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.