A human-scale city: urban greenery and sustainable mobility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Vitoria-Gasteiz,](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Vitoria-Gasteiz-3-870x490-1-870x490.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWith 42 square meters of green space per person<\/strong>, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a haven for nature lovers. The city is designed to be explored on foot or by bike: most of the historic center<\/strong> is pedestrianized<\/strong>, and the Green Belt<\/strong> \u2013 a 33-kilometer bike path \u2013 connects six large urban parks<\/strong>: Salburua, Zabalgana, Olarizu, Zadorra, Arriaga, and Errekaleor.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn particular, the wetland of Salburua<\/a><\/strong>, once drained for agriculture, is now a natural reserve<\/strong> home to herons, storks, coots, and amphibians. Here stands Ataria<\/strong>, the environmental interpretation center where visitors can observe wildlife in its natural habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"map](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Vitoria-Gasteiz-parchi-870x490-1-870x490.png\")
City map highlighting parks and gardens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens to Discover in Vitoria-Gasteiz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Vitoria-Gasteiz\u2019s motto is \u201cVerde por dentro y verde por fuera<\/strong>\u201d (\u201cgreen inside and out\u201d). It\u2019s not just a slogan but an urban philosophy that can be felt in the city\u2019s gardens, such as Parque de la Florida or Palacio Europa. Here is a selection of the most iconic green spots not to miss:<\/p>\n\n\n\nParque de La Florida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Located in the heart of the city<\/strong>, it is the most iconic garden in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Designed in the 19th century in the romantic French garden style, it features 95 different species<\/strong>, some over 100 years old. A true historical botanical garden, perfect for relaxing walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Parque](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Parque_de_La_Florida_de_Vitoria-Gasteiz_en_primavera_1-870x490-1-870x490.jpg\")
Photo by Mentxuwiki, via Wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nParque del Prado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A favorite spot for running enthusiasts<\/strong> and open-air lovers, this park dates back to medieval times: in the 12th century, it was used as pastureland. Today, it features 21 species of deciduous trees, including horse chestnuts, ashes, lindens, and maples.<\/p>\n\n\n\nParque de Arriaga<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With a surface of 190,000 m\u00b2, Arriaga is one of the largest parks in the city. Developed around an old noble chapel, it is home to acacias, poplars, roses, and aromatic plants. Its lake shelters many bird species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Parque](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Vitoria_-_Parque_de_Arriaga_25-870x490-1-870x490.jpg\")
Photo by Zarateman, via Wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nVertical Garden and Terrace of the Europa Conference Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An example of sustainable architecture, the Europa Palace boasts an iconic green wall and a panoramic terrace offering views of the city’s Green Belt. It is the first congress building in Spain to achieve Passivhaus certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Vertical](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Vitoria_-_Palacio_Europa_01-870x490-1-870x490.jpg\")
Photo by Basotxerri<\/a> via Wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nParque de Judimend<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Built on an old Jewish cemetery, this park is now a green oasis marked by white poplars and a commemorative monolith that tells its story. A place of reflection immersed in natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parque de San Mart\u00edn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Covering 85,000 m\u00b2<\/strong>, it features a wide variety of conifers (11 species), broadleaf trees (66 species), and numerous rosebushes. Ideal for a stroll among towering trees and fragrant corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther Recommended Parks and Trails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Vitoria_05_2012_Green_Belt_Panorama_1913-870x232-1.jpg\")
Green Belt surrounding the city, photo via Wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n- Obispo Ram\u00f3n Fern\u00e1ndez de Pi\u00e9rola Gardens<\/strong>: with strawberry trees, magnolias, and boxwoods, enriched by the sculptures \u201cCrocodile\u201d and \u201cRhinoceros\u201d by Koko Rico.<\/li>
- Senda Trail<\/strong>: a picturesque avenue lined with century-old plane trees leading to the Zulueta Palace Gardens.<\/li>
- Fray Francisco de Vitoria Promenade<\/strong>: lined with horse chestnuts, it leads to the Fine Arts Museum gardens.<\/li>
