Itinerary
Bosque de Oma
The Bosque de Oma, located near the village of Kortezubi in the Basque Country of Spain, is a famous example of environmental art created by Agustín Ibarrola. Starting in the 1980s, Ibarrola painted various trees in this dense forest with geometric shapes, human figures, animals, and abstract patterns. These artworks are carefully positioned so that they form new images and interact with the natural surroundings when viewed from specific angles or distances, offering a dynamic visual experience.
Visitors to the Bosque de Oma experience a unique blend of art and nature. As you walk through the forest, each painted tree reveals stories or symbols that reflect Ibarrola's artistic vision and the cultural heritage of the Basque region. Beyond its visual appeal, the forest encourages reflection on topics such as conservation, creativity, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The Bosque de Oma is not just a popular cultural site but also symbolizes a commitment to environmental stewardship. It promotes a deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature and emphasizes the importance of preserving natural landscapes. Through Ibarrola's artistic vision, this forest has become a living example of creativity and sustainability, inviting visitors to engage with art in a setting where the distinction between human-made and natural beauty harmoniously blurs.
Santimamiñe Caves
The Santimamiñe Caves, located near Kortezubi in the Basque region of Spain, are a fascinating site renowned for their unique geological formations and captivating prehistoric history. Discovered in 1916, these caves have unveiled Upper Paleolithic cave paintings dating back approximately 14,000 to 16,000 years. These ancient artworks depict animals such as bison, horses, deer, and abstract symbols, providing valuable insights into the daily life and beliefs of early human communities in the region.
In addition to the cave paintings, the caves boast spectacular geological formations like stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millennia through mineral processes. Guided tours of the Santimamiñe Caves offer an educational and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore not only the ancient paintings but also to admire the natural beauty and complexity of the caves. This site is not only a testament to exceptional prehistoric art but also a crucial location for studying human evolution and gaining insights into the ancient landscape and climate of the Basque Country.
In summary, the Santimamiñe Caves are a cultural treasure trove and a natural laboratory, continuously providing valuable information about our ancestral past. Its combination of prehistoric art and geological formations makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in delving into the Paleolithic history and natural wonders of the Basque region.
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, in northern Spain's Basque Country, is renowned for its biodiversity and cultural significance. Designated by UNESCO in 1984, it spans 220 square kilometers with diverse landscapes like estuaries, marshes, cliffs, beaches, and forests, supporting a variety of plants and animals, especially birds.
Urdaibai is a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, particularly at the Oka River estuary, which hosts water birds and waders. Its role in bird conservation is vital, attracting thousands of birds during migration seasons.
Alongside its natural wonders, Urdaibai boasts rich cultural heritage with ancient villages, monasteries, and Basque fishing communities blending harmoniously with the landscape. This historical tapestry attracts global visitors seeking both history and natural beauty.
Efforts to promote sustainable tourism include educational programs and guided tours, emphasizing conservation values. Urdaibai exemplifies how to balance tourism and environmental preservation, ensuring future generations can appreciate its unique charm and biodiversity.
Gernika
Gernika, a town in the Basque Country, Spain, has a strong history of resistance and cultural identity. It's famous worldwide because of the terrible bombing it endured during the Spanish Civil War in 1937, which Picasso depicted in his famous painting "Guernica." This event has made Gernika a lasting symbol of the fight for freedom and fairness.
It is renowned for its natural beauty, with its stunning landscapes, picturesque beaches and charming coastal villages. Urdaibai offers visitors the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate surrounded by nature, exploring hiking trails, kayaking the Oka River or lounging on the golden sandy beaches.
This city has a rich cultural and historical heritage. First of all, let's visit the "Casa de juntas" is an iconic historic building it was traditionally the place where representatives of the different Basque provinces met to discuss community affairs and make important decisions. These meetings were often held under the thousand-year-old oak tree known as Árbol de Gernika, which is a symbol of Basque autonomy and freedom.
This historic building has become a symbol of Basque democracy and the cultural identity of the region. Today, the Casa de Juntas is open to visitors and houses exhibitions on Basque history and culture, providing valuable insight into the region's heritage and traditions. This district is the historic and symbolic heart of the city
Typical food
The rich and varied Basque cuisine is renowned for its fresh and local ingredients, reflecting the diversity of its landscapes between sea and mountains. It is characterized by the abundant use of seafood, such as fish and seafood, as well as quality meats and vegetables from local farms. The dishes are often simple but tasty, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. Basque meals also include a variety of pintxos, small bites served in the bars, which allow you to taste a multitude of flavors in a single outing. Basque cuisine is a harmonious blend of culinary traditions and regional products, celebrating the culture and terroir of this unique region.
Txangurro a la Donostiarra : is an iconic Basque dish from San Sebastian (Donostia), featuring spider crab. The crab meat is cooked with onions, peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned with brandy and white wine, then stuffed back into the shell and baked.
La Gilda : is a typical pintxo from the Basque region of Spain. This simple yet flavorful dish is often served in pintxo bars. The Gilda consists of three main ingredients: a green olive, a pickled guindilla pepper, and an anchovy, all skewered on a toothpick.
The Marmitako : is a Basque stew of tuna and potatoes, originating from the fishermen of the coast. Its name comes from "marmita", the pot in Basque. This stew mixes fresh tuna with potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and onions, often with choricero pepper to give warmth. Appreciated for its simplicity, the Marmitako comforts fishermen after a long day at sea, highlighting local products.
La Txistorra : is a typical sausage from the Basque and Navarrese cuisine in Spain. It is made from minced pork meat seasoned with salt and Espelette pepper, and stuffed into natural casings. Txistorra is often grilled or fried, giving it a crispy texture on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
La Pantxineta : is a traditional Basque dessert, very popular in San Sebastián. It consists of puff pastry filled with custard and garnished with toasted almonds for a crispy texture. Created at the beginning of the 20th century by the Otaegui family, famous pastry chefs from San Sebastian, Pantxineta is appreciated for its contrast between the crunchy dough and the softness of the filling, being a comforting and refined dessert.
The Basque Cake (Pastel Vasco) : is a traditional dessert from the Basque Country, originating in Cambo-les-Bains. It features a lightly crispy pastry made from flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, typically filled with pastry cream or black cherry jam.