Vitoria-Gasteiz archivos - VOLARE MAGAZINE

Just a few kilometres from Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir is Álava’s “inland sea”: beaches, water sports, cycling routes and large green spaces where you can spend a summer’s day by the water.

When the heat hits Vitoria-Gasteiz, many locals do not head for the coast. They only need to travel a few kilometres to the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir, one of Álava’s most popular leisure spots during the summer months. Around 20 minutes from the city, this vast body of water surrounded by meadows and small wooded areas is perfect for swimming, getting active or simply settling into the shade with a picnic.

So yes, Vitoria has a beach too! There may be no waves or sea horizon, but there are three inland beaches with Blue Flag status, water for a refreshing swim and scenery that makes it very easy to forget, for a few hours, that you are far from the coast.

Landa or Garaio: which beach should you choose?

The reservoir’s two main swimming areas are Landa and Garaio, and both are ideal for spending a full day by the water.

Landa, on the north-western side of the reservoir, is probably the easiest option for anyone looking to combine swimming and relaxation. It has a large green area, picnic spots and tables, as well as a bar beside the beach. It is especially popular with families and groups of friends who arrive in the morning and use the reservoir as their base for the whole day.

In Garaio, the scenery takes more of a starring role. The park occupies a 116-hectare peninsula that stretches into the reservoir and is home to Garaio North and Garaio South beaches, surrounded by meadows and wooded areas. There are toilets, showers, car parks, signposted paths and viewpoints, making it particularly easy to alternate a swim with a walk or a short hike.

Which one should you choose? For a day mainly focused on the beach and a picnic, Landa is an easy bet. If you would rather combine swimming with walking, cycling and exploring a little more of the surrounding area, Garaio offers more possibilities.

There’s more to do than sunbathe

Ullíbarri-Gamboa is also one of the best places near Vitoria for an active summer’s day. Its waters are used for activities such as canoeing, rowing and windsurfing, while paths around the reservoir make it possible to explore the landscape on foot or by bike.

In fact, if you bring a bike, you can turn the outing into a fairly substantial ride. The circular route that runs around almost the entire reservoir is about 44 kilometres long and can be started from either Landa or Garaio. There are shorter alternatives too, so you do not need to complete the entire loop to enjoy cycling beside the water. You can also cycle there from Vitoria, connecting with the Vasco Navarro Greenway. It is a good option if you want the journey itself to be part of the plan and prefer not to travel by car. If you are particularly interested in discovering the cycling and natural side of Álava’s capital, you can complement your trip with our guide to Vitoria-Gasteiz as a green city.

A detour for birdwatching

If you prefer to slow things down, another of the reservoir’s most interesting spots lies at its southern end: the Mendixur Ornithological Park. Here it is worth swapping your swimming gear for binoculars. Two short routes of around 3.5 kilometres lead to hides from which you can spot the birds that use these wetlands as a refuge. It is a peaceful activity that is easy to combine with Garaio, especially early in the day or when you no longer feel like lying by the water.

pajaro en el Parque Ornitológico de Mendixur

How to plan a summer’s day from Vitoria

One of Ullíbarri-Gamboa’s great advantages is precisely how close it is, so you do not have to choose between visiting Vitoria and enjoying nature.

You can spend the morning at the reservoir, get to Landa or Garaio early and start with a walk, a bike ride or a water activity before going for a swim. Afterwards, set out your picnic —the recreation areas have tables and designated spaces— and use the middle of the day to relax beside the water. In the late afternoon, the short distance makes it easy to return to Vitoria and end the day in a much more urban way: strolling through the historic centre and finding a terrace or pintxo bar for dinner.

It is precisely this contrast that makes the reservoir one of the area’s best summer outings: in a single day you can go from central Vitoria to swimwear, a bike and an afternoon by the water, then back to the city in time for dinner.

Practical information for summer 2026

During the 2026 swimming season, the beaches of Landa, Salurriaga and Moskurio —the latter two in Garaio— once again hold Blue Flag status. The official season runs until 30 August, and assistance, lifeguard and rescue services operate from 12:00 to 20:00. If you come by car, both Landa and Garaio have parking. In addition, a new 288-space car park opened in Landa this summer and is free during the 2026 season. On fine-weather days, however, it is still best not to wait until midday before heading over: this is one of Álava locals’ favourite summer activities, and the reservoir’s peaceful setting does not necessarily mean you will have it all to yourself.

