La Arboleda, what to see and what to do.

La Arboleda, what to see and do in one of the most important mining areas of Bizkaia.

La Arboleda, known as Zugaztieta in Basque, is a rural area located in the Trapaga-Trapagaran Valley, in the province of Bizkaia. Its location on a hilltop, surrounded by recreational and leisure areas, has made it one of the most popular destinations for residents of Bizkaia. Thanks to its natural landscapes, breathtaking panoramic views, and rich history, La Arboleda attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. It’s a place that invites us to enjoy nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Bilbao. Although La Arboleda is known today as one of Bizkaia’s largest recreational areas, it had a completely different character in the past: this town was one of the places where the most iron was mined. It was one of the most important mining areas in all of the Basque Country. Today, it is the last of its kind—one of the final remnants of our town’s mining past. The iron-rich hills surrounding this town—the Triano Hills—bear witness to the changes this area has undergone throughout history. Mining has completely transformed the landscape. The reddish color of the iron-rich rocks and the green of its hills are today two of La Arboleda’s defining features. You can experience this transformation firsthand during our guided tours at La Arboleda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. This is a great option for groups who want to explore this historic site with a local guide.

What to see in La Arboleda.

Although it is a very small town, La Arboleda has plenty of attractions to visit. Furthermore, its location—just 30 minutes from downtown Bilbao, right in the heart of the mining region—invites us to explore many other places of interest. We’re sure that some of the attractions on this list will catch your attention. Remember that we visit many of them during our guided tours. We recommend that you contact us.

Town Center: The La Arboleda neighborhood, with its maze of narrow, winding streets, offers numerous glimpses into its mining past. Among these, the wooden houses and the monument to the drillers are what most catch visitors’ attention. These features were key factors in the designation of this 19th-century mining neighborhood as a Historic Site in 2003. The mining town of La Arboleda was founded in 1877 to house the thousands of people who worked in the mines. A cluster of wooden houses still stands today along several streets in the area. Alongside them were such iconic and important landmarks as the union hall, the general store, and the miners’ hospital. Unfortunately, none of these buildings retain their original structure today. We must keep in mind that what is now a small neighborhood in the Trapagaran Valley was, at that time, one of the most important areas in the region, easily exceeding 5,000 inhabitants. The town is very small; we encourage you to explore it thoroughly and enjoy the incredible natural surroundings.

Peñas Negras: The Peñas Negras Environmental Interpretation Center (Ekoetxea) offers a glimpse into this region’s past while inviting us to explore the surrounding mountains and forests. It is a landscape where the scars of mining are visible everywhere. There are dozens of marked trails that wind through the heart of this mining area, showcasing its main attractions: the views, the history, and the natural surroundings. In fact, hiking has become one of the most popular activities among visitors to La Arboleda. Many people who come to Peñas Negras walk there from the town center itself—a route we do not recommend unless you have the entire day to devote to this area. Remember that we offer group hiking tours year-round. Do not hesitate to to contact us.

Zugaztieta Park: Zugaztieta Park, also known as the Zugaztieta Recreation Area, is located just a few meters from the town center of La Arboleda. The area is full of striking ponds and uneven terrain, making it clear that this landscape has been altered by mining operations. It is here that we find areas typical of mining operations, now completely flooded. This is how the site has been transformed from a mining site into a recreational area. This once-desolate area is perfect for a walk. We recommend taking in the various sculptures scattered throughout the park—a small labyrinth of rocks and vegetation that offers a walking route lasting approximately one hour.

La Arboleda Mines: La Arboleda’s mining past is undeniable; wherever we go, the mining industry is always present. In addition to the various mines scattered throughout La Arboleda, we also find mine cars used to extract ore, iron-rich rocks, and many other objects related to the industry. These reminders of that era give La Arboleda a special charm. Although most of the mines have been transformed into artificial lakes due to the various underground waterways that flow through them and rainfall, the reddish color of the soil beneath our feet reveals their true nature. Please remember that the various reservoirs you’ll encounter are not suitable for swimming. Exercise caution.

Larreineta Funicular: The Larreineta funicular is one of the 3 funiculars that are still active in the Basque Country. A fact that makes this transport, built in 1926, one of the major attractions of La Arboleda. The origin of this funicular can be found in the mining industry, and this means of transport was essential for the extraction of the mineral from the high areas of Trapagaran. The upper station is located in La Reineta, about 1 km from La Arboleda, a nice, short and pleasant walk, which encourages people to use this funicular. If you are passionate about contemplating the cities from above, if you are attracted to this type of transport, we recommend reading our article on Artxanda and its funicular, in it you will find all the information you need to know one of the most famous mountains of Bilbao.

