Towns > Gautegiz Arteaga
If you’re looking to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, Gautegiz Arteaga is the place for you. Here, you’ll find scenic walks through marshlands, oak forests, and historic spots that will leave you speechless. This charming village in Urdaibai has a little bit of everything—fresh air, ancient mills, castles, and a welcoming rural atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
And if that wasn’t reason enough to visit, according to a study, Gautegiz Arteaga is the happiest village in the Basque Country—come and see for yourself why!
If you love nature, get ready to be amazed. Gautegiz Arteaga is located right in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, so you’ll have plenty of trails to explore through marshlands and oak forests.
And if you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, you’re in for a treat—the Urdaibai Bird Center is home to an incredible observatory where you can witness all kinds of species during migration. Managed by the Aranzadi Science Society, it’s the perfect place to learn more about the local ecosystem and its fascinating wildlife.
It seems that Gautegiz Arteaga got its name from two medieval tower houses that once stood here: Gautegiz, which has completely disappeared, and Arteaga, which eventually became the impressive Arteaga Tower. But if we dig a little deeper, some theories suggest the name could have Roman origins. The historian Julio Caro Baroja believed that Gautegiz might come from a certain Gautius, a Roman landowner who once roamed these lands. Can you picture Romans wandering through these marshlands?
On the other hand, Arteaga comes from arte, which means holm oak in Basque—and there’s no shortage of them in the area. Until 1996, the town’s name switched between Arteaga and Gautegiz Arteaga, until the local government settled on the version we know today.
If there’s one building that stands out in Gautegiz Arteaga, it’s its castle—or more accurately, a neo-medieval palace straight out of a fairytale. And its history is just as curious: in the 19th century, it was built for Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. Did they ever use it? Not at all. Apparently, they had so many properties that they never even bothered to visit.
Today, the castle still stands, transformed into a hotel and restaurant. So, if you’re in the mood for a little luxury and want to feel like royalty for a day, this is your spot.
But Gautegiz Arteaga isn’t just about castles. Here, you’ll also find centuries-old watermills, reminders of how people lived and worked in the past. One of the most fascinating is the Tide Mill, which—just as its name suggests—used the power of the tides to grind grain. No electricity, just pure ingenuity! Built in 1683, it’s the only mill of its kind left in the Urdaibai estuary.
There’s also Oleta Mill, located at the foot of Mount Ereñozar, which remained in operation until the 20th century.
If you love hiking, Gautegiz Arteaga has routes for every kind of explorer. You can take a leisurely stroll through the marshlands or challenge yourself with longer trails that wind through forests and mountains. No matter which path you choose, one thing is guaranteed: breathtaking landscapes at every turn.
This place isn’t just beautiful—it has character. Its people, traditions, and natural surroundings make it truly special. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a few days to disconnect, you’ll feel right at home here.
So, come ready to explore, breathe in the fresh air, and experience one of the most magical corners of Urdaibai. You won’t regret it!
