Spain is renowned not only for its cities and beaches, but also for its astonishing natural diversity. Across the country, you’ll find hidden corners where you can escape the hustle of city life and reconnect with nature. One such treasure is the Basque Country, a region whose landscapes are truly breathtaking. Here, in the province of Álava, lies a real gem—the Valderejo Nature Park.
This park, part of the municipality of Valdegovía, is a vast valley encircled by steep limestone cliffs. Its uniqueness lies in its location at the boundary of two climate zones. Here, the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates converge, creating a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species.
Where two worlds meet
Thanks to its geographical location and the gradual depopulation of surrounding villages, Valderejo’s nature has remained almost untouched. Its isolation from intensive human activity has allowed the landscape to evolve under natural forces. The park’s main artery is the Purón River, which over millennia has carved a scenic gorge through the cliffs—a hallmark of this unique place.
As you walk along the trails, you can observe how the vegetation changes: from dense beech and oak forests typical of the Atlantic coast to thickets of evergreen oak and juniper characteristic of the Mediterranean. This mix of flora creates breathtaking landscapes all year round, making the park an appealing destination in any season.
The Realm of Vultures
The ecological richness of Valderejo is recognized at the European level—the park is part of the Natura 2000 network, which unites specially protected natural areas. The animal life here is as diverse as the plant life. In the forests you may encounter roe deer, wild boar, and wildcats. However, the true rulers of the skies here are the birds.
The park is especially proud to be home to one of the largest colonies of Griffon Vultures in the Basque Country. These majestic birds, with wingspans reaching up to two and a half meters, have chosen the inaccessible cliffs of the gorge for nesting. Watching them soar is a mesmerizing sight, giving the area unique ornithological value and attracting photographers and nature lovers from across Europe.
Rest for Body and Soul
For outdoor enthusiasts, Valderejo offers an extensive network of hiking trails. The paths vary in difficulty, so families with children as well as experienced hikers will find suitable options. The most popular route runs along the floor of the river Purón gorge; it is well-marked and equipped with signposts, making the hike comfortable and safe.
To dive deeper into the region’s history and culture, make sure to visit Lalastra, the main settlement within the park. Here you’ll find the Park House information center, where you can pick up maps and get detailed information about the trails. Nearby is the Ethnographic Museum, whose exhibits showcase the daily life and traditions of local people who have lived in harmony with this harsh yet generous nature for centuries.
RUSSPAIN Fact Sheet: Valderejo Natural Park was established in 1992 and spans nearly 3,500 hectares. It was the first natural park created in the province of Álava. Its unique geographic location at the crossroads of climate zones makes it a key center for biodiversity. In addition to griffon vultures, many other rare bird species inhabit the park, including peregrine falcons and golden eagles. The park stands as a prime example of successful nature conservation in Spain.
