until it reaches the summit. These steps have even been recognised as one of the most spectacular staircases in the world.
DISTANCE: 32km
