Durango, Bizkaia – Historic Town on the GR® 38 Route

Valley landscapes, historic streets, and the descent from Urkiola Natural Park

Durango lies along the GR® 38 Wine & Fish Route in Bizkaia, where the rugged limestone landscapes of Urkiola Natural Park give way to broader valleys and settled countryside. Arriving from Urkiola Pass, the route descends from mountain terrain into a greener valley environment shaped by rivers, farmland, and historic settlement.

The town sits within the Ibaizabal valley beneath the limestone peaks of the Urkiola range, which remain visible to the south. Historic streets, civic squares, and traditional Basque architecture reflect Durango’s long history as a market and regional centre.

Approaching Durango, the GR® 38 follows forest tracks and rural lanes before transitioning onto quieter urban streets and pedestrian routes. The shift from mountain paths to town infrastructure marks a clear change in the rhythm of the journey.

Durango offers a full range of services including accommodation, restaurants, shops, transport links, and rail connections. This makes it one of the most practical locations along the route for rest, resupply, or adjusting travel plans after the mountain crossing.

Leaving Durango, the GR® 38 continues north through rolling countryside and rural Bizkaia toward Gernika-Lumo, where the landscape transitions toward river estuaries and the coastal environment.