La Arboleda Labyrinth: Located in the Peñas Negras area, this natural labyrinth is one of the most surprising spots in La Arboleda. It’s a truly unique rocky landscape, featuring natural pathways, intriguing formations, and a mysterious atmosphere that’s very popular with people looking for an easy yet distinctive hike near Bilbao. In fact, we liked it so much that we published a dedicated article about it; if this place interests you, we recommend reading our article on the La Arboleda Labyrinth.

Panoramic Views: La Arboleda’s location, at an elevation of 462 meters, offers simply breathtaking views of Greater Bilbao. Whether from the funicular, the golf course, or Peñas Negras, La Arboleda invites us to enjoy unforgettable panoramic views. Among all the spots offering these views, the Getxo coastline, its cliffs, and Abra Bay stand out. A treat for the senses. The best views are from the road leading to the Peñas Negras Interpretation Center.

What to do in La Arboleda.

La Arboleda has everything you need for a great day out, as evidenced by the wide variety of activities it offers. In this regard, the Meaztegi golf course, the various climbing areas, and the Peñas Negras interpretation center are just a small taste of what’s available. Remember that during our group excursions to La Arboleda, we include many of these activities. Shall we talk? Do not hesitate to to contact us.

Guided Tours: Guided tours at La Arboleda are one of the best ways to learn about Bizkaia’s mining and industrial past. With a local guide, you’ll gain insight into the site’s origins, its connection to Bizkaia’s industrial history, and much more. During the tour, we’ll discuss iron mining, life in the old mining towns, how the landscape has changed, and the importance this area played in the economic and social development of Bizkaia.

Hiking: The Iron Mountains of La Arboleda invite you to explore on foot. Both Zugaztieta Park and the area around Peñas Negras offer trails suitable for all ages. More than a dozen trails await you. It’s a wonderful and healthy way to discover this mining region of Bizkaia, and we encourage you to give it a try. Remember that we have guides specialized in environmental interpretation who can accompany groups wishing to explore the various trails La Arboleda has to offer in the company of a local guide.

Golf Experiences: Meaztegi Golf is the only publicly owned golf course in all of Bizkaia. This sports complex, designed by the great Severiano Ballesteros, invites you to have fun and enjoy yourself. The 27 holes that make up its two courses are nestled among mines and large rocks. The landscape spans more than 65 hectares of playing area. It’s the perfect place to get started in the world of golf. You don’t need to know anything about golf. Remember that we offer golf experiences for groups year-round—just contact us. Did you know that Meaztegi means place of mines in Basque? If you’ve never played this sport before, we encourage you to stop by the driving range—we’re sure you’ll end up getting hooked. Want to play a few holes?

Climbing: La Arboleda has several areas where you can go climbing. Among them, the most popular are the ones located next to the soccer field and the Peñas Negras Interpretation Center. Both have several marked and equipped routes that allow anyone who wishes to do so to enjoy outdoor climbing. Remember that we have specialized guides available for groups who want to enjoy a wonderful day of climbing in La Arboleda. Do not hesitate to to contact us.

Clay pigeon shooting: The Abanto Shooting Range is one of the few shooting areas in Bizkaia. Its location, halfway between La Arboleda and the industrial area of El Campillo, makes it another of the many places to visit in this area of Bizkaia. As usual, given the danger involved, it is necessary to be in possession of a gun license to practice this sport. We understand, therefore, that this complex is not of general interest. However, it is worth mentioning it, as some of our readers may be looking for a place with these characteristics.

A tour to explore the mining region of Bizkaia.

At TurismoVasco, we organize tours to explore Bizkaia’s mining history. In this case, La Arboleda is part of a much more comprehensive itinerary that includes visits to some of the most important sites in the mining region. This tour is designed for groups that want to delve into Bizkaia’s industrial history in a comfortable and organized way. It’s the perfect experience for associations, companies, schools, travel agencies, and cultural groups looking to explore Bizkaia’s mining region with a local guide. Remember that we tailor each tour to your specific needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can customize the tour to fit your available time, group size, and interests. We will help you in any way we can.

History.

