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Relux window, the window with the best views of Karrantza.
The Relux Window, a naturally created stone archway over the abyss, attracts thousands of people to Karrantza every year. No wonder. This natural window and the views it offers are attractive enough to visit this hidden corner of our geography. The Relux Window frames the gorge of the river Karrantza giving us a unique perspective. A view that we must contemplate with great caution. And it is that on the other side there is a great emptiness.
Although this geological formation takes the name of Ventana Relux, it is also known as Ventana Relus or Reluso. Located in the limits between Euskadi and Cantabria, in the confines of the province of Bizkaia, the Ventana Relux encourages us to enjoy a simple and beautiful family route. A route that we recommend you to make in first person. Do you dare to know the Ventana Relux with us? 
Relux Window Information.
- Difficulty: Familiar.
- Distance: approximately 3 km.
- Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Location: Karrantza, Bizkaia, Euskadi.
The Relux Window reminds us a lot of the Atxulaur Eye of Itxina, Gorbeia. A space with which it shares several similarities. However, unlike the Relux Window, the eye of Atxulaur can be crossed. If you do not know any of the 2 spaces that we mentioned, we recommend you to visit them. We are sure you will love them. 
Relux Window Location.
La Ventana Relux is located on the border of the province of Bizkaia, between Euskadi and Cantabria. A magical location that invites us to enjoy the best views of all Karrantza. Located on the edge of the abyss, between the mainland and the void, this geological formation takes us to reach more than 700 meters of altitude. The Karrantza Valley, Karrantza Harana in Basque, is made up of 49 districts grouped into 16 councils: Ahedo, Aldeacueva, Bernales, Biañez, La Calera del Prado, Lanzas Agudas, Matienzo, Pando, Presa, Ranero, San Ciprian, San Esteban, Sangrices, Santecilla, Sierra and Soscaño. Small urban nuclei, which, dispersed by the slopes of the valley, form one of the most important natural spaces of Euskadi. In this sense we must say that the Relux Window is located near San Ciprian, in the high part of one of the slopes of the valley. 
Views of Karrantza.
The views offered by the Relux Window represent one of the most outstanding attractions of the route that we present today. Simply incredible. And is that both the perspective obtained from the Relux Window as the views offered by the rest of the route are worthy of framing. In this sense we must highlight Peña Ranero and the cave of Pozalagua, two spaces that can be seen wonderfully from the last stretch of the route. As if this were not enough, on sunny days we have the opportunity to contemplate the sea with total clarity. A real treat. 
Relux window in Google Maps.
The location of the Relux Window is incorrectly indicated on Google Maps. We have requested the correction of its location but so far they have not changed it. If you plan to use Google Maps to get to the Relux Window we advise you to check first if they have changed its location. We leave you a small homemade sketch in which we indicate its true location. We hope it will be helpful. Anyway, until they fix this bug, we recommend you to search for “Relux Window”. 
How to get there.
The best way to reach the Relux Window is using the road that connects the Concha neighborhood (Karrantza) with Lanestosa (BI-3622). It is a winding road that takes us up to 600 meters high until we reach the Alto de Ubal pass. Once at the top, we find a detour to the right (to the left if you access from Lanestosa) that indicates “Ventana del Relux”. This detour is indicated by a wooden sign that is not very clear so we recommend that you pay special attention. Once on this road we only have to follow the signs to “Ventana Relux”, you can’t get lost. At the end of the cement track we find a farm with a metal gate on the left. We have arrived at our destination.
Where to park.
This is perhaps the black point of the Relux Window. And is that in the vicinity of the Alto de Ubal there is no parking in which to leave our vehicle. Nor on the track that goes between the cattle ranches. The only option is to leave the car on the side of the track. Either at the beginning, next to the Alto de Ubal road, or at the end, next to the cattle ranch. That said, we ask you not to leave your car just anywhere. Let’s respect others. 
Route to the Relux Window.
