Montes Obarenes-San Zadornil Natural Park

Parque Natural Montes Obarenes-San Zadornil is a protected area between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Ebro Valley with deep gorges, dense forests, and limestone cliffs. The terrain features mountain ridges with streams and natural rock walls that create a complex landscape.

The area gained protection status in 1999 as a Site of Community Importance and became a Special Protection Area for Birds in 2000. Official designation as a natural park followed in 2006 to safeguard the ecosystems.

Local villages continue practicing traditional farming and herding that shape the landscape today. Visitors can observe this rural way of life in daily scenes, such as herds moving through valleys or crops on hillsides.

Visitor centers in Oña and San Zadornil provide information and orientation for exploring the area. More than 20 marked trails of varying difficulty are available, so both casual walkers and experienced hikers can find suitable routes.

The reserve shelters European mink and native crayfish, species that have become rare elsewhere. These animals thrive in the cool streams and woodland zones where they find protection from disturbance.

Location: Álava

GPS coordinates: 42.72389,-3.26553

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:46