Discover Durango

Durango combines striking architecture and traces of history with routes through the countryside. When planning your trip, you can explore cultural attractions and trails while also deciding whether you want to get around by train, bus or bicycle. This helps you decide what to focus on during your stay before looking for a hotel in Durango.

Architecture, history and art

The present-day Santa Ana Arch is a Baroque triumphal arch. In the 18th century, it replaced an earlier gate. The Church of Santa Ana also has a clearly dated feature: its tower was completed in 1745. On a walk through Durango, anyone who takes an interest in architecture will encounter both the history of a city gate and a building from the 18th century.

Another striking architectural landmark is the Basilica of Santa María de Uribarri. It has the largest portico in the Basque Country. The Kurutziaga Cross stands out for its material and scale: the monument was carved from dark sandstone and is four and a half metres high. These two sites offer different ways to appreciate Durango’s architecture and historical landmarks.

The Museum of Art and History also adds to the picture of the city. It has a permanent collection and hosts seasonal exhibitions. As the exhibitions vary by season, check what will be on display during your trip before visiting. Another trace of the past is the Mikeldi Idol: a copy can now be seen on Mikeldi Street, near where the original was found.

In the historic centre, you can enjoy pintxos and local cuisine. This lets you combine exploring architecture and history with a culinary break; individual venues and their offerings may change.

Routes and countryside

For views of the countryside, the Mugarra Route offers panoramic vistas and the chance to see griffon vultures. The Urkiola Trail starts in the Tabira neighbourhood and reaches the Three Crosses of Urkiola, which offer beautiful views along the route. This trail is not signposted, so take that into account when planning.

The Mikeldi GR 229 offers further routes. Its first stage runs from Durango to Atxondo, passing through Izurtza and Mañaria before reaching the Urkiola Nature Reserve. The final stage connects Amorebieta-Etxano and Durango, crossing woods and fields on its way to the summit of Mugarra. The two stages described therefore differ both in their start and end points and in their routes. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The Wine and Fish Trail offers a different historical connection. Durango was an important waypoint on this old trade route between Rioja Alavesa and the ports on the Bay of Biscay. The route ends in Durango at the Church of San Pedro de Tabira, after this section passes through the Urkiola Nature Reserve. This historical context differs from the description of the individual stages of the Mikeldi GR 229.

Getting around Durango

You can get around Durango by bicycle using the Bidegorri cycle path. Durango is also accessible by public transport: Euskotren runs train services, and buses are operated by Bizkaibus, PESA and La Unión. As operators and timetables matter when planning a specific trip, check the connections before setting off.

When choosing a hotel, you can first consider whether the architecture and museum or the hiking and countryside routes will be the main focus of your stay. You may also want to consider how you plan to get around locally and travel to Durango. Culture, nature and transport are distinct, tangible aspects of Durango, without implying any particular location or amenities for an individual hotel.

Discover more destinations: Mungia, Portugalete, Mendieta, Osma, Laukiz, Urriola, Gaztelu-Elexabeitia, Arantzazu

For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.