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: Protected Biotopes

Municipalities:

Gipuzkoa: Deba, Zumaia.

Information:

Algorri Interpretation Centre
Phone: 943 143 100
E-mail: algorri@zumaia.net

Zumaia Tourist Office
Phone: 943 143 396
Fax: 943 861 531
E-mail: turismoa@zumaia.net

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 Algorri Interpretation centre and the Zumaia Tourist Office offer a complete range of hiking routes, geological guided tours, visits and boat trips through the biotope. Begi-Bistan, an active tourism company, also offers activities related to the environment. Phone: 657 794 677

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

From the surroundings of Zumaia's hermitage of San Telmo.

From the Elorriaga neighbourhood (Deba) take the path that goes down to the coast.

From Itxaspe campsite in Deba, go down the path that leads to Arranomendi. Other way is following the road to the campsite and take the path that leads to Sakoneta at the crossroads of the Txertudibekoa farmhouse or a little bit further when finding the sign that indicates Mendata.

Public Transport: By bus: Euskotren: Lines Durango-Deba, Zumaia-Zumarraga-Hospital and Zumaia-Zarautz-Donostia/San Sebastián.
Pesa: Line Lekeitio-Ondarroa-Deba-Donostia/San Sebastián halts at Deba station.

By train: Line Donostia/San Sebastián-Bilbao by Euskotren stops in Zumaia, Arroa and Deba.
Car Park: It is possible to park in the surroundings of Zumaia's hermitage of San Telmo, in the recreational area of Elorriaga, which is in the vicinity of the Itxaspe campsite and next to the Errota Berri farmhouse-restaurant.