And perhaps that is also the best way to discover it: not as an attraction to visit from Vitoria, but as the people who live here do, setting aside a few hours to head to the water when summer arrives.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is synonymous with sustainability, parks and well-being. A city designed for slow living, cycling around and enjoying nature without leaving the urban environment.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, where nature sets the rhythm of the city

Vitoria-Gasteiz stands out for its balance. At first glance, its perfectly preserved medieval old town invites visitors to wander through quiet streets and lively squares. This is complemented by a carefully curated gastronomic scene, numerous cultural options and a gentle pace that defines the city’s character. But what truly sets the Basque capital apart is its deep connection with nature and its strong commitment to a sustainable urban model.

Recognised as a European Green Capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz has successfully integrated large natural spaces into its urban layout, making parks, green paths and cycling routes an essential part of everyday life. Here, nature is not somewhere to escape to: it is a daily presence that accompanies visitors as soon as they step out to explore.

Thanks to its human scale and exemplary network of green spaces, the city is ideal for those seeking some gentle activity, sustainable mobility and outdoor experiences, without giving up the comfort of a welcoming and well-connected city.

1. The Green Belt: Vitoria-Gasteiz’s great natural jewel

The Green Belt is the emblem of Vitoria-Gasteiz’s sustainable model. It is a network of parks around the periphery of the city, connecting wetlands, forests and meadows along more than 30 kilometres of signposted trails.

Perfect for walking, running or cycling, the Green Belt allows visitors to discover different ecosystems without leaving the urban environment. Each section offers varied landscapes and well-integrated rest areas.

How to get there from the city centre:
It can be accessed on foot or by bike from almost any neighbourhood. Signposting is clear and continuous.

Local tip:
Rent a bike and ride just one section, at a relaxed pace. It’s the ideal way to understand how nature forms part of the city’s DNA.

2. Salburua: wetlands, birds and the silence of nature

Salburua Park is one of the most representative spaces along the Green Belt and a prime example of ecological restoration. Its lagoons and meadows are a haven for numerous bird species and a perfect setting for observing nature in its purest form.

Wooden walkways and viewing points allow visitors to explore the park respectfully, combining leisurely walks, environmental education and total relaxation.

How to get there from the city centre:
By tram, bike or on foot in around 30 minutes. It is also easily accessible by car.

Local tip:
Visit the park early in the morning or at sunset, when the light is softer and the wildlife is more active.

3. Florida Park and Prado Park: greenery in the heart of the city

Right in the centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz are two of its most iconic parks. Florida Park, with its romantic style, is an urban oasis ideal for strolling among century-old trees and peaceful paths. Right next door, Prado Park opens out as a large green space popular with locals.

These parks reflect the garden-city philosophy: well-maintained, accessible spaces designed for everyday relaxation.

How to get there from the city centre:
On foot, as both parks are right in the city centre.

Local tip:
Take a break on one of the benches and watch the world go by: families, cyclists and students share this space naturally.

4. Urban cycling route: getting around by bike like a local

Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain. Its extensive network of cycle lanes allows visitors to move around the city safely, comfortably and sustainably, connecting neighbourhoods, parks and points of interest.

Cycling around Vitoria-Gasteiz is not just a tourist activity, but a way to join in with its healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle.

hombre en bicicleta en un parque de vitoria

How to start the route:
There are bike rental services in the city centre and well-signposted cycle lanes from any point.

Local tip:
Combine the cycling route with stops in Green Belt parks for a complete experience.

5. Zabalgana and Armentia: forests and nature on your doorstep

Armentia Park is one of the most beloved green lungs among Vitoria-Gasteiz residents. With paths through oak woods and meadow areas, it’s perfect for walking, running or simply unwinding.

Nearby is Zabalgana, another large park integrated into the Green Belt, showcasing how urban growth can coexist with high-quality natural spaces.

