¿Necesitas un plan en Álava? - arabaturismo

Álava is a land rich in traditions and exciting landscapes. One of the province’s lesser known, but more fascinating treasures is Añana Salt Valley, a place where history, nature and culture combine to create a unique, extraordinarily well preserved setting. The valley has been recognised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System since 2017, making it the only place with this distinction in all of Europe.

The Añana Salt Valley’s history dates back more than 7,000 years. The valley has been a salt production hub since the Bronze Age, leveraging salt water rising up out of underground springs. For centuries, Añana salt was a valuable and essential good in everyday life.

One of the most notable aspects of the Salt Valley is its traditional salt mine architecture. Here you’ll find an intricate network of terraces and dams handcrafted by generations of workers. The architecture in the valley is a living testament to humankind’s skill and creativity for centuries.

The process of producing salt in the Añana Salt Valley is an ancestral tradition that has not changed over time. In spite of the technological advances, the majority of this process is done by hand, preserving the essence and authenticity of the salt production in this unique place.

The Salt Valley is not just a historical site, but also a natural sanctuary. The presence of salt water creates a unique habitat for the valley’s endemic species, making it a source of biodiversity.

Salt Valley Experiences

Visiting the Añana Salt Valley is much more than an excursion. Here are a few experiences to try on your next visit.

Guided Tours

Explore the secrets of the Salt Valley with local experts and learn about the history of the valley and its salt production process.

Tastings of Local Cuisine

Try Añana salt at a gourmet tasting and discover how this special salt brings local dishes’ flavours to life.

Salt Spa

One of the most unique experiences available in the Salt Valley, where you'll be able to experience the benefits of brine.

Visiting the Salt Valley is a journey to the past and an enriching experience for history buffs and natural beauty lovers. Discover this hidden treasure and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of salt while enjoying the unique experiences the valley has to offer.

Álava, the natural pearl of the Basque Country, is tinged with warm and magical hues during the autumn season. We present a guide to essential routes in their various groups that will lead you through forests, trails, mountains, or vineyards to surprise you and give you the opportunity to discover the natural essence of Álava in its full autumnal bloom.

TRIP TO THE AÑANA SALT VALLEY

The AÑANA SALT PANS, about 30 km from Vitoria-Gasteiz, are one of the oldest salt factories in the world and offer one of the most spectacular and best-preserved cultural landscapes in Europe with more than 6,500 years of history. We suggest you discover and enjoy it through the GREEN ROUTE OF THE SALT VALLEY, with a total distance of 9.2 kilometres and an approximate duration of just under 2 hours, starting from the centre of the town. In addition, this route takes us to another jewel of Álava's heritage, Lake Caicedo Yuso-Arreo, considered the only natural lake in the Basque Country that has been classified as a Wetland of International Interest. You'll also pass Templar sites such as the Monastery of the Sisters Commanders of Saint John of Acre or the open-air salt spa, which you can try by appointment at www.vallesalado.com.

TWO ROUTES THROUGH THE VINEYARDS OF RIOJA ALAVESA

Exploring Rioja Alavesa is the best way to discover some of Álava's most beautiful towns through its wine culture. This region has several characteristics that make it unique, thanks to its landscape full of vines and olive trees, which shine spectacularly during the fall, inviting us to relax our minds and bodies in the heart of nature.

We suggest a couple of routes that will take us to discover the secrets of this area, from the historic stones of the dolmens to the beauty of the autumn colors in the vineyards.

RIOJA ALAVESA CULTURAL ROUTE (ELVILLA)

This route, which can be done both by bike and on foot, allows us to discover the impressive landscape of the Rioja Alavesa escorted by the Sierra de Cantabria-Toloño and the Ebro River, as well as different examples of its heritage that reflect the history of the valley over time. 

A journey of just under 30 kilometers and 7 hours that will take us all day through dolmens, bridges, fountains, historic paths, and mills. On this route, you'll also visit towns such as Lanciego, with its impressive urban complex, and Viñaspre, full of traditional architecture.

Don't forget the land you're in, so halfway through, you can stop for a bite to eat at the many wineries and restaurants that offer unique cuisine accompanied by our impressive wines.

Here are some more details. Information about this route.

ELCIEGO VINEYARD ROUTE (ELCIEGO)

Elciego and its surroundings offer an endless number of routes to discover the town center, the landscapes, the nature trails, the history, the paths of the Ebro River or the Navaridas Forest, but on this occasion, and taking advantage of the beauty of autumn in the vineyards, we recommend a descriptive route through the three buildings of Santa Cruz, Cerio and Valdez with architectural points in common where we discover wooden forms. Following the steps of this route, we will find, in addition to these three beautiful buildings, panoramic views of the Ebro River and the vineyards, shelters, bridges, wineries, and agricultural pavilions.

Approximately 12 kilometers will take us to Elciego, where we can treat ourselves to a meal in any of its restaurants.

Álava is a land rich in traditions and exciting landscapes. One of the province’s lesser known, but more fascinating treasures is Añana Salt Valley, a place where history, nature and culture combine to create a unique, extraordinarily well preserved setting. The valley has been recognised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System since 2017, making it the only place with this distinction in all of Europe.

The Añana Salt Valley’s history dates back more than 7,000 years. The valley has been a salt production hub since the Bronze Age, leveraging salt water rising up out of underground springs. For centuries, Añana salt was a valuable and essential good in everyday life.

One of the most notable aspects of the Salt Valley is its traditional salt mine architecture. Here you’ll find an intricate network of terraces and dams handcrafted by generations of workers. The architecture in the valley is a living testament to humankind’s skill and creativity for centuries.

The process of producing salt in the Añana Salt Valley is an ancestral tradition that has not changed over time. In spite of the technological advances, the majority of this process is done by hand, preserving the essence and authenticity of the salt production in this unique place.

The Salt Valley is not just a historical site, but also a natural sanctuary. The presence of salt water creates a unique habitat for the valley’s endemic species, making it a source of biodiversity.

Salt Valley Experiences

Visiting the Añana Salt Valley is much more than an excursion. Here are a few experiences to try on your next visit.

Guided Tours

Explore the secrets of the Salt Valley with local experts and learn about the history of the valley and its salt production process.

Tastings of Local Cuisine

Try Añana salt at a gourmet tasting and discover how this special salt brings local dishes’ flavours to life.

Salt Spa

One of the most unique experiences available in the Salt Valley, where you'll be able to experience the benefits of brine.

Visiting the Salt Valley is a journey to the past and an enriching experience for history buffs and natural beauty lovers. Discover this hidden treasure and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of salt while enjoying the unique experiences the valley has to offer.