Ekoetxea Urdaibai

Ekoetxea Urdaibai is an environmental centre located in the heart of the only Biosphere Reserve in the Basque Country. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve covers 22,000 hectares and is made up of a mosaic of cliffs, mountains, beaches, rivers and subterranean waters, which offer us a spectacular landscape full of animal and human life. With the aim, on the one hand, of harmonising the conservation of biological diversity, heritage and cultural manifestations, and on the other, economic development, as well as the relationship between people and their environment, in 1984 UNESCO included Urdaibai in its MaB programme, through its declaration as a Biosphere Reserve.

Ekoetxea Urdaibai is located in the Madariaga Tower in Busturia, which dates back to the 15th century. In addition to the exhibition areas, it has a viewpoint with spectacular 360º views where you can see the marshes, the island of Izaro, Laida or the beach of Mundaka. In addition, you can enjoy the Madaixagane Restaurant, which offers traditional cuisine with a marked commitment to high quality, seasonal, natural local produce, which will delight any visitor. The centre also has an auditorium and spaces for holding events and meetings.

Ekoetxea Urdaibai is part of the network of environmental centres of the Basque Government's Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability and is managed by the Public Environmental Management Company, Ihobe. It has a powerful Didactic School Programme and offers experiences and routes that allow us to value the natural environment closest to us and, in addition, seek the involvement of citizens in order to create a more sustainable future through improvements in their behaviour and habits.