Route of the viewpoints

Covering an area of 90 km2, the extensive Geopark boasts many magnificent viewpoints that are ideal for understanding the park and its geological history. Through a series of panoramic information panels and other carefully curated informative elements, you will learn all about the landscape and how it formed. All viewpoints are located a short walk (max. 10 min.) from the nearest car park.

1. BARATZAZARRAK

A privileged viewpoint at the heart of the Deba-Zumaia Protected Natural Landscape. Just a short walk from the Elorriaga rest area, this observation deck boasts breathtaking views of the Geopark’s interior. The large wooden platform sits 100 m up, overlooking an old landslide. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the highest cliffs in the Geopark and the abrasion platform below.

2. VALLEY OF PREHISTORY 

On the Camino Real (Royal Road) from Deba to Sasiola you will find a wooden platform on a meander in the Deba River. Look around and you will see you are surrounded by large pyramids of rock. This is the Geopark’s pinnacle karst. The caves here were occupied by humans for more than 200,000 years. Come explore our Valley of prehistory!

3. ALGORRI

Undoubtedly one of the must-sees of the Geopark. With spectacular views of the coastline, especially at low tide, this is one of the most fascinating places of geological interest in the world. Here you will learn about one of the most significant events in the history of the Earth: the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

4. SAKONETA-PORTUTXIKI

This is the wildest part of the Geopark’s coast. Here, the erosion of the flysch has carved out small coves and large cliffs that are difficult to reach. Sakoneta is a truly alien landscape. If you visit at low tide, you will be rewarded with one of the most incredible landscapes on the Basque coast.

5. MENDATAGAINA

Picture-postcard views from this viewpoint overlooking the great wall of Cape Aitzuri. The height of this viewpoint affords spectacular views of the Basque Coast and Sakoneta Beach in particular. Here, the dynamics of coastal erosion, and the formation processes of the cliffs and the abrasion platform become clear.

6. LAPARI

An urban viewpoint at the top end of the Solozabal promenade with views of Lapari Beach. This is the perfect place to contemplate and understand the black flysch, the oldest flysch in the Geopark. Journey back to the Lower Cretaceous and dive into a tropical sea of corals and giant abyssal fans.

7. SATURRARAN

Saturraran Beach marks the western end of the Geopark and is quite a revelation. On this picturesque crescent beach, you will find pebbles from rocks in the Landes department of France. This was the point of the opening of the Bay of Biscay. It is where the ocean floor broke apart, creating underwater canyons that swallowed rocks in great avalanches.

8. OLATZ

Olatz is a surprisingly different valley. Here you are entering a large depression surrounded by pyramid-shaped mountains, where rural Basque traditions are still very much part of the day-to-day. Wander among the traditional farmhouses and enjoy the natural surroundings from the three viewpoints. It is fascinating to learn how this great karst depression formed.

9. LASTUR

Lastur Valley is a must-see for visitors interested in exploring the Geopark’s interior. At the south entrance, stop at the viewpoint to contemplate this enormous, long depression and learn how it formed. Continue to the San Nikolas neighbourhood, where the enchanting square and the watermills reveal the secrets of local culture and traditions.

  • Location
  • Access: take the road starting at the Sasiola bridge crossroads on the N634 to Lastur, next to Arrasketa holiday cottage. Alternatively, start in the centre of Lastur and travel in the opposite direction.

10. SANTA KATALINA

A fantastic natural viewpoint that affords a 360-degree view of the Geopark and the Basque Coast. The chapel and its surroundings make for a picture-perfect landscape. Located on the GR 121 Flysch Trail.