Koikili Aterpetxea, an accommodation in paradise.

Rest in Koikili Aterpetxea, a luxury establishment at the foot of the natural parks of Gorbeia and Urkiola.

Located in the small Biscayan town of Otxandio, a village surrounded by a priceless natural environment, we find Koikili Aterpetxea, an urban accommodation, where active and sustainable tourism go hand in hand to show the way of life of its inhabitants. Koikili Aterpetxea offers us the perfect space to feel nature while enjoying sports, the Basque language and people, the 4 pillars on which this family project is based. Anboto and Gorbea, 2 of the most emblematic and historical summits of our land, keep under their watchful eye Koikili Aterpetxea, an establishment located on the main street of Otxandio, which reinvents the term “hostel” adding the comfort of a hotel and the familiar treatment of those who manage it, the Lertxundi family. That is why from now on we will use the term “hostel deluxe” instead of “hostel”.

Nature is very present in this part of Bizkaia, witness of this are the Natural Park of Urkiola, the Natural Park of Gorbeia and the swamp of Legutio, 3 impressive places to which the Basques resort to leave behind the stress of the big cities. These spaces of great natural value are located in the vicinity of Otxandio, a step away from Koikili Aterpetxea, undoubtedly, one of the great charms of this establishment of Euskal Herria.

We went to Koikili Aterpetxea called by the values of its managers, Jabier and Koikili Lertxundi, father and son respectively. These values have been perfectly reflected in every corner of the 6 rooms that make up the accommodation. Do you want to know what values we are talking about?

This family dream became a reality on December 4, 2014, moment, since when those responsible for Koikili Aterpetxea have worked to transmit their values, their way of being. In this aspect, the Lertxundi family works day after day to take care of the environment that surrounds them, to offer their customers the best local products and to spread the essence of the Basque culture, in short, the Lertxundi family works to show their guests the charms that one day they fell in love with.

Breakfast: Breakfast at Koikili Aterpetxea is another of the strong points of this lodging in Otxandio, and it is not surprising, since all or most of the products consumed are products of the region, products with a zero kilometer policy, “bertokoak” as we would say in Basque. Among the most demanded products, we find eggs from the hens at home and tomatoes from the garden, simple products with flavors and textures very different from those found in large supermarkets.

Location: Right in the historic center of Otxandio, in the main street of the town, we find Koikili Aterpetxea, a deluxe hostel with an urbanite profile surrounded by one of the most striking natural environments of Euskal Herria.

Its location, on the border between the provinces of Bizkaia and Araba, allows nature lovers to enjoy their passion while getting to know the entire Basque Country, since this Bizkaia establishment is less than an hour and a half away from all the provincial capitals of the autonomous community of the Basque Country:

Nature: The natural value of its surroundings is one of the main attractions of the town. Mountaineering lovers find in the Natural Parks of Gorbeia and Urkiola a paradisiacal refuge where they can practice most of their favorite sports.

Sports: The environment, ideal for the practice of outdoor sports, invites anyone who visits it to go hiking, climbing, mountaineering, canoeing … no preparation is needed, just desire and enthusiasm. At 15 minutes from Koikili aterpetxea we find the Larrabea Golf Club, the course of the young Basque promise Jon Rahm.

Respect for the environment: Koikili Aterpetxea is environmentally friendly. Its energy source is a biomass system that combined with a small electrical source creates the energy necessary to maintain the 4 floors that make up the structure. In addition, the panoramic elevator that connects the 4 floors has a hydraulic mechanism that makes Koikili Aterpetxea even more sustainable.

As an anecdote, mention that it is common to find in social networks photos of Koikili with a basket full of mushrooms accompanied by the garbage that people leave in the forest, history repeats itself, commitment to the environment.

https://twitter.com/KoiAterpetxea/status/777444200010907648

Accessibility: People with reduced mobility find in Koikili Aterpetxea an ideal place to stay. Its facilities, of recent construction, are free of architectural barriers thanks to the access ramps, the adapted bathrooms and the elevator with which they have equipped the building.

Basque: Our language awakens passions. Many people go during their vacations to Basque language centers where they can learn their first words in Basque or perfect them. Koikili Aterpetxea is one of the places we mentioned. Do you want to learn Basque while having fun?

TurismoVasco Tiketa: Our exclusive tourism accreditation has fallen on this occasion at the door of Koikili Aterpetxea, an award for the work they do to build a different, special accommodation, with personality. An establishment where comfort, cleanliness and tranquility are breathed as soon as you enter.

Koikili Aterpetxea: This lodging owes its name to 2 words in Basque: Koikili and Aterpetxea. The first, Koikili, means Cecilio in Basque, the second, aterpetxea, means hostel, two words that make clear the meaning of their union. The name Koikili is well known and loved throughout Bizkaia, a name that is automatically linked to the person who played for Athletic Club de Bilbao from 2007 to 2012, Koikili Lertxundi.

Rooms: Shared or private, rooms for all tastes. This deluxe hostel combines the hostel format (shared rooms with 4 or 6 bunk beds) with double rooms that could be part of a 4 star hotel.

All the rooms at Koikili Aterpetxea are named after the rivers, forests or mountains that surround them, a small nod to the love for the beauty of their natural surroundings.

• The 3 shared rooms, Presazelai, Iluntxo and Olazar, are equipped with bunk beds of 1.05×2.00, large beds with comfortable mattresses that leave behind the small and narrow bunk beds of yesteryear. In these rooms we also find individual lockers, wifi, towels and shared bathroom.

• The private rooms, Gorbea, Anboto and Olaeta are equipped with spacious private bathrooms, free wifi, radio and towels.

As a curious point we should mention that none of the rooms have television. Instead, the multipurpose room has a giant screen where you can enjoy television with the rest of the hotel guests.

Services and common areas: The accommodation, located in one of the buildings that make up the historic center of Otxandio, fuses the stone and wood of yesteryear with the latest generation materials. Thus, this 300 square meter building houses the reception, a relaxation area, a panoramic elevator, 2 floors of rooms, physiotherapy and esthetic room, multipurpose room and kitchen.

Without a doubt, we recommend Koikili Aterpetxea as an unbeatable option to enjoy Otxandio and its surroundings, an option that will not disappoint you, we are waiting for your opinions!