La Arboleda is the last remaining mining town in Bizkaia. This historic town center was designated a Monumental Site in 2003, a designation based on the fact that La Arboleda is one of the few remaining mining towns in the entire Basque Country. This fact, combined with the various artificial reservoirs and mountains that surround it, makes it a very attractive place to visit. The mines—many of which have now been converted into artificial lagoons—once attracted thousands of people seeking work, thus creating a rich blend of cultures and a true mining settlement. In short, La Arboleda is a historic mining site that embodies the industrial Bilbao that brought so much prosperity to the Basque economy. It is a great legacy and a heritage worth protecting and showcasing. Today, the mines—converted into artificial lagoons—are one of the area’s main attractions. While swimming is not permitted in these lagoons, anglers have found a lovely recreational area there where they can enjoy their passion. The mining village of La Arboleda originated as a response to the great demand for housing by the workers of the mining industry in Trapagaran. The first houses, old barracks built with wood, are nowadays simulated in many of the houses that we find. A popular and historical aesthetic that continues to give La Arboleda a special charm. After the first settlements, basic services such as hospitals and schools were created, which were later joined by religious buildings and other types of structures. On the other hand, it is inevitable to talk about the workers’ movement and La Pasionaria when talking about La Arboleda. And the fact is that, what was the home of Dolores Ibárruri, has been, is and will be one of the towns with the greatest workers’ consciousness in the history of Euskadi.

Gastronomy.

The local cuisine is another attraction of the area we’re exploring today. Eating beans in La Arboleda has become a true tradition. Although the quality of La Arboleda’s bean dishes isn’t what it used to be, they remain the area’s specialty. It’s lovely to see how history and cuisine come together on La Arboleda’s main street, a lively stretch lined with bars and restaurants that breathes life into this old mining town. Many restaurants feature a delicious bean stew among their signature dishes. If you like beans and plan to spend the day in La Arboleda, we recommend choosing one of these spots—you’re sure not to be disappointed. In our case, we decided to visit one of the most acclaimed spots, Casa Sabina.

How to get there.

La Arboleda is located on a hilltop, a place you can reach by both public and private transportation. There are many options; here’s a brief summary of them all. If you choose public transportation, you have two options: the bus or the funicular. Each has its pros and cons, but one thing is clear: the funicular offers a unique and charming way to travel—one that the little ones are sure to love. If you choose the funicular, note that the lower station is located in La Escontrilla, in San Salvador del Valle. We recommend checking the Reineta funicular’s fares and schedules on the Euskotren website. If you choose the bus, take the A3332 line (Santurtzi–La Arboleda). On the other hand, if you’re driving, there are two routes: the old road, which is more direct but has more curves, and the new road, which has no curves but is slightly longer. Our recommendation is clear: take the new road. To use it, take the A8 toward Santander and take the exit for Zierbena/Gallarta, then follow the N-639 and BI-2757 to reach your destination. This small neighborhood of Trapagaran, well aware of its charms, has three large free parking lots (at the entrance to La Arboleda, next to Zugaztieta Park, and next to the golf course)—facilities that are very practical and convenient for everyone.

When to visit.

La Arboleda is an ideal place to visit at any time of the year. Both in winter and summer. And on special days, we have seen how huge caravans of cars were created trying to reach this small mining center. In winter, when the snow makes an appearance and in summer, when the rays of sunshine bathe Euskadi, La Arboleda becomes one of the most demanded spaces by the Basques themselves. Our recommendation is simple, if you have decided to visit Bilbao and you have time to visit La Arboleda, we recommend you to do it regardless of the time of the year.

Video.

We’ve uploaded several videos of La Arboleda to our YouTube channel so you can see for yourselves each and every one of the spots waiting for you in this secluded corner of Bizkaia. We hope that, along with the text and photos in this article, they’ll inspire you to enjoy this place. If you like these kinds of destinations, we recommend subscribing to our YouTube channel so you can discover all the places and experiences we recommend in the Basque Country. We are waiting for you!

What to see nearby.

Near La Arboleda, there are dozens of places of interest. We’ve put together a short list; we hope you find it helpful. Remember that you can use the comments section at the end of this article to ask us anything. We will try to respond as soon as possible.

As you’ve seen, La Arboleda invites us to enjoy each and every one of the charms it has to offer. It’s the perfect addition to any trip to Bilbao. We hope that each and every one of the places we recommend visiting in La Arboleda will be of interest to you. Remember that we offer guided tours and excursions year-round. Do not hesitate to to contact us. We’ll help you in any way we can. If you have any questions, we recommend that you use the comments section of this article to let us know. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pasa!