Top 16 Lakes around Alegría-Dulantzi

The primary aquatic destination near Alegría-Dulantzi is the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir. It is the largest reservoir in the Basque Country and is often referred to as the "inland sea of Euskadi" due to its expansive size and diverse offerings.

The Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy swimming at its Blue Flag certified beaches, sunbathing, picnicking, hiking, and cycling. It's also ideal for water sports such as rowing, canoeing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. For specific routes, explore the hiking guide or the gravel biking guide for the area.

Yes, the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir is very family-friendly. It features picnic zones, playgrounds, and easy cycling routes. Highlights like the Pedestrian and cycle bridge and the Azua Footbridge are part of routes suitable for all ages. The Irrigation Reservoirs by the Vasco Navarro Greenway also offer family-friendly paths.

Yes, a 44-kilometer (27-mile) circular greenway encircles the entire Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir, providing excellent opportunities for cycling. Shorter, family-friendly routes, such as the 13-kilometer southern route from Garaio to Azúa, are also available. The Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir Trail is noted for offering smooth walks and rides with scenic views.

The Mendixur Ornithological Park, located at the eastern end of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir, is an excellent birdwatching site. It is a Ramsar wetland and a Natura 2000 site, featuring adapted paths and observatories. It attracts numerous aquatic birds, including the largest colony of imperial heron in the Basque Country and various egrets. The nearby Urrunaga Reservoir also attracts many water birds.

Yes, the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir boasts three Blue Flag certified beaches within the Garaio and Landa Provincial Parks: Landa, Moskurio/Garaio north, and Salurriaga/Garaio south. These beaches offer clean waters and good facilities for bathers.

Beyond its natural beauty, the reservoir features several notable structures. The Pedestrian and cycle bridge is a popular part of the circular route, offering a unique crossing experience. The Azua Footbridge spans almost half a kilometer, connecting different shores. The reservoir also contains islands like Zuhatza, which hosts a youth hostel, and Orenin, a former hamlet now an island.

The Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir is enjoyable throughout the year, but the warmer months (late spring to early autumn) are ideal for swimming and water sports. Spring and autumn also offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful natural scenery. Birdwatching is excellent during migration seasons.

While Ullíbarri-Gamboa is the most prominent, the Urrunaga Reservoir is also part of the region's water supply system and is known for attracting numerous water birds, making it another popular spot for birdwatching. Additionally, you can find smaller Irrigation Reservoirs by the Vasco Navarro Greenway and the Laguna de Otazu, which offer unique landscapes and trails.

Yes, the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir, particularly around the Garaio and Landa Provincial Parks where the Blue Flag beaches are located, offers accessible parking facilities for visitors.

Visitors frequently praise the serene natural environment, the extensive opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and walking, and the beautiful views. The Pedestrian and cycle bridge is often highlighted as a peculiar and magnificent experience, while the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir Trail is appreciated for its smooth paths and scenic vistas suitable for all ages.