Maturana offers two clear starting points for planning your trip: the paths through the surrounding countryside and the town’s history, centered on the Church of San Martín and the covered cemetery. The surrounding area includes farmland, gentle hills, wooded areas, and traditional rural paths. You can tailor your stay according to whether you mainly want to explore on foot or are interested in the town’s historical development.

Paths in the Surrounding Area

A signposted Nordic walking route connects Gebara, Maturana, and Etura. It follows rural paths and farmland, as well as short stretches through woodland in the heart of Barrundia.

The walking route from Maturana to Garaio follows the old path by the reservoir, leads to the Garaio viewpoint, and returns via the path through Mendixur Park. Another 8.5 km walking route crosses the hills of Maturana toward a spur of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir.

The routes differ in their destinations and course: the Nordic walking route connects three villages, the walking route to Garaio leads to a viewpoint and returns via Mendixur, while the 8.5 km route heads toward the reservoir’s spur. To choose, consider whether the connection between villages, the viewpoint, or the specific distance matters most to you. Signage and trail conditions may change; check the relevant route description before setting out.

Church, Cemetery, and Local History

The Church of San Martín de Maturana is in the town center. Historically, families gathered there to celebrate important life events. Its role in local history is therefore a communal one; the covered cemetery offers a different perspective through its construction history and use. It was built using stones from the former Hermitage of San Miguel and is unique within the province of Álava. From 1811 onward, it served as the village cemetery.

The name Maturana is first documented in 1012 and appears again in the Reja de San Millán of 1025. These early references to the name predate the cemetery’s use, which began in 1811; they mark different periods in the village’s history. In this way, local history and the landscape offer two distinct perspectives on Maturana, without requiring an extensive itinerary.

Getting There and Accommodation

Alegría Hermanos’ regular bus route 8 runs from Vitoria to Maturana. Schedules may vary in August and on public holidays. Check the schedule before traveling if you plan to use this service.

When looking for a hotel in Maturana, choosing a focus may help: would you mainly like to explore the paths described here, or learn about the church, cemetery, and local history?

Discover more destinations: Arkaia, Gopegi, Pobes, Corro, Leza, Agurain, Añes, Hereña

For the broader travel overview: Alava.