Naturaleza

SIERRA DE ARRATO HILLS

This beauty spot has in its time seen many battles, first between families of local nobles and then as a centre of operations and stationing area for troops in Spain's war of independence from France and during the Carlist wars. Its altitude and strategic location overlooking the plains of Araba, the Zuia valley and part of the Gorbeia massif made it a key strong-point in these conflicts.

It lies in the south of the municipality, amidst a fine wood of typically Mediterranean holm oaks. From the village of Apodaka a pleasant trail runs all the way through the wood, over Mount Amaritu (787 m) and on to Armikelo, the highest peak in these hills at 888 m.

GORBEIA NATURAL PARK: MAIRUELEGORRETA CAVES

The climb up to Gorbeia from the village of Murua is without doubt one of the most beautiful and well-travelled hill-climbing routes in Alava. Two well-signposted trails lead to the top: the first runs through magnificent oak woods and heather towards Pagazuri and Arroriano, and then up through great beech woods to the top of Gorbeia.

The second runs alongside the river Zubialde. On this route there is a rest area and car park at the former quarry in Murua, near the Gorbeia reservoir. From there a path runs through Arroriano directly to the summit, with the possibility of a detour to the Mairuelegorreta caves.

These caves, which run for over 12 km, are the remains of an ancient water course. The beautiful maze of caverns is the setting for many local traditions and legends. Visits to the caves must be booked in advance at the local town hall.

MOUNT OKETA

An extraordinary viewing balcony at an altitude of 1301 m affords views over the whole Zigoitia valley, the plains of Araba, the Legutiano reservoirs and the Urkiola natural park beyond.

Access is from the village of Etxaguen, close to Murua. A climb of just over 3 km leads up through heather, gorse and small groves of durmast oak to the summit, where legend has it that a coffer of coins was hidden during one of the Carlist wars over the succession to the Spanish throne, through no-one has ever managed to find it..