Ringing the city is the Anillo Verde (Green Belt), a series of interconnecting parks, ponds and marshes linked to one another by 31km of cycling paths, which was established in 1994. Altogether, some 206 hectares of woodland, lakes and grassy expanse have been restored. It's an important ecological zone that attracts numerous waterfowl, as well as providing a refuge for the rare European mink and very tame herds of deer. Bird hides (blinds) are scattered around the lake shores.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.06 MILES
Art lovers shouldn't miss Vitoria’s palace of modern art. The large subterranean galleries are filled with engrossing pieces by artists from the Basque…
28.65 MILES
Housed in a lovely 18th-century baroque building, this superb museum takes you on a wild romp through Riojan history and culture in both Spanish and…
1.21 MILES
Bibat incorporates the Museo de Arqueología, whose 1500-piece archaeological collection covers the province of Álava, from prehistory to the Bronze Age …
22.68 MILES
A must for wine lovers, the high-tech Museum of the Culture of Wine delves into the history and culture of wine and the various processes that go into its…
1.24 MILES
At the summit of the old town and dominating its skyline is the Catedral de Santa María. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries in the Gothic style,…
15.35 MILES
Situated 10km south of Oñati, the Santuario de Arantzazu is a busy Christian pilgrimage site that's a fabulous conflation of piety and avant-garde art…
17.42 MILES
For over 7000 years, 'white gold' has been produced at this site, where over 4km of wooden aqueducts transport high-saline spring water from 200-million…
1.77 MILES
On a peaceful, tree-lined boulevard, this low-lit armaments museum showcases weapons used over the centuries, from Bronze Age spearheads to 19th-century…
Nearby Basque Country attractions
1.06 MILES
Art lovers shouldn't miss Vitoria’s palace of modern art. The large subterranean galleries are filled with engrossing pieces by artists from the Basque…
1.16 MILES
A wonderful covered market that has all the fruits, vegetables, wines, breads, desserts and other ingredients for a memorable feast. If you're not self…
1.2 MILES
The eccentric Museo Fournier de Naipes is in the 16th-century Palacio de Bendaña, with an impressive collection of historic presses and playing cards,…
1.21 MILES
Bibat incorporates the Museo de Arqueología, whose 1500-piece archaeological collection covers the province of Álava, from prehistory to the Bronze Age …
1.24 MILES
At the summit of the old town and dominating its skyline is the Catedral de Santa María. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries in the Gothic style,…
1.27 MILES
Built between 1787 and 1802, this neoclassical covered arcade connects the old and new towns.
7. Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel
1.32 MILES
At the base of Vitoria's medieval Casco Viejo is the delightful Plaza de la Virgén Blanca, which is lorded over by the 14th-century Iglesia de San Miguel…
8. Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Álava
1.36 MILES
Inside this natural-history museum is a dazzling collection of minerals. You can also marvel at a mantis caught in amber, get an eyeful of some beautiful…