- Molinuevo Park (Parque del Norte)<\/strong>: a variety of conifers and broadleaf trees, including blue spruce, ginkgo, and tall palm trees.<\/li>
- Aranbizkarra Park<\/strong>: ideal for lovers of birches, beeches, and oaks.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Many of these parks are located along or near Vitoria-Gasteiz\u2019s Green Belt<\/strong>, a system of natural areas that surrounds the city. Take advantage of a sunny day to explore them on foot or by bike!<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Almond: The Historic Center That Tells Eight Centuries of History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Historic](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Vitoria-Gasteiz-5-870x490-1-870x490.png\")
Historic Center of Vitoria-Gasteiz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nVitoria-Gasteiz has an old town nicknamed \u201cthe Almond<\/strong>\u201d due to its oval shape<\/strong>. Here, time seems to have stopped among cobbled alleys, escalators between neighborhoods, and Gothic buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt the top of the hill stands the Cathedral of Santa Mar\u00eda<\/strong>, a Gothic building constructed in the 13th century on even older foundations. Undergoing a long scientific restoration, it can be visited with guided tours and houses remains of the original Visigothic Gasteiz from the 6th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe walk along Calle Santa Mar\u00eda<\/strong> starts from Plaza del Machete<\/strong>, passes by the Palacio de Montehermoso<\/strong> (1524), and reaches the Bibat<\/strong>, a museum complex<\/a> combining the Archaeology Museum and the Fournier Museum<\/strong>, which holds an extraordinary collection of playing cards and tarot decks housed in the Renaissance Casa de Benda\u00f1a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Bibat](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.it\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Vitoria-Gasteiz-Bibat-870x490.png\")
Bibat museum complex, photo via Wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther treasures of the historic center include the Palacio Escoriaza-Esquivel<\/strong> in Plateresque style, the Torre de los Anda<\/strong>, and the scenic Plaza de Espa\u00f1a<\/strong>, which together with Plaza del Machete<\/strong> and Los Arquillos<\/strong> serves as an urban bridge between the upper and lower towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPintxos, Markets, and Traditional Sweets: A Journey into Basque Flavors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Plaza](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Vitoria-Gasteiz-4-870x490-1-870x490.png\")
Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, photo by Silvia Ombellini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe gastronomic heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz beats in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca<\/strong>, where the Church of San Miguel overlooks bars and terraces. This is the perfect place to start a pintxos tour<\/strong>, the famous Basque tapas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- At Sagartoki<\/strong>, chef Sen\u00e9n Gonz\u00e1lez offers Spain\u2019s best tortilla and egg in many creative versions.<\/li>
- At PerretxiCo<\/strong>, try the Euskal Txerria sausage terrine and the txangurro (stuffed crab).<\/li>
- For a historical dinner, El Portal\u00f3n<\/strong> (15th century) is the ideal place to enjoy grilled octopus paired with Rioja DOC wine.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
At the indoor market of Plaza de Abastos<\/strong>, you can discover local ingredients, from percebes to venison salami. Sweet tooths should stop at Confituras Goya<\/strong>, a historic pastry shop selling traditional \u201cgalletas de nata\u201d (cream cookies) and chocolate truffles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"pintxos,](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/pintxos-tapas-basque-870x490-1-870x490.png\")
Pintxos, Basque tapas, photo via Canva PRO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMuseums, Art, and Romantic Walks in Urban Greenery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Just a short walk from the center, the Paseo de la Senda<\/strong> is the city\u2019s most romantic promenade, lined with horse chestnut trees and 19th-century villas. The route leads to the Zulueta Palace<\/strong>, now the Fine Arts Museum<\/a>, and to the \u00c1lava Armoury Museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor contemporary art lovers, the Artium<\/a><\/strong> hosts works by Basque artists such as Vicente Ameztoy and Mari Puri Herrero. The entrance features the \u201cMural de la Cin\u00e9math\u00e8que de Paris<\/strong>\u201d by Joan Mir\u00f3. Admission is free every Sunday and in the afternoons<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBeyond the City: Wine, Salt, and Medieval Villages<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Rioja Alavesa Wine Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Bastida,](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/ruta-del-vino-rioja-alavesa-870x490-1-870x490.png\")
