Valderejo Natural Park – Limestone Canyons, Oak Woodland, and Quiet Upland Valleys

A remote landscape shaped by cliffs, river gorges, and traditional rural land use

Valderejo Natural Park protects one of the quietest and least populated landscapes in the Basque Country, located in the western interior of Álava near the border with Castilla y León. Limestone cliffs, river gorges, oak woodland, and open valley pasture form a remote upland environment shaped by geology, water, and traditional land use.

This is a landscape defined by enclosure and contrast. The Purón River has carved a narrow gorge through limestone rock, creating steep canyon walls and sheltered valley floors where woodland and grassland thrive. Surrounding plateaux and ridges open into wider views across the interior hills, while small settlements sit quietly within the terrain.

The park marks a transition between Atlantic and Mediterranean environments. Oak woodland, scrubland, and dry grassland coexist with cooler valley habitats, creating ecological diversity and supporting a wide range of wildlife.

Despite its remoteness, the landscape bears clear signs of historic rural life. Stone farmhouses, abandoned villages, and traditional pastureland reflect changing patterns of settlement and land use across the uplands. Walking here often follows historic tracks linking farms, valleys, and upland routes.

Walking in Valderejo Natural Park is defined by stillness and immersion rather than distance. Gorge paths follow the Purón River through shaded canyon corridors, while upland routes cross open ridges and quiet pastureland. The terrain encourages unhurried exploration within a landscape where natural processes remain dominant.

Beyond walking, the park is known for its biodiversity. Birds of prey including griffon vultures and eagles nest along the cliffs, while woodland and grassland habitats support diverse flora and fauna.

Whether exploring the river gorge or crossing the upland valleys, Valderejo Natural Park offers one of northern Spain’s most tranquil and ecologically rich landscapes.

Where to Walk and Explore

Purón River Gorge Trail

‍A scenic route through limestone canyon landscapes and shaded woodland.

Upland Valley Routes

‍Paths linking pastureland, rural settlements, and open ridgelines.

Wildlife Viewing Areas

‍Cliffs and open landscapes known for birds of prey and diverse habitats.

Landscape Highlights

• Limestone canyon carved by the Purón River
• Oak woodland and upland pasture
• Remote valleys and quiet rural landscapes
• Atlantic–Mediterranean ecological transition zone
• Important habitat for birds of prey
• Historic farmsteads and abandoned villages