The tidal platform and the flysch cliffs

The coastal strip located in the western part of Gipuzkoa's coast, between the villages of Deba and Zumaia, covers around 8 kilometres of cliffs. In this spot mountains descend abruptly to the sea forming one of the most spectacular natural areas in the Basque Country. Besides, this strip includes elements of geological and geomorphological value with an internationally recognised prestige, as well as the richest and most complex marine ecosystem in the entire Basque coast. All these natural values have had an excellent conservation due to the difficult access to the area.

Category:

Geoparks

Municipalities:

Gipuzkoa: Deba, Zumaia.

Information:

Deba Tourist Office
Tel: 943 192 452
E-mail: turismoa@deba.eus

Zumaia Tourist Office
Tel: 943 143 396
E-mail: turismoa@zumaia.eus

Algorri Interpretation Centre
Tel: 943 143 100
E-mail: info@algorri.eus

Its high cliffs rise over a peculiar phenomena known as the tidal platform, also know as "Flysch". Over thousands of years, the sea waves have eroded the smooth clayey materials of the flysch, sculpting the amazing cliffs that form a plain surface on the coastal line. The horizontal platform consists of an endless sequence of sharp and quirk rock layers shaping a real visual caprice. Due to the earth's movements in the Cretaceous Period many of this layers that were originally horizontal, turned upright. Thus, in the Mendata and Sakoneta areas we will find the most abrupt cliffs.

The layered materials of the flysch represent a first-rate geological sanctuary at an international level. Worldwide geologists study this phenomenon as it gathers all the information about the main climatic, biological and geological events of the Earth for 50 million years. Besides, the cliffs on the Itzurun beach are considered the best spot to analyse two key moments in the Paleocene. A new world to discover in an exciting journey in time.

Observations

The Geopark Tourist Offices in Deba, Mutriku and Zumaia offer a complete range of hiking routes, geological guided tours, visits and boat trips through the territory.

Flora

In addition to the aforementioned geological and geomorphological interest, the tidal platform houses the richest and most complex ecosystem of the Basque coast. Its pools are real natural aquariums with over 200 species of flora and fauna. Thus, countless species of plankton communities, benthos, algae, fish, crustaceans, molluscs and echinoderms are exposed, especially when the tide is low. A real explosion of biodiversity, colours and living shapes.

Location and accomodations in the neighborhoods

Access:

On foot
The access points to this natural area are the beaches of Itzurun and Algorri in Zumaia, and, in Deba, Elorriaga, Errotaberri, Itxaspe, and Lapari beach. From these points, the marked trails PR-Gi 5001, SL-Gi 5001, SL-Gi 5002, and GR 121 allow you to explore every corner of the Protected Natural Landscape. This is also the case with the Geopark Tour, a 54-kilometer circular route that covers the area in three stages.

Public Transport:

By bus:

Lurraldebus:
• Lekeitio-(Deba)-Donostia (DB03)
• Mallabia-(Deba)-Ondarroa (DB04)
• Ondarroa-Mutriku-Deba-Zumaia (DB05)
• Soraluze-(Deba-Mutriku)-Ondarroa (DB06)
• Zumaia-Zumarraga (UK06)
• Zumaia-Zestoa (UK07)
• Zumaia-Donostia (UK09)
• Zumaia-Donostia (UK10)
• Zumaia-Donostia (UK11)

By train:
EuskoTren, Amara (Donostia)-Matiko (Bilbao) line stops in Zumaia, Arroa and Deba.

Car parking areas:
In Zumaia, in the recreational area of Elorriaga, which is in the vicinity of the Itxaspe campsite and next to the Errota Berri farmhouse-restaurant.