Geological route through the Flysch of Getxo.

Geological route through the flysch of Getxo, a walk through the history of the earth.

The geological route through the Flysch of Getxo is one of those experiences that does not go unnoticed. An activity that highlights the value of the prestigious geological enclave in which the coastal town of Getxo is located. A dynamic, entertaining and educational experience, which takes us through one of the spaces that best tells the story of the land, the cliffs of the Basque coast. With only a few months in operation, the geological route of the Flysch of Getxo has attracted the attention of all the people who have visited Bizkaia. Undoubtedly, one of the great novelties in the catalog of the “77 plans to enjoy Getxo”. It is not for less, the environment, the theme and the price with which this experience is presented, make it a very attractive option for all people looking for authentic experiences to know the environment of Greater Bilbao. It is not the first time we talk about geology as a tool to know the history of the earth, we already did it during our visit to Geoparkea, the geopark of the Basque coast. A totally complementary space to this experience, which we recommend you to visit with your eyes closed. The route that we present today is done on foot, walking on the imposing cliffs of the Galea. A land route, which can be complemented by the different sailing trips that Getxo offers. From the Abra Bay, from the sea, you can appreciate in great detail the different concepts and phenomena that are presented to us during this activity. The local company Geotxiki, in charge of showing us this impressive place and the historical milestones that took place in it, offers us a geologist guide that, in a pleasant and interesting way, takes us into the fascinating world of compaction, erosion, sedimentation and other geological phenomena. Although on paper the names of these phenomena may seem a bit boring, in practice it is a very interesting experience. An activity in which fossils and other surrounding rocks tell us about what happened more than 48 million years ago. Almost nothing. Aintzane and Amaia, responsible and guide of Geotxiki respectively, accompanied us on this excursion along the getxotarra coast offering us a master class on the composition and history of the soil we walk on. The route that separates Punta Galea and Gorrondatxe borders the cliffs presenting us with one of the most beautiful walks in Euskadi. Nature in its purest state. Another attraction to make this route so interesting.

The incredible cliffs of Punta Galea are one of the most demanded spaces by the own getxotarras. A space of great natural value, which invites us to breathe fresh air while walking. The route that we present today runs along the coastline, giving us a glimpse of the striking geological formations that occupy our environment. Formations of incalculable geological value, which give us impressive spaces like the Flysch of Getxo.

The scenario that hosts the geological route through the Flysch of Getxo, is presented to us as a perfect destination for all kinds of people. And the fact is that the town we are visiting today is ideal for practicing sports, relaxing on the beaches of the town or enjoying some of the best views of the Cantabrian coast. As we say, a town for everyone, a very complete town.

The route to trace, linear, simple and with stunning views over the Bay of Abra, leads us to discover one of the most fascinating areas of the Basque coast. During this 3.5 kilometers long and 2 hours long route, several strategic stops are made to explain the different geological phenomena that we find along the way. A family walk, which traces the coastal route that separates the Galea Fort and Gorrondatxe – Aizkorri Beach. During the walk, the views over the Bilbao superport, Mount Serantes or the beaches of Getxo attract our visual attention, while the saltpeter, the wind and the waves of the Bay of Biscay stimulate the rest of our senses. Ready? Are you ready? This route shows us how nature has shaped these cliffs capriciously giving them eccentric and curious shapes. Spaces that, together with the hypnotizing swell of the sea, make us lose track of time. The natural phenomena that have impacted on the Basque coast for millions of years have left a great mark behind them. Witness to this are the numerous natural features that we find along the way, a wild and intense landscape, which gives us spectacular views.

Flysch is a concept used to name the set of layers that, after forming over millions of years on the seabed, came out of the sea as a result of different geological phenomena. Millions of years ago, the Iberian and European plates collided, causing the layers created on the seabed over the years to fracture and deform, thus creating the most capricious shapes. These layers are usually presented to us sequentially ordered by soft layers and hard layers. The characteristics of these layers are the consequence of the different meteorological conditions that they suffered during the years in which they were formed. In other words, these layers are luxury indicators to understand the climate of the past. Interesting, isn’t it? Likewise, it is striking to know that the same historical landmark that shaped the cliffs we walk today, also created emblematic areas such as the Pyrenees or the Alps.

Accompanied by an expert guide in geology we analyze the great Flysch of Getxo. A coastal area in which the tidal flats and cliffs play an essential role. Spaces of great geological interest, which, merged with the rest of the natural elements that we find between the towns of Getxo and Armintza end up creating one of the spaces of greatest geological value of the Biscayan coast. Did you know that the cliffs of more than 80 meters high that we find in Bizkaia keep inside the secrets of the time when the dinosaurs became extinct? Touring a world reference of the Lutetian period, such as the cliffs of Gorrondatxe, is a small luxury with which the municipality of Getxo delights us. An experience of great interest, in which demonstrations and experiments put the icing on the cake to this activity of the Basque coast. As if all this were not enough, this activity also promotes environmental conservation, trying to reduce the impact that humans have on nature. A task that is always appreciated. A noble cause.

