Have you ever wanted to visit Spain, but then changed your mind because you didn’t want to end up in overcrowded and highly touristy places? There is a hidden gem, far from mass tourism, authentic and wild, that holds the secret of the Basque Country: the Izki Natural Park.
In northern Spain, in the heart of the Basque Country, lies a park where time seems to have stopped. Located about thirty minutes by car from the green capital Vitoria-Gasteiz, this area represents a unique natural resource. Imagine an untouched forest surrounded by limestone cliffs, where suddenly you discover a breathtaking waterfall. This is Izki Natural Park.
A journey through time: how Izki Park was created
Izki Natural Park, established in 1998, is the third-largest protected area in the Basque Country. However, its history does not begin at the end of the last century, but rather between 40 and 100 million years ago. In fact, the area that now hosts the park was once a warm, shallow sea: today, numerous marine fossils and corals can still be found within the limestone rocks.
Later, as the land rose and the waters retreated, the Izki River carved this vast sandy valley. The limestone mountains visible today are, in fact, evidence of the ancient sea and the erosive activity of this river. The area also preserves signs of human presence: artificial hermit caves and the ancient medieval village show that people have lived alongside the wild nature of this territory for a very long time.
So, when you walk along the trails and mountains of Izki Natural Park, it will feel as if you are swimming alongside the marine creatures that once inhabited this sea, while being surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the nature that now thrives in this area.
Flora and fauna: the treasures of the park
Izki Natural Park is a true ecosystem that deserves protection! Here, plants and animals live in complete harmony, creating an extraordinary variety of life.
The park’s greatest treasure is the Pyrenean Oak: it protects the largest forest area of this species in Europe! Thanks to the sand deposited by the ancient river, the park provides the perfect habitat for this tree. Beyond the oak forests, visitors can admire many other types of vegetation, from beech woods and birch forests to ancient yews and linden trees. These trees can be found, for example, on Mount Soila and represent unique historical witnesses, protected as natural monuments. The park is also home to wetter areas, where rare white water lilies and unique carnivorous plants grow.
The sound that brings Izki Park to life is that of the middle spotted woodpecker. This rare bird has found the trunks of Pyrenean oaks to be the perfect place to build its nest and thrive. At the same time, it is easy to spot birds of prey soaring above the park, such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons. On the ground, animals such as martens, wild boars and roe deer find shelter among the vegetation.
What to do in Izki Natural Park: trekking, medieval villages and starry skies
The exploration of the park can begin in the inhabited medieval village of Korres, which preserves its original structure and traditions. Here you will also find the park’s visitor centre, which offers detailed information about the local flora and fauna, the origins of the landscape and biodiversity conservation strategies.
From here, 15 official and signposted trails branch out, suitable for everyone and with a generally moderate level of difficulty. This natural park is perfect for those who love walking. Along these paths, you can discover the park’s hidden treasures, breathe fresh air and embrace the principles of slow and sustainable tourism.
Moreover, the park’s routes will also lead you to discover the artificial caves and rock hermitages built by humans into the limestone cliffs as places of refuge and worship. For cycling enthusiasts, there is also an MTB centre dedicated to biking trails.
The activity that will truly leave you speechless, however, takes place at night, at the Astronomical Observatory near the Korres visitor centre. From here, you can admire the stars in the sky because the park is completely free from light pollution. Inside the park, there are also 8 astronomical viewpoints equipped with information panels and interactive QR codes.
Green stays at the foot of Izki Natural Park
After walking among the park’s oak trees and admiring the stars above, there is nothing better than falling asleep in a farmhouse that extends the values of sustainability and authenticity beyond the park itself. This is Traditional Basque Farmhouse, an authentic historic rural accommodation located in Leorza/Elortza (Álava), very close to the natural park.
The farmhouse perfectly embodies the principles of slow and sustainable tourism. Here, guests can leave behind the digital habits of everyday life and make room for experiences connected with nature, rediscovering the value of time spent together.
This is possible because the hosts offer unique and special activities such as guided walks and hiking excursions with the farm’s donkeys, as well as guided experiences dedicated to the world of bees, an incredibly important resource for our planet. These activities are especially loved by children and are both educational and fascinating!
The farmhouse has been built following sustainable principles, is accessible even without a car and offers exclusively organic food. This is an excellent starting point for making your journey more responsible and sustainable.
Conclusions
Exploring Izki Natural Park does not simply mean discovering a wild and natural destination, but experiencing a different way of travelling. It means walking through history, listening to the sounds of the forest and rediscovering the wonder of untouched nature, beneath a sky where the stars embrace you. It means discovering authenticity while leaving a lighter ecological footprint on the planet.
Are you ready to experience your sustainable adventure in the Basque Country? Let yourself be regenerated by the wild power of Izki!
Cover image via Canva PRO
Traditional Basque Farmhouse – Green Accommodation in Leorza / Elortza, Álava, Basque Country, ES 
