nature
Geopark
The Basque Coast Geopark covers an area of 90 square kilometres belonging to the Gipuzkoan towns of Deba, Zumaia and Mutriku and has an estimated population of 19,700 inhabitants.
It is one of the 120 UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Geology is the true protagonist of a landscape that preserves some of the most impressive episodes in the Earth’s recent history. The 13 km of cliffs in the Geopark have a spectacular formation of rock layers known as Flysch deposits, which in the manner of a large encyclopaedia show us over 60 million years of the history of the Earth.
The inland, karst area, is home to the largest number of caves in the whole region of Gipuzkoa. Amongst all the caves, special mention should be given to the cave at Ekain (Deba), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008 and the public can visit the replica, Ekainberri, in the town of Zestoa.
They are two clearly distinct areas, both in terms of their geology as well as their cultural and landscape characteristics.
Characteristics of a Geopark
The Geopark designation refers to an inhabited territory which stands out, in particular, for its rich geological heritage. Other facets of (cultural or natural) heritage of interest may also be present. So, the Geoparks apply a strategy of enhancement and sustainable development that aims to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants.
