Urola Garaia, in southern Gipuzkoa, is a destination of great cultural, heritage, and natural value. Comprising the municipalities of Ezkio-Itsaso, Legazpi, Urretxu, and Zumárraga, this region is nestled in a privileged setting next to the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park.
Legazpi’s industrial past is closely linked to the Urola River, where numerous foundries and mills once stood, many of which can still be discovered today, for example, at the Mirandaola Ironworks. Furthermore, cultural spaces like Fabrika Gunea, located in a former paper mill in Legazpi, showcase the history of 20th-century workers, while the Chillida Lantoki workshop offers an immersive experience at the intersection of art and industry.
In Zumárraga, the Hermitage of La Antigua, known as “the cathedral of hermitages,” is a highlight, and in Urretxu, the Church of San Martín de Tours stands out as a beautiful example of vernacular architecture. The Igartubeiti farmhouse-museum in Ezkio-Itsaso also represents the traditional Basque way of life, and its impressive 16th-century wine press.
For active tourists, the region offers hiking trails and the Urola Greenway, perfect for exploring by bike, on foot, or on horseback, and connecting with the Ignatian Way. The regional tourist office is located within the Antigua Interpretation Center in Zumárraga.
In short, Urola Garaia is a destination that combines sustainability, innovation, and tradition, offering authentic experiences that respect the region’s heritage and promote its socioeconomic development.
| Joining the Smart Destinations project | |
| Outstanding Initiatives
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– Member of the Association of Municipalities of the Ignatian Way, of which Legazpi, Urretxu, and Zumarraga are members, and currently participating on its board.
– Working towards the incorporation of the municipality of Legazpi as an Anchor Point of ERIH (European Route of Industrial Heritage), of which it is already a member as a point of interest. – Guide to 6 regional trails, for use in tourist offices, catering to the profile of hikers who visit us. – Industrial Tourism Weekend, of which we held the 4th edition in 2025, to showcase all our resources related to Industrial Tourism in our region. Free visits and experiences for visitors. – Pintxo guide in our region, Pintxoz Pintxo, with the participation of 56 of our establishments. – Conducting guided tours of our tourist attractions, focusing on the role of women in our community. – Promoting family tourism and supporting the development of new tours and workshops for families. – Developing participatory governance with the sector through various thematic working groups. |
