Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Gernika sits at the heart of the Urdaibai UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a 22,000-hectare mosaic of tidal estuary, ancient oak forest, coastal cliffs and wetlands that shelters over 200 bird species and some of the cleanest river water in northern Spain. It is the kind of place that makes you forget a city is only an hour away.
The estuary and birdwatching
The Oka River estuary, visible from the edge of Gernika itself, is one of the most important wintering and migratory wetlands on the Atlantic flyway. Spoonbills, marsh harriers, grey herons and — in winter — flocks of dunlin and black-tailed godwits congregate on the mudflats.
The Urdaibai Bird Center in Gautegiz Arteaga (10 minutes by car from Gernika) has excellent hides, telescopes and bilingual interpretation panels. It opens daily and charges a modest entry fee.
Hiking and coastal access
The GR-238 long-distance trail loops through the reserve, but day-hikers can pick up a beautiful 8 km section starting from Gernika that follows the river bank through riparian oak forest before climbing to viewpoints above the estuary.
The reserve's Atlantic coast — reached via Mundaka or Laga beach — is 20 minutes by car and offers dramatic cliff scenery and the famous Mundaka left-hand surf break, considered one of the best in Europe.
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