Bastida, wine city of the Rioja Alavesa, photo via Canva PRO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust a few kilometers from Vitoria-Gasteiz lies the famous Rioja Alavesa Wine Route<\/strong>, where villages seem suspended in time and wineries \u2013 the bodegas<\/strong> \u2013 blend architecture, tradition, and winemaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- Vi\u00f1a Real<\/strong>, on Cerro de la Mesa hill, is a wine sanctuary.<\/li>
- Bodega Amaren<\/strong>, in Samaniego, studies the effects of climate change on vineyards.<\/li>
- Solar de Samaniego<\/strong> combines urban art and wine.<\/li>
- Izadi<\/strong> offers e-bike tours through the vineyards of Eskuernaga.<\/li>
- Baigorri<\/strong>, a stunning vertical winery designed by Inaki Aspiazu, is perfect for a tasting with a view.<\/li>
- In the village of Elciego<\/strong>, next to the futuristic Marqu\u00e9s de Riscal hotel designed by Gehry, there is a market featuring local cold cuts and jams.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Laguardia: The Medieval Jewel of Rioja<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Vineyard](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Laguardia-Alavesa-Spain-870x490-1-870x490.jpg\")
Vineyard with the medieval village of Laguardia in the background. Photo via Canva PRO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe walled village of Laguardia<\/strong> houses 232 underground wineries and one of the most fascinating Romanesque churches in Spain: Santa Mar\u00eda de los Reyes<\/strong>. Every corner here tells a story of wine, including at the Villa Luc\u00eda Museum<\/a><\/strong> and during the guided tour led by Pepita Uva<\/em>, a cultural center combining wine tourism and storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSalt Valley of A\u00f1ana: White Gold in the Mountains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Salt](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Valle-Salada-di-Anana-870x490-1-870x490.jpg\")
Salt Valley of A\u00f1ana, photo via Canva PRO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWith 42 square meters of green space per person<\/strong>, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a haven for nature lovers. The city is designed to be explored on foot or by bike: most of the historic center<\/strong> is pedestrianized<\/strong>, and the Green Belt<\/strong> \u2013 a 33-kilometer bike path \u2013 connects six large urban parks<\/strong>: Salburua, Zabalgana, Olarizu, Zadorra, Arriaga, and Errekaleor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In particular, the wetland of Salburua<\/a><\/strong>, once drained for agriculture, is now a natural reserve<\/strong> home to herons, storks, coots, and amphibians. Here stands Ataria<\/strong>, the environmental interpretation center where visitors can observe wildlife in its natural habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vitoria-Gasteiz\u2019s motto is \u201cVerde por dentro y verde por fuera<\/strong>\u201d (\u201cgreen inside and out\u201d). It\u2019s not just a slogan but an urban philosophy that can be felt in the city\u2019s gardens, such as Parque de la Florida or Palacio Europa. Here is a selection of the most iconic green spots not to miss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in the heart of the city<\/strong>, it is the most iconic garden in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Designed in the 19th century in the romantic French garden style, it features 95 different species<\/strong>, some over 100 years old. A true historical botanical garden, perfect for relaxing walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A favorite spot for running enthusiasts<\/strong> and open-air lovers, this park dates back to medieval times: in the 12th century, it was used as pastureland. Today, it features 21 species of deciduous trees, including horse chestnuts, ashes, lindens, and maples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a surface of 190,000 m\u00b2, Arriaga is one of the largest parks in the city. Developed around an old noble chapel, it is home to acacias, poplars, roses, and aromatic plants. Its lake shelters many bird species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An example of sustainable architecture, the Europa Palace boasts an iconic green wall and a panoramic terrace offering views of the city’s Green Belt. It is the first congress building in Spain to achieve Passivhaus certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Built on an old Jewish cemetery, this park is now a green oasis marked by white poplars and a commemorative monolith that tells its story. A place of reflection immersed in natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covering 85,000 m\u00b2<\/strong>, it features a wide variety of conifers (11 species), broadleaf trees (66 species), and numerous rosebushes. Ideal for a stroll among towering trees and fragrant corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these parks are located along or near Vitoria-Gasteiz\u2019s Green Belt<\/strong>, a system of natural areas that surrounds the city. Take advantage of a sunny day to explore them on foot or by bike!