How to get there from the city centre:
By bike or public transport in around 20 minutes.

Local tip:
Bring some food and enjoy a picnic in one of the designated areas, always respecting the environment.

6. The medieval quarter and its green walks

Even Vitoria-Gasteiz’s historic quarter is designed for leisurely strolling. Its pedestrian streets and small squares connect with nearby green areas, creating pleasant routes that invite aimless wandering.

This balance between heritage and nature is one of the city’s defining features.

How to get there from the city centre:
The medieval quarter is right in the city centre and easy to explore on foot.

Local tip:
Wander without a map and discover small green corners among city walls, churches and urban viewpoints.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, a model city for better living

Vitoria-Gasteiz proves that another way of travelling — and living — is possible. Its commitment to sustainability, responsible mobility and the integration of nature into the city makes it an ideal destination for those seeking well-being, balance and outdoor experiences.

Here, walking, cycling and breathing in the green surroundings are all part of everyday life. A city that doesn’t just get visited but is inspiring. A European example of how tourism can align with quality of life and respect for the environment.

You don’t get to see Vitoria-Gasteiz all at once. You discover it bit by bit, at a leisurely pace, like the cities that are in no hurry but have everything to offer. This friendly, cultured and surprisingly green city, capital of the Basque Country, has managed to achieve that rare combination of tradition and innovation, nature and urban development, history and the future. When you arrive in Vitoria-Gasteiz, you soon realise why it’s one of the best cities in Spain in terms of quality of life, where the air is clean, it’s easy to walk around and you can live life to the full.

From its impressive Old Town, one of the best preserved in the north of the country, to the modern districts around its famous Green Belt, Vitoria-Gasteiz will captivate you with its quiet charm. Its narrow cobbled streets, named after medieval guilds, wind around the Cathedral of Santa María (a gothic gem that inspired Ken Follett, no less), and lead you to welcoming squares, Renaissance palaces and contemporary murals, making every stroll a sensory experience.

But Vitoria-Gasteiz is not just about stone buildings and heritage. It’s also about woodland, ponds, storks and paths that hug the city in a green embrace. The Green Belt, a ground-breaking project in urban sustainability, has turned Vitoria-Gasteiz into an internationally renowned example of green urban planning. Salburua, Armentia, Zabalgana: all names that not only refer to parks but to spaces where you can truly reconnect with nature, just a few minutes from the centre of town. Here, the city and the forest stand together in harmony, and it’s not unusual to see families, runners or cyclists sharing their route with deer and migrating birds.

As you move into the heart of the city, the atmosphere becomes livelier, with its porticoed squares and bustling terraces. The Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, with its unmistakeable silhouette and monument to the Battle of Vitoria-Gasteiz, represents the soul of the city. The pintxo and wine bars around it invite you to savour the best of Basque cuisine, in its most casual and delicious form. Because here, eating is an everyday art, and your day would not be complete without stopping to try a gilda (a chili pepper, anchovy and olive skewer), a taco of bacalao al pil-pil (salted cod) or a glass of Rioja Alavesa wine.

Creative works also bring some modernity to the city. Urban art abounds on its façades, projecting memory, diversity and a sense of community, whilst its cultural calendar, with events such as the International Jazz Festival or Azkena Rock, makes Vitoria-Gasteiz a vibrant place aside from its landscapes. Museums such as the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art or the Museum of Fine Arts offer a stimulating range of avant-garde and classic works, in a city where culture is in its nature.

And if that weren’t enough, Vitoria-Gasteiz is also the gateway to some of the most charming landscapes in the Basque Country and to the cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián. From here you can explore the area of Rioja Alavesa, with its futuristic wineries and villages built from golden stone, the amazing lunar landscape of the Salt Valley of Añana, the exciting Basque Coast, or venture into one of the five Natural Parks near the city, a paradise for hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, trail runners, or simply for those wishing to admire the scenery.

There’s no need for us to rave about Vitoria-Gasteiz. It doesn’t seek to impress, but to leave a lasting impression. And it does this in spades, because of its people, its human scale, that rare balance between urban development and nature. It’s a city that slips silently into your mind but leaves its mark. A city you’ll always want to come back to.