Urola Garaia, in the south of Gipuzkoa, is a destination of great cultural, heritage, and natural value. Made up of the municipalities of Ezkio-Itsaso, Legazpi, Urretxu, and Zumárraga, this region is set in a privileged environment next to the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park.
Legazpi’s industrial past is closely linked to the Urola River, where numerous foundries and mills once operated and can still be explored today, for example, at the Mirandaola Ironworks. In addition, cultural spaces such as Fabrika Gunea, located in a former paper mill in Legazpi, showcase the working-class history of the 20th century, while the Chillida Lantoki workshop offers an immersive experience between art and industry.
In Zumárraga, the Hermitage of La Antigua stands out, known as the “cathedral of hermitages,” while in Urretxu, the Church of San Martín de Tours is a beautiful example of popular architecture. The Igartubeiti farmhouse-museum in Ezkio-Itsaso also represents traditional Basque way of life, featuring its impressive 16th-century cider press.
For active tourists, the region offers routes along trails and the Urola Greenway, perfect for exploring by bike, on foot, or on horseback, and they connect with the Ignatian Way. The regional tourist office is located within the La Antigua Interpretation Center in Zumárraga.
In short, Urola Garaia is a destination that combines sustainability, innovation, and tradition, offering authentic experiences that respect heritage and promote the socio-economic development of the region.
| Incorporation into the Smart Tourism Destinations Project | The Urola Garaia destination began in the project at the end of 2024, completing the diagnostic process throughout 2025 in order to join the network. |
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