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vitoria-Gasteiz has an old town nicknamed \u201cthe Almond<\/strong>\u201d due to its oval shape<\/strong>. Here, time seems to have stopped among cobbled alleys, escalators between neighborhoods, and Gothic buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top of the hill stands the Cathedral of Santa Mar\u00eda<\/strong>, a Gothic building constructed in the 13th century on even older foundations. Undergoing a long scientific restoration, it can be visited with guided tours and houses remains of the original Visigothic Gasteiz from the 6th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The walk along Calle Santa Mar\u00eda<\/strong> starts from Plaza del Machete<\/strong>, passes by the Palacio de Montehermoso<\/strong> (1524), and reaches the Bibat<\/strong>, a museum complex<\/a> combining the Archaeology Museum and the Fournier Museum<\/strong>, which holds an extraordinary collection of playing cards and tarot decks housed in the Renaissance Casa de Benda\u00f1a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other treasures of the historic center include the Palacio Escoriaza-Esquivel<\/strong> in Plateresque style, the Torre de los Anda<\/strong>, and the scenic Plaza de Espa\u00f1a<\/strong>, which together with Plaza del Machete<\/strong> and Los Arquillos<\/strong> serves as an urban bridge between the upper and lower towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The gastronomic heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz beats in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca<\/strong>, where the Church of San Miguel overlooks bars and terraces. This is the perfect place to start a pintxos tour<\/strong>, the famous Basque tapas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the indoor market of Plaza de Abastos<\/strong>, you can discover local ingredients, from percebes to venison salami. Sweet tooths should stop at Confituras Goya<\/strong>, a historic pastry shop selling traditional \u201cgalletas de nata\u201d (cream cookies) and chocolate truffles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just a short walk from the center, the Paseo de la Senda<\/strong> is the city\u2019s most romantic promenade, lined with horse chestnut trees and 19th-century villas. The route leads to the Zulueta Palace<\/strong>, now the Fine Arts Museum<\/a>, and to the \u00c1lava Armoury Museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For contemporary art lovers, the Artium<\/a><\/strong> hosts works by Basque artists such as Vicente Ameztoy and Mari Puri Herrero. The entrance features the \u201cMural de la Cin\u00e9math\u00e8que de Paris<\/strong>\u201d by Joan Mir\u00f3. Admission is free every Sunday and in the afternoons<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just a few kilometers from Vitoria-Gasteiz lies the famous Rioja Alavesa Wine Route<\/strong>, where villages seem suspended in time and wineries \u2013 the bodegas<\/strong> \u2013 blend architecture, tradition, and winemaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The walled village of Laguardia<\/strong> houses 232 underground wineries and one of the most fascinating Romanesque churches in Spain: Santa Mar\u00eda de los Reyes<\/strong>. Every corner here tells a story of wine, including at the Villa Luc\u00eda Museum<\/a><\/strong> and during the guided tour led by Pepita Uva<\/em>, a cultural center combining wine tourism and storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens to Discover in Vitoria-Gasteiz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Parque de La Florida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parque del Prado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parque de Arriaga<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vertical Garden and Terrace of the Europa Conference Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parque de Judimend<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parque de San Mart\u00edn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other Recommended Parks and Trails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Almond: The Historic Center That Tells Eight Centuries of History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pintxos, Markets, and Traditional Sweets: A Journey into Basque Flavors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Museums, Art, and Romantic Walks in Urban Greenery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the City: Wine, Salt, and Medieval Villages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Rioja Alavesa Wine Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Laguardia: The Medieval Jewel of Rioja<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Salt Valley of A\u00f1ana: White Gold in the Mountains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Square](\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/07\/Vitoria-870x490-1-870x490.jpg\")