Durango can be explored through two distinct travel interests: the town’s architectural history and the routes into the surrounding countryside. The Santa Ana Arch, churches, cross and museum provide specific points of interest for cultural itineraries; hiking trails have their own starting and finishing points. If you’re looking for a hotel in Durango, first decide how much of your stay you want to devote to culture, hiking, cycling and gastronomy.

Architecture, history and museum

The present-day Santa Ana Arch is a Baroque triumphal arch that replaced an earlier gateway in the 18th century. The tower of Santa Ana Church also has its own date: it was not completed until 1745. The Basilica of Santa María de Uribarri has the largest portico in the Basque Country. The Kurutziaga Cross stands out for its material and size: the monument is carved from dark sandstone and is four and a half metres high.

A copy of the Mikeldi Idol can now be seen on Mikeldi Street, near the place where the original was found. This adds an archaeological dimension to exploring Durango, alongside its architectural history. The Museum of Art and History combines a permanent collection with seasonal exhibitions. If you plan to visit a seasonal exhibition, check what is currently on display before your visit; the permanent collection offers its own introduction to the museum’s collections.

Hiking trails and landscape

The Urkiola Trail starts in Durango’s Tabira neighbourhood and leads to the Three Crosses of Urkiola. The route offers beautiful views from there. Important for planning: the trail is not signposted. The Mugarra route also offers a distinctive landscape, with panoramic views and the chance to see Mugarra vultures.

On the Mikeldi GR 229, the first and final stages can be distinguished by their landscapes. The first runs from Durango to Atxondo and reaches the Urkiola Nature Reserve after passing through Izurtza and Mañaria. The final stage connects Amorebieta-Etxano and Durango, passing through forests and fields on the way to the summit of Mugarra. If you’re choosing between these stages, the first offers a link to the nature reserve, while the final stage takes in forests, fields and the summit.

Durango was also an important waypoint on the Wine and Fish Trail, an old trade route between Rioja Alavesa and the ports on the Bay of Biscay. The route passes through the Urkiola Nature Reserve and ends in Durango at San Pedro de Tabira Church. It thus connects a historic trade route with a clearly defined itinerary. Check trail conditions before setting out; also bear in mind that the Urkiola Trail is not signposted.

Getting there, cycling and gastronomy

Durango can be reached by public transport: by Euskotren train and by buses operated by Bizkaibus, PESA and La Unión. Check the timetables of the operators listed before travelling. For getting around Durango’s streets, the Bidegorri cycle path makes it possible to travel by bicycle.

Pintxos and local gastronomy are also among the options in the historic centre. Individual establishments may change, so check specific addresses before your visit. Together with the architecture, museum and hiking routes, these offer a range of different ways to shape your stay in Durango.

Discover more destinations: Basauri, Bilbao, Balmaseda, Etxebarria, Ea, Urduliz, Otxandio, Arakaldo

For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.