Geologists, in their eagerness to reconstruct the history of the earth, always look for places where sedimentation from different periods of time has been recorded. These spaces are known as stratotypes. Points of geography where the different periods of the history of our planet are best represented. Since February 2012, the cliff of Gorrondatxe – Azkorri has a golden nail, an indicator that accredits this place as one of the world’s points of interest to study how life was more than 48 million years ago. Undoubtedly one of the most important awards granted by the International Union of Geological Sciences. In this case, the golden nail located in the cliffs of Gorrondatxe, in Azkorri, shows us the location of a stratotype from the beginning of the Lutetian Age. An enclave, in which we find a great quantity of well preserved fossils. An accessible space, which allows any researcher to study the sedimentary rocks of the seabed (1,000 meters deep) surrounding that age (between 53 and 43 million years). Near Getxo, located in a radius of less than 1 hour and a half by car, we find another 3 golden nails. This time, instead of marking the space where the Lutetian period can be best seen, they mark the Thanetian period (Itzurun beach, Zumaia, Gipuzkoa), the Selandian period (also in Itzurun beach, Zumaia, Gipuzkoa) and the Santonian period (Olazti – Olazagutia, Navarra). 4 unique points on the planet, where it is possible to appreciate the passage of more than 61.1 million years in a single stretch of rock, don’t you think it’s amazing?

Geotxiki, the Basque company in charge of this experience, has designed each point of this route thinking of all audiences. In fact, its name is a nod to the families that visit us. Geotxiki is the fusion of two words: Geology and txikia, small in Basque. Thus implying that it is a company that aims to disseminate different elements and phenomena of geology, through leisure activities designed for all audiences, even for the smallest of the house. In other words, a family experience that takes us to know different aspects of geology in a very pleasant and entertaining way. On the other hand, the fact that this Basque company is also dedicated to geological studies, gives us the opportunity to see up close different fossils and rocks that they carry with them during the visit. Another attraction of the visit.

There are several options to get to the parking lot of Fuerte de la Galea, public transport or private transport. In the case of the former, we recommend using the Bidezabal metro stop and walking about 15 minutes to reach our destination. On the other hand, if your idea is to use private transport, we recommend you to go directly to the parking lot of the Galea fort, it is free and you will not get lost. Remember that the route during the experience is linear, starting at the Galea Fort and ending at Gorrondatxe – Aizkorri Beach. One aspect to take into account when choosing how to get to the meeting point. If we use private transport, once the experience is over, we will be obliged to return to the starting point to pick up our vehicle. Otherwise, we could choose to retrace our steps or take the Bizkaibus bus that we find in front of the bar and restaurant Fangaloka.

After enjoying the geological route of the Flysch of Getxo, we are qualified to give you some tips to enjoy this experience in the best possible way.

5€ for adults, free for children under 12. What do you think? In our opinion it is a very attractive rate. A price that makes this experience available to anyone who wants it. A great value for money. The 2 hours of duration of this activity, added to the different geological elements that show us during this route and the different details with which we are surprised, well worth paying 5 €.

The geographical location of La Galea, where this experience takes place, is strategically perfect to visit the rest of the areas that make up the province of Bizkaia. A great location, from which we encourage you to know the many areas of interest that surround this route. Here are some examples.

Continuing with the theme of the route that we present today, just 20 minutes by car, in Gorliz, it is possible to contemplate a phenomenon of high geological value, the petrified dunes. An unusual event, which shows us sandy accumulations of more than 6,000 years old. A unique set in the Basque coast. By the way, in case you go to this coastal town, we recommend reading our article on what to see in Gorliz, we are sure it will be of great help. As you can see, the spaces surrounding this route are another of its many attractions. A golden opportunity to know all the charms of Bilbao and surroundings.

With the aim of bringing our readers closer to this wonder of the Basque coast, we have launched ourselves to create a small audiovisual in which we try to collect some of the most striking spaces and moments of the geological route of the Flysch of Getxo. By the way, if you like the places that appear in the video, we recommend you to see them in person, feeling the characteristic breeze of the Basque coast on your skin while we know the secrets hidden in these cliffs is priceless.

If you found this experience along the Basque coast interesting, we recommend you to take a look at some of the experiences that complement it. Activities of great interest, that allow us to know the locality in a very pleasant and amusing way. Here is a small representation.

The geological route through the Flysch of Getxo has pleasantly surprised us, especially in the final stretch of the route, on the beach of Gorrondatxe – Aizkorri. One of the most important geological areas in the world. Almost nothing. As usual, we invite you to use the comment system of this article to send us your doubts and suggestions.