Salt brings one particularly vivid part of Álava’s attractions to life: at the Valle Salado, the landscape includes more than four kilometres of wooden channels and more than 2,000 restored salt pans still in operation. You can learn about the site on guided tours. Its products also make the variety of salt tangible. The Valle Salado markets four natural varieties: mineral salt from the spring, fleur de sel flakes, liquid spring salt and salt sticks.
The Valle Salado is 30 kilometres from Vitoria-Gasteiz. You can reach it via the A-2622 or the AP-1 and A-2622. Check road conditions before setting off.
Fortified sites, dolmens and museums
The Torre de los Varona takes you far back in time: its origins date to the late 14th or early 15th century. Historian Micaela Portilla describes it as the best-preserved fortified complex in Álava. The Chabola de la Hechicera also offers a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage. The dolmen is considered one of the most important in the Basque Country; it is probably also the largest and best-preserved dolmen in the area.
The Iruña-Veleia archaeological site spans more than 1,500 years of history, from the first millennium BC to the 5th century AD. Most of the wall and the southern gate of the fortified settlement remain visible. This time span combines a broad historical perspective with specific surviving structures.
BIBAT brings together the Álava Archaeology Museum and the Fournier Playing Card Museum. The Álava Arms Museum has a dedicated section on the 1813 Battle of Vitoria. Its collection consists mainly of offensive and defensive weapons, along with related equipment, from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. Together, these museums offer different ways to explore the past: archaeological finds, playing cards and the history of weaponry.
Protected landscapes and birdwatching
Gorbeia Natural Park covers 20,016 hectares and extends across Álava and Bizkaia. In Valderejo, you can discover its rich ornithological heritage along trails and from viewing points and equipped areas. Izki Natural Park is specially protected for its ecological value and beauty. Its diverse flora and fauna, together with features shaped over time by human activity, form an outstanding ecological and cultural heritage.
The Laguardia lagoons form a protected biotope in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, near the fortified town centre of Laguardia. The Prao de la Paul route runs alongside this wetland: it is 2.5 kilometres long and accessible to people with disabilities, though it is not recommended in rainy weather. There is a birdwatching centre along the route with capacity for around 18 to 20 people. Keys can be requested from the tourist information office; check before your visit whether this arrangement is still in place.
Wine route and travel interests
The GR 38, the Wine and Fish Route, starts in Oyón, passes through Laguardia and Lagrán, reaches the Llanada Alavesa at Estíbaliz and continues towards the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir. Check the route conditions before setting off. Rioja Alavesa also offers wine tourism, with small family wineries, avant-garde winery buildings, vineyards and monumental sites such as Laguardia. Alongside archaeological and nature-based discoveries, the wine landscape and wine tourism offer distinct interests of their own.
Discover more destinations: Gopegi, Laguardia, Elciego, Bernedo, Murgia, Añana, Amurrio, Quejana, Lasarte, Eskuernaga, Samaniego, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araia, Labastida, Rivabellosa, Elburgo/Burgelu, Zambrana, Legutio, Apodaka, Goiuri-Ondona, Pinedo, Hueto Arriba, Bujanda, Abornikano, Maestu, Corro, Oion, Lapuebla Labarka, Páganos, Bilar, Laserna, Lukiano, Sobrón, Ibarguren, Murga, Añes, Lezama, Urturi, Alaiza, Artziniega, Leza, Arkaia, Gorbeia Inguruak, Maturana, Campezo / Kanpezu, Guinea, Aprikano, Agurain, Castillo-Sopeña, El Campillar, Hereña, Caicedo-Sopeña, Molinilla, Barrón, Moreta, Pobes, Viñaspre, Manurga, Lalastra, Gurendes, Navaridas, Urizaharra, Izarra, Guereña, Villanañe, Lagran.
For the broader travel overview: Basque Country.
