Discover Gorbeia Inguruak: Nature and Cultural Heritage

A trip to Gorbeia Inguruak combines hiking, religious heritage and local themes such as honey. There are hiking opportunities in the Parque Natural de Gorbeia; the park’s visitor and interpretation centre, Parketxea, is in Sarría. When looking for a hotel for your trip, you can consider whether hiking, sacred history or honey production will shape your stay.

Hiking and route profiles

The Senda Bayas-Gorbea starts at the Casa del Parque, 3.5 kilometres from Murgia, and follows the Bayas River to the bridges of Arlobi. The Senda Vital is 1.7 kilometres long, follows a linear route along the river and has very little elevation change. The descriptions use different reference points: for the Senda Bayas-Gorbea, the start and end points are given; for the Senda Vital, the length and elevation profile are specified.

A 5.2-kilometre route leads from Murgia to the Ermita de Jugatxi. It takes about one hour and 30 minutes, has an elevation gain of 205 metres and is rated easy. The path passes through an area surrounded by centuries-old oak and beech trees. Another route goes on foot from Bitoriano to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Oro: it is four kilometres long and rated moderate. The two profiles therefore differ in both length and stated difficulty. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Sanctuaries and cultural history

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Oro was originally built as a Romanesque church and later remodelled in the Gothic style. Its first documented mention dates from 1138. From the sanctuary, at an elevation of 850 metres, there are views across the Zuia Valley and the Llanada Alavesa. Pilgrimages to San Marcos, at Pentecost and on San Antonio’s Day are also associated with the sanctuary.

The Ermita de Jugatxi houses a 13th-century Romanesque depiction of the Virgin of Jugatxi and a Baroque altarpiece. A popular pilgrimage takes place there on the second Sunday of September. If you want to include this date in your travel plans, check the event date in advance.

The Castro de las Peñas de Oro is also part of the region’s history: it dates from the 9th century BC and was inhabited until the 1st century. Visits therefore bring together different historical periods—from the Castro and Romanesque works to the later Gothic remodelling of the Santuario.

Honey, relaxation and other activities

The Museo de la Miel is located in the Casa Oregi in the centre of Murgia. It presents the methods used to produce honey in the Gorbeia area. The museum offers a different focus from the hiking trails and sanctuaries: here, the emphasis is on honey production and its regional significance.

Parque de Jugatxi has several benches and tables, a fountain and barbecue areas. You will also find a traditional bowling alley and a recreation area. As the facilities may change, check what is currently available if you plan to use them.

Gorbeia Central Park offers introductory climbing activities at Peñas de Oro, at difficulty grades 4 and 5. Booking and availability may change; check these details in advance if you are planning the activity. There are also climbing routes on the limestone rock face on which the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Oro stands.

There are two pilgrim hostels at the main entrance to the Santuario. They can only be used with prior authorisation; check the applicable authorisation requirements in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ibarguren, Quejana, Viñaspre, Artziniega, Laserna, Navaridas, Gurendes, Abornikano

For the overview of the wider region: Alava.