Amurrio: Culture, Txakoli and Hiking Trails

Amurrio combines historic buildings and museums with hiking trails, Txakoli and recurring festivals. You can plan your trip around a range of interests: compare the routes and lengths of the trails, explore historic architecture or time your trip to coincide with an event.

Hiking trails by length and route

The Zirkular Aspaltza circular trail is 15.6 kilometres long and starts and ends at the Amurrio sports centre. It passes through the former districts of Pardio, Mariaka, Aldama, San Roque and Abiaga, across the landscapes of Goikomendi-Kuskumendi and Izarza, and up to the summit of Aspaltza, also known as Peña Negra. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The Parque Lineal is a ten-kilometre trail connecting Amurrio and Llodio. The two routes therefore differ in both length and format: the Parque Lineal connects two towns, while the Zirkular Aspaltza returns to its starting point.

Churches, chapels and historic buildings

The parish church of Santa María de la Asunción already existed in 1095; surviving structural remains date from the 12th to 13th centuries. A severe storm destroyed the previous tower in 1703. Extensive reconstruction work on the roofs, vaults, tower and chapels was completed in 1774. The carillon of the Iglesia de Santa María de Amurrio was the first in the Basque Country and, with 25 bells, is also the sixth largest in Spain.

The Ermita de San Antón dates from the 16th century. The Junta de Armuru, an assembly of the five local councils of Amurrio, Larrinbe, Derendano — now Saratxo —, Etxegoien and Olabezar, met in front of the chapel. The building is thus connected to a historic assembly of the surrounding local councils.

The Casa-torre Ugarte was built by Manuel de Ugarte y Orúe in the early 18th century. Its façade features the Ugarte family coat of arms and, below it, an elaborately carved wooden overhang running around the building. The Palacio Urrutia, also known as the Palacio de Cejudo, is a Renaissance tower from the late 16th century. The present-day Casa de Cultura was once the Baroque Ugarte-Mariaca palace; the building had previously served as a courthouse and prison.

Museums and local themes

The Museo del Licor de Amurrio is the first museum of its kind in the Basque Country. It showcases various liqueur-making methods as well as company records spanning more than a century of history. Museum visits are arranged through the Amurrio Tourist Office; check the visiting arrangements in advance.

The Museo de la Bicicleta is also located in the factory building and is the first museum of its kind in the Basque Country. Its collection spans from the late 19th century to the present day and includes links to the Karpy cycling team. The two museums focus on different topics: one centres on cycling history and Karpy, the other on liqueur production and company history.

Txakoli, cheese and event dates

Txakolin Eguna takes place in Amurrio on the Sunday after San Isidro. The festival features exhibitions and sales of artisan products, a garrafa competition, tastings and a shared meal. The Artzain Eguna shepherds’ festival is held annually on the third Sunday in September. The 2024 municipal programme also included an interprovincial competition for Latxa sheep. Check the specific event dates and programme for your travel year.

Two wineries in Amurrio producing Txakoli with the Arabako Txakolina designation of origin are open to visitors: Bodegas Artomaña Txakoliña and Arbazo Txakoliña. Check the booking arrangements in advance. The Amurrio Tourist Office also organises tours related to a local cheesemaker and can arrange a day trip combining a Txakoli winery, the bicycle museum and the liqueur museum. Check availability before your trip.

Scenic viewpoints

In the wider region around Amurrio, the northern side of the Sierra Salvada, known in Basque as Gorobel, has a 600-metre-high escarpment, while its southern slope is gentler. Gorbeia Natural Park can be accessed from Baranbio. Several hiking routes start near the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Piedad, which also offers sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Páganos, Urturi, Izarra, Lagran, Barrón, El Campillar, Laguardia, Rivabellosa.

For the broader travel overview: Alava.