In the heart of the Gorbeia Natural Park
The largest natural park in the Basque Country
The Etxegana Hotel & Spa, a large rural house typical of the Basque Country, is located in the magnificent region of Gorbeialdea, at the gates of the Gorbeia Natural Park, in the south of Biscay. This area is renowned for its striking contrasts and the splendor of its iconic landscapes and ecosystems. Gorbeialdea encompasses several picturesque municipalities such as Arantzazu, Areatza, Artea, Dima, Orozko, Otxandio, Ubide, Zeanuri and Zeberio, which perfectly illustrate the rural and inland beauty of Biscay.
Just half an hour from Bilbao and Vitoria, the Etxegana Hotel & Spa invites you to discover a bucolic setting dotted with pine forests and beech groves. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the tourist treasures of the Basque Country, whether you are staying there for a vacation or for a weekend.
Gorbeia Bira. Bike Tour
From the Etxegana Hotel we invite you to a unique adventure to discover the natural and cultural beauty of the Gorbea Natural Park, the green pulse of the Basque Country.
Gorbeia Bira is an exciting bicycle route that surrounds the Gorbeia Natural Park. With trails and roads as protagonists, the route connects mountainous landscapes, forests, living forests and towns with a deep historical and cultural heritage.
This circular route is designed to offer the visitor a complete vision of the Gorbeia Natural Park, allowing them to explore its most spectacular places through a well-marked trail.
Not to be missed during your stay in Biscay
Biscay, located in the Spanish Basque Country, offers a variety of activities and attractions to suit all tastes. Here are some suggestions to fully enjoy your stay in Hotel Etxegana:
Visit Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Explore the modern architecture of the museum designed by Frank Gehry.
Casco Viejo (Old Town): Stroll the historic streets and visit Santiago Cathedral.
Biscay Bridge (Puente Colgante): Cross this transporter bridge, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the Basque Coast
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: Climb to this hermitage perched on a rocky islet connected to land by a winding bridge.
Sopelana and Mundaka Beaches: Enjoy the beaches for surfing, swimming or simply relaxing.
Mundaka Estuary: A beautiful nature reserve with hiking trails and panoramic views.
Discover nature and the mountains
Gorbeia Natural Park: Hike in this park to discover magnificent landscapes, dense forests and waterfalls. The summit of Mount Gorbeia offers a spectacular view.
Urkiola Natural Park: Another great spot for hiking with impressive mountains and valleys.
Cultural and Historical Visits
Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts: An impressive collection of Spanish and European art.
Bosque de Oma: An enchanted wood where artist Agustín Ibarrola created works of art integrated with nature.
Gernika: Visit the Gernika Tree, symbol of Basque freedom, and the Peace Museum to discover the tragic history of the town.
Basque Gastronomy
Ribera Market: In Bilbao, taste fresh local produce and Basque specialties.
Pintxos Route: Take part in a tour of pintxos and typical tapas bars in the villages of Biscay.
Michelin-starred restaurants: Treat yourself to a meal in one of the many starred restaurants in the region.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
Cycling and mountain biking: The trails around Gorbeia and Urkiola are perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
Water sports: Surf, kayak or sail along the coast.
Golf: Play on quality golf courses, such as Real Sociedad de Golf de Neguri in Getxo.
Events and Festivals
Aste Nagusia (Great Bilbao Week): Enjoy the festivities, concerts and fireworks during this annual festival in August.
Getxo Jazz Festival: An unmissable cultural event for jazz lovers.
Basque Pelota Competitions: A traditional sport very popular in the region.
Village Visits
Lekeitio: A charming coastal village with a pretty harbour, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage.
Bermeo: A typical fishing village with a colorful harbor and a rich maritime history.
Bakio: A village surrounded by txakoli vineyards, with a beautiful beach and hiking trails.
Travel responsibly, respect our region
We invite our customers to discover the richness of our region while respecting it. Our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism pushes us to promote practices that respect the environment and local culture.
Together, let’s protect the wealth of our region for future generations. Your trip can be a source of inspiration and positive change, while providing you with unforgettable memories. Be ambassadors for respectful and sustainable tourism, and let yourself be amazed by everything our beautiful region has to offer.