Otxandio, what to see and what to do.

Get to know Otxandio, its magnificent historic center and the incredible natural environment that surrounds it.

Practically on the border between the provinces of Bizkaia and Araba, between the Natural Parks of Gorbeia and Urkiola, next to the Legutio reservoir, we find one of the most interesting towns in the Durangaldea region, Otxandio. This municipality of Bizkaia is a meeting point for nature lovers, a town located in a geographically irregular space that has contributed greatly to shield its cultural and historical roots.Otxandio, Ochandiano in Castilian, enchants us with every step we take, its location, between mountains, in the middle of nature, gives rise to practice all kinds of outdoor sports.

Industry is the most important sector of Otxandio, the economic muscle of the town, although for us, the primary sector, livestock and agriculture, have given the municipality an identity of its own. The urban center of Otxandio, small but with great attractions is a must visit, do you want to know what to see in Otxandio?

–Architectural ensemble of the Plaza Nagusia: This architectural ensemble is the nerve center of Otxandio, where we find the fronton, the Plaza Nagusia (main square), the church of Santa Marina, the town hall, the Vulcano fountain, the bowling alley and the house of culture. Remodeled in the 19th century, it is the meeting point of the town.

Here are some of what we consider to be the most striking facts about this enclave:

• The town hall was built in 1742 and is declared a national monument.

• The church of Santa Marina dates back to the 16th century and was built with money from the Americas.

• The house of culture, from the 19th century, is another remarkable building in the town.

• The Vulcano fountain is an indicator of the importance of blacksmithing in the town.

• Next to all of them we find the fronton and the bolatoki (bowling alley), two leisure spaces that had and still have great importance in the social life of the municipality.

Undoubtedly this open space houses one of the most striking architectural ensembles of our land.

–Andikona Square: Andikona Square is a very important place in Otxandio, and it was this square, which unfortunately observed the first bombing of civilians in Europe. On July 22nd, 1936, in the middle of the town’s festivities, two planes flew over the historical center of Otxandio dropping over the town several bombs of between 3 and 4 kilos. This attack by Franco’s troops ended the lives of 57 people, including children. Since then, the Andikona square has always been a place of sad memories, today it houses the sculpture “Heriotza zerutik etorri jakun” (death came to us from the sky in Basque), by the Basque artist Nestor Basterretxea.

–Palatial housesand streets of the town: Strolling through the streets of Otxandio is a must, the walk is brief but intense, in which we discover the atmosphere of the town while enjoying the unexpected corners that we find in the town.

–Natural parks of Urkiola and Gorbeia: The environment of the town enjoys an incredible natural health, and is that, a step away from Otxandio we find 2 natural parks and the Urrunaga reservoir.

Otxandio has a film environment, a space in which you can perform an endless number of outdoor activities, among them, as the most striking we recommend the following 3 proposals:

Mycology: Lovers of mushrooms and fungi find in the surroundings of Otxandio a paradise. If you are beginners we recommend reading our article about mushrooms in the Basque Country.

Sports: Hiking, cycling, climbing, golf, canoeing….Otxandio allows you to practice all kinds of outdoor sports, you just have to choose yours!

Gastronomy: Basque gastronomy is very present in Otxandio. We recommend the Korostondo Restaurant, located on the road linking the towns of Dima and Otxandio.

Traditions: Closely linked to our history and culture we find in the surroundings of Otxandio several farms of Artzai gazta, farms run by shepherds who produce cheese with Designation of Origin Idiazabal, a unique opportunity to know everything that surrounds this historical trade and taste one of the best Basque cheeses. An example of this is the Atxeta cheese factory run by Maider Unda.

Koikili aterpetxea, the hostel in Otxandio, is a perfect place to rest after a long day of active tourism. In this same establishment they have active tourism activities for all ages, ask for them!

Otxandio is a small town, but it hides great surprises, do you dare to visit it?