An environmental centre in the heart of UrdaibaiEkoetxea Urdaibai is located in the Basque Country's only biosphere reserve. At just 22,000 hectares, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is small in size but huge in its biodiversity: 729 species of animals, 821 of plants, 86 different habitats, 52 sites of geological interest, 3 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and one Special Protection Area for Birds (SPAB) which forms part of the Natura 2000 network. The reserve has been classed as a wetland of natural interest under RAMSAR since 1993, and is home to 85 species in danger of extinction or of Community interest. The architecture, history and culture of the area are also of great importance. A case in point is the building that houses the Ekoetxea centre itself: the 15th century Torre Madariaga fortified tower-house. Ekoetxea Urdaibai offers a wide variety of activities for all ages and all types of visitor. The centre has a permanent exhibition where visitors can start their tour by looking at the wealth of biodiversity around the world and then gradually zooming in on that of the Basque Country and focusing on the great ecological value of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. It also stages temporary exhibitions, which change frequently, and has an observatory with a wonderful 360º view over the marshes. The Ekoetxea centre is based at the Torre Madariaga, a unique building strategically located at a point that provides views of the whole Urdaibai estuary.It dates from the 15th century, and was built as a defensive tower in factional struggles between noble families of that time.The adjacent palazzo was built in the 17th century to provide more residential space. Over the years the defensive tower was incorporated into the local farming community and the residential area was extended to house the families that worked the 5-hectare estate on which it stood. The clock tower dates from 1851. It was built by a resident of San Bartolomé with the idea that it would be used by the village of Busturia. Ekoetxea Urdaibai has clearly signposted parking facilities for cars, coaches, motor-cycles and bikes. Outside the building there is a play area and a maze for children. The path around the perimeter is an excellent place to stroll and admire the beauty of the various ecosystems in the surrounding area: an artificial wetland, an insect sanctuary, an arboretum where visitors can learn about the different species of local trees, a number of sculptures and more. It is a place for enjoying nature, alone or in company.
Basque cuisine After sightseeing and joining in the activities offered by Ekoetxea Urdaibai, visitors can also enjoy the fine cuisine of the region at Madaixagane Jatetxea.This restaurant at the Ekoetxea Urdaibai centre itself seats 25 (or up to 35 for group bookings). It offers traditional cuisine based on fresh vegetables, high-quality seasonal natural produce and locally sourced meat. With this "zero travel" philosophy its dishes are sure to please. The Madaixagane also has a large outdoor terrace overlooking the children's play area and the Urdaibai reserve. There is also a fine selection of snacks or pintxos available to eat at the bar or on the terrace. Contact telephone: +34 946 87 17 95
How to get to the EkotxeaBy rail:The Euskotren line between Bilbao & Bermeo • Where to get on in Bilbao: Atxuri or Bolueta station. • Where to get off: Busturia (San Cristóbal) • Euskotren timetablesBy bus: Bizkaibus line A3515: Bilbao - Amorebieta Etxano - Gernika – Bermeo Where to get on in Bilbao: Abando station or Calle Juan de Garay (Pza. Zabálburu). Where to get off: Busturia (San Bartolomé) Locate stops and check times on the website of BizkaibusBy car from Bilbao: • Take the A8 motorway in Bilbao towards San Sebastián / France • Take the Amorebieta - Etxano / Gernika exit. Head towards Gernika. • In Gernika, head towards Bermeo. After passing Forua and Murueta you will reach Busturia (San Bartolomé). By car from San Sebastian:• Take the A8 motorway in San Sebastián towards Bilbao • Take the Amorebieta - Etxano / Gernika exit. Head towards Gernika. • In Gernika, head towards Bermeo. After passing Forua and Murueta you will reach Busturia (San Bartolomé). Coordenadas Latitud 43.375 (43º 22' 30 N) Longitud -2.6975000000000002 (2º 41' 51 O")Ver en google maps
Opening hoursSeptember - June: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00 (Closed on Mondays except for public holidays) July & August: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00. * The centre is closed on the following dates: 25 December, 1 January and 6 January. Admission fees Visit to Ekoetxea Urdaibai, including access to the permanent exhibition, the temporary exhibitions and the lookout point over the marshes. Admission to the exhibition areas is free. For guided tours of the centre and the surrounding areas, please ask about prices and availability.
Contact usEkoetxea Urdaibai Carretera de Gernika a Bermeo, Barrio de San Bartolomé, 48350 Busturia (Bizkaia) Telephone: 94 687 04 02 E-mail: info.urdaibai@ekoetxea.eus
What is biodiversity? This exhibition brings home to visitors the meaning of biodiversity. The concept is addressed gradually, from the general to the specific, beginning with a definition of the term itself and going on to a description of the biodiversity to be found in the Basque Country and in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. The goal is to teach visitors the importance of conservation and of sustainable resource use, because only by using resources rationally can we ensure that they will still be there for future generations. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve This exhibition sets out to familiarise visitors with the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve by showcasing its main features and highlighting how much it contributes to society in various ways. It explains what a biosphere reserve is in terms of a model for sustainable development, then goes on to outlines the specific characteristics of Urdaibai, such as its management system and its natural and cultural heritage assets. It also highlights the work done and the efforts still ongoing to bring together nature conservation and sustainable economic and social development. The Lookout Point After visiting the exhibitions, visitors can go to the lookout point, where they can enjoy views of the various ecosystems of Urdaibai and its spectacular setting: the marshes, Sand Pedro de Atxarre, the Isle of Izaro, Laida beach, etc.
All Save 20/05/2022 All The Basque Country is close to achieving the European Union’s 2030 target with a quarter of its territory already protected To mark the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May, and with its slogan ‘Building a shared future for all life’, the Basque Government presented the 2022 Environmental Profile of the Basque Country. This time, they tackled the theme of biodiversity in the territory, which encompasses several questions such as the amount of protected natural land, the state of conservation of species and Basque public investment in this area.
Save The environmental centres in the Basque Government’s Ekoetxea network will open their doors again this weekend 04/06/2020
All Save All A hundred thousand visitors to the environmental centres of the Basque Government’s Ekoetxea Network in 2019 26/01/2020