The Geopark: A Perfect Balance Between Coast and Countryside

The UNESCO World Geopark is a one-of-a-kind place. To say that all it offers is impressive is an understatement. In fact, if you go walk the three stages comprising it, you'll traverse trails between mountains, by cliffs and to different neighborhoods and villages. Along this loop route, in addition to the area's famous flysch geological formations, you'll discover other magical places that are hidden treasures.

Mutriku, for example, is renowned for its historic center, one of the best preserved in Gipuzkoa; its narrow cobbled streets; its towers and palaces dating from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries; its old port, one of the most historic in Gipuzkoa; and the Nautilus, Mutriku's Geological Interpretation Center.

In Deba, the parish church of Santa María stands out, a gem of the Basque Gothic, along with its beach, and its famed black flysch. You can also enjoy the spectacular HAB open-air museum, and the Valley of Prehistory. This museum will take you from Deba Beach to the valley's caves, touring five different areas and landscapes.

Zumaia, in addition to its spectacular coastal landscape, is home to the Algorri Interpretation Centre, where you can learn all about all the area's geological and natural heritage in a very educational and enjoyable way. And, as if this were not enough, in the town you'll find a wide range of culinary options and leisure activities.

However, the most special view of all on the Geopark Tour is to be found inland, in the Olatz and Lastur valleys, because the Basque Coast Geopark offers a perfect balance between coast and countryside. Thus, if you complete the Geopark Tour, you'll also visit the Olatz area, bound to deliver a very pleasant surprise. This is a large, circular depression of karstic origin surrounded by stone pyramids. Time seems to stand still here. The meadows are of an intense green, with spectacular traditional villages, and the landscapes are like beautiful postcards capturing our rural world.

You can also discover the secluded Valley of Lastur. This is a closed valley whose waters disappear underground through large funnel-shaped sinkholes called dolinas. Here you'll find the highest summit in the Geopark, offering stunning views of the valley.

Discover the UNESCO World Geopark by walking through places you'll never forget. If you don't want to get lost, just download the map and tracks of the route and follow the itinerary traced by the QR codes that you'll find on the signs installed along the way. At the beginning and end of all the stages you'll find public transport options and an extensive service infrastructure.