Ekomuseoa

Ekomuseoa, officially known as Ekoetxea Azpeitia, is the first environmental education centre ever opened in the Basque Country. It sits in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, right beside the gardens of the town's famous Loyola basilica, and is run by the Basque public body Ihobe together with the Azpeitia town council.

How do you get to Ekomuseoa?

The centre is located at Loiola Auzoa 1, only a short walk from central Azpeitia and from the Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Anyone visiting the basilica can reach the ecomuseum on foot in a few minutes, following the path that skirts the monastery gardens. Drivers heading into Azpeitia should look for signs to Loiola Auzoa; the site has its own car park, which makes it a convenient stop for families and organised groups.

What is there to see inside?

The permanent exhibition unfolds across four themed rooms. Together they cover climate change, the atmosphere, water management and biodiversity, as well as urban subjects such as bioclimatic architecture, sustainable town planning, mobility, energy and transport, noise, waste and consumption. Everything is presented through hands-on, interactive displays, so the centre works equally well for children and for adults with a general interest in environmental issues.

A separate highlight is the Xaguxatar urban nature park, an 1,800 m² outdoor space divided into six sections dedicated to bats — their habits, physical traits and natural habitats. The park explains how these mammals adapt to city life and why protecting their colonies matters. The building also houses a specialised library, a screening room with educational films and an archive, useful for visitors preparing a school project or looking for further reading after the tour.

When should you visit, and how long does it take?

Ekomuseoa is open year-round, though the hours shift with the season. From April to October it opens daily from 10:00 to 14:00 and again from 15:30 to 19:00; from November to March the schedule keeps the same morning hours but closes at 18:00 in the afternoon. A self-guided walk through the four exhibition rooms and the Xaguxatar park usually takes an hour and a half to two hours — longer if a workshop is included.

On weekends the centre runs free family activities, and schools and groups can book a guided educational programme. Booking ahead by phone or email is recommended, especially for group visits.

What else can you combine with the visit?

Because the Loyola basilica is so close, most visitors pair the two sites in a single outing — the sanctuary linked to the life of Saint Ignatius first, then a short walk to the ecomuseum. Azpeitia's historic town centre is within walking distance too, and travellers with a car can extend the day to Pagoeta Natural Park, a few kilometres away, or to the coastal towns of Zumaia and Zarautz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a visit to Ekomuseoa free of charge? The centre offers a programme of free weekend activities for families, but it's worth checking current admission details for exhibitions and workshops directly with the centre by phone or email before visiting.

Can you visit without booking ahead? Yes, individual visitors can simply walk in, while organised groups and schools should book in advance to secure a place on the guided programme.

How long does a visit take? Walking through the four exhibition rooms and the Xaguxatar park takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes; add another hour if you join a workshop or film screening.

Is Ekomuseoa suitable for children? Yes — the interactive exhibition format and the