Do you enjoy a good hike in nature or a leisurely stroll outdoors?

Urola Kosta is one of the most attractive natural destinations in Euskadi because, in addition to its dreamlike beaches, it offers a great variety of hiking routes.

In this article, we propose five routes worth exploring in Urola Kosta. Shall we start?

Flysch Route in Zumaia

If you fancy a good hike with ocean views, the Flysch Route in Zumaia is ideal. A well-marked path takes you along the impressive Zumaia cliffs, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Basque coast and explore the fascinating geology of the Flysch.

This route, which is part of the Camino de Santiago, is located in the Basque Coast Geopark and is considered an area of high geological, biological, and scenic value. The rock strata tell the story of over 60 million years, revealed by the erosion of the sea.

The stage runs from the municipality of Zumaia to Deba, though it can also be done in reverse. It's a one-way trail of 4 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 649 meters, taking about 4 hours to complete.

Circular Route through the Peñas de Aia

The Peñas de Aia route is perfect for those who love beech forests and summit views. It's a 6.4-kilometer circular trail that takes about 3 hours to complete. It's not recommended for people with mobility issues, as some sections are a bit dangerous.

The route starts and ends at the Elurretxe parking lot. Initially, you walk through a forest, but soon you reach a ridge to summit three different peaks. The first is the Hirumugarrieta summit, named because it marks the convergence of the municipalities of Oiartzun, Irún, and Lesaka.

The next summit is Txurrumurru, and finally, you reach the Errolbide summit, offering a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view. The return route passes through a beautiful beech forest. The route is not very complicated, but we recommend checking the map and following the directions carefully to avoid getting lost.

Family Hiking Route through the Ratón de Getaria

If you're looking for a short and easy route with a bit of sea breeze, the Monte San Antón route is a good option. This mountain is popularly known as the Ratón de Getaria because of the shape it forms over the sea.

It's a circular route of approximately 2 kilometers and 113 meters of elevation gain, but keep in mind that San Antón is not accessible to motor vehicles, making it an ideal space for a stroll.

The route is a local trail marked with white and blue markers, so you won't get lost. Along the way, you'll find the Getaria Lighthouse and several viewpoints with impressive views, all the way to the top of the mountain.

This walk can be complemented with a visit to the fishing village of Getaria. Don't forget to try its freshly caught fish from the Cantabrian Sea and the local white wine, txakoli!

Ascent to Monte Ernio

Between the valleys of Oria and Urola lies Ernio, the most important mountain in Gipuzkoa. To reach its summit, you start from Iturrioz inn and take the path that passes by the hermitage of San Juan Bautista. On one of its walls, there is a small arch leading to a spring. According to popular beliefs, its waters have healing properties for various skin problems.

After a good 4-kilometer hike lasting an hour and a half, you'll reach the summit. From there, you have spectacular views of various mountains, such as Gorbeia, Anboto, Udalatx, Alluitz, Aralar, and even the Pyrenees. You can also see municipalities like Getaria, Zarautz, Orio, and Donostia. The route is well-marked and not complicated, but remember to check a map to ensure you're on the right path.

Walk through the Oma Forest

Art in nature? Yes! The artistic movement known as art and nature originated in the late 1960s and is characterized by using the landscape as a medium, frame, and raw material for the artist. Between 1982 and 1985, the Bilbao sculptor and painter Agustín Ibarrola chose the Oma forest to unleash his art.

This makes it an ideal place for a magical family walk, where each tree is a work of art. There is a circular route that takes you through the 47 works painted on the tree trunks. Guided tours are available, but you can also visit freely and free of charge. However, you need to book your entrance.

At the start and end point of the route, there is a restaurant where you can have a drink, some tapas, or stay for a meal.

What do you think of our hiking proposals in Urola Kosta? Remember that you can find accommodations, restaurants, and many more sustainable and responsible consumption options at Biosphere.