A route on the Bizkaia coast named the most impressive hiking landscape in Spain

Located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, the trail features the imposing Ogoño rock and stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea.

Image of a dramatic cliff on the Bizkaia coast, dropping into the Cantabrian Sea.
IA

Image of a dramatic cliff on the Bizkaia coast, dropping into the Cantabrian Sea.

The renowned magazine 'Viajar' has designated a hiking route on the Bizkaia coast as the most impressive landscape in Spain, nestled within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

This route is situated in the Urdaibai estuary, an area recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1984, due to its significance as a wetland and a sanctuary for migratory birds. The central feature of this journey is the Ogoño rock, a limestone mass rising between the towns of Mundaka and Elantxobe, presenting one of the most formidable vertical cliffs on the coastline, with a drop of 200 meters directly into the sea.
The highest point of this formation is Atxukullu peak, located 308 meters above sea level. However, hikers' interest often focuses on the area known as La Atalaya. This strategic vantage point was historically used by fishermen for monitoring fishing activities and detecting incursions. Access to these viewpoints involves traversing an area composed of "holm oaks, strawberry trees, and sarsaparillas," though the text warns that these are "exposed areas" where caution is necessary due to the altitude and proximity to the cliffs.
The main access to Ogoño's Atalaya "starts from the small neighborhood of Bermokiz," in the municipality of Elantxobe. The path begins next to the cemetery and is marked with "parallel yellow and white signs" along 1.5 kilometers. A longer variant starts in front of the San Andrés church, in the Elexalde neighborhood of Ibarrangelu, a temple known, according to the publication, as the "Sistine Chapel of Basque art due to its impressive carved and polychrome wooden vault."
The route is complemented by a visit to the Katillotxu megalithic station. This Neolithic site "houses a megalithic complex consisting of two settlements and five dolmens." These structures had a "funerary use for over two thousand years."
The publication emphasizes that, due to the "brutal power of the Cantabrian Sea waters," the northern coast possesses one of the "strongest personalities of all the coasts of Bizkaia." The Ogoño rock acts as a natural barrier for Laga beach and Elantxobe port, which "remain sheltered by this incredible mass."
Elantxobe, one of the most unique villages on the Bizkaia coast, offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking nature, sea, and authenticity within the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Built on a hillside that plunges directly into the Cantabrian Sea, it is ideal for strolling through its steep streets and viewpoints, which offer spectacular views of the port and coastline. Among its main attractions are the fishing port itself, perfect for enjoying the maritime atmosphere, and its proximity to natural areas like Ogoño. Furthermore, the area invites visitors to practice kayaking, fishing, or coastal routes, and to savor local gastronomy in bars and restaurants where fresh fish and seafood are prominent. All of this makes Elantxobe an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway.