The Gorbeialdea region, composed of municipalities including Arantzazu, Areatza, Artea, Dima, Orozko, Otxandio, Ubide, Zeanuri and Zeberio, is located in the most southerly part of the province of Bizkaia, between the Ibaizabal valley and the Gorbeia mountains.

Reaching its summits, penetrating its luxuriant fluvial gullies, enjoying the patchwork of meadows and crops, and more, takes us to the heart of a singular natural world.

This area of pronounced contrasts, dominated by the beauty of its scenery, its popular traditions and the typicality of its ecosystems, has been classed as one that best represents the profound, rural and picturesque Bizkaia.

The Gorbeia and Urkiola mountain ranges crown the geographical limits of Gorbeialdea. Declared nature reserves due to their high natural and scenic value, they provide an important alternative for lovers of rural tourism.

 

The Gorbeia nature reserve

The Gorbeia nature reserve covers 20.106 hectares, almost all the mountain area of the massif, and is the most extensive nature reserve in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (C.A.P.V). Declared such in 1994 and located between the historical territories of Bizkaia and Alava, it centres on Mount Gorbeia, topped by an emblematic cross. The altitude of this mountain gives the area a typical climate. 70% of its surface area is covered by woodland; beech, oak and pine woods, and occupied by the animal species typical of this habitat: roe deer, red deer, foxes, etc.

The natural access to the reserve rises from Areatza and leads to the Pagomakurre, Larreder and Upokomakatza recreation areas. It can also be reached from the Lanbreabe quarter of Zeanuri and from Orozko, via Gallartu, to the Altzagorta recreation area.

 

The Urkiola nature reserve
The Urkiola nature reserve groups together the highest land in the Aramotz mountain range, creating a great limestone barrier between the Arratia, Duranguesado and Aramaio valley districts.

The most important mountain ranges are made up of limestone massifs. This abrupt landscape is accompanied by hillside pastures where pine, holm oak and beech woods grow on the lower slopes.
Standing right at the heart of the Urkiola reserve is the Sanctuary dedicated to Saints Anthony Abad and Anthony of Padua, a place of pilgrimage for Biscayan people.
From Dima we can access the Eskuagatx area and especially the Baltzola caves??? From Otxandio, on the way towards Olaeta, we can enter the Condebaso beech forests.