The route to the Ventana Relux varies depending on the point of origin. In any case, we must reach the Alto de Ubal and turn off towards “Pico del Moro / Ventana del Relux”. From here any point is good to start this idyllic route. If you follow our indications, if you take as a starting point the farm that we find at the end of the concrete track, you can enjoy a family route of approximately 3 km that we did in 1 hour and 30 minutes while we took pictures and videos.
As we have already mentioned this route begins next to the last farm that we found in the foothills of Mount Mazo. Before arriving at this livestock farm, on the left hand side, we find a metal fence next to a wooden sign with the word Relux. If we find the gate closed, it is very important that we leave it as we found it. 
After passing this fence, on the right hand side, we find a path of “all one” (of stones), which leads us to the fields that precede the emblematic limestone rocks of the Peña Relux.
In the middle of these fields we find again a sign that tells us that we must continue on the left. We continue our way until we find a barbed wire fence that we will have to “jump” by means of the typical crosswalk that we find to save this type of structures.
We enter in limestone territory. We meet again with a sign. The last of the way. From this point we must be guided by the parallel marks of red color that we find in the rocks of the way. There is no loss.
During the last stretch of the route we recommend you to take extreme precautions. And is that the precipice that we find on the other side is no joke. Remember that you will not see the Relux window until you are practically in front of it because it is stuck in a hole. From this point we can see the Karrantza river gorge, the village of Riancho (Cantabria) and even the sea on sunny days.
The Relux Window has been shaped by rain and wind creating an opening in the rock at the edge of the cliff. Remember, under no circumstances go through the window. To return to the starting point we must follow the same route. We just have to retrace our steps. Simple. 
Where to eat.
Karrantza has one of the most famous gastronomic temples of Bizkaia. To talk about gastronomy in Karrantza is synonymous with Casa Garras. This restaurant is located in the neighborhood of Concha, in the heart of the valley, a meeting place in Karrantza. From Casa Garras they propose us to taste their own txakoli and their famous menu based on steak. Of course, prepare your wallet. You have to pay for the good things. 
Recommendations.
After the route to the Relux Window we believe it may be interesting to make a series of recommendations for you to enjoy the most of this route. We hope they will be of help.
- Comfortable footwear. If possible, it should be for hiking or trekking.
- Carry water or other liquids for hydration is essential. There are no fountains along the route.
- Do not pass through the Relux Window under any circumstances.
- Camera to be able to capture the impressive views that this route offers us.
- In case you have binoculars, it may be a good idea to bring them with you to watch the vultures, eaglets and other birds that accompany us along the way.
- If you are looking for experiences and accommodations in Euskadi, we encourage you to consult our reservation center.
What to see in Karrantza.
Karrantza is the largest municipality in the province of Bizkaia. This is attested by the more than 137 square kilometers that make up this Basque municipality. A space, in which nature takes special prominence. Here are some of the places we recommend you to visit during any trip to Karrantza. We hope they will be of help to you. In case you want more information, we recommend you to read our article about what to see in Karrantza.
Although these are some of the most important places in Karrantza, they are not the only ones. Other enclaves such as the houses of indianos, the paintings of San Andres de Biañez, the Palacio Ermita del Conde de Villapaterna or the Virgen del Buen Suceso can be great options to complement this route to the Relux Window. 
What to see near Karrantza.
In the vicinity of Karrantza we find a large group of places to see and enjoy. Here are some examples of what we can see in the vicinity of this municipality of Bizkaia. We hope it helps you to complete your trip to Karrantza.
Relux Window Video.
As usual in our articles we wanted to complement the words and photographs with a small video. An audiovisual that shows in a more real way what you will find in this corner of Karrantza. In case you like this video we encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel. We are sure you will find other routes, experiences and tourist destinations that catch your attention.
As you have been able to see the Relux Window, Relus or Reluso is a real work of art. A natural window sculpted in stone that we encourage you to meet in person. If you have any questions about the Relux Window, we encourage you to use the comment system that you will find below these lines to let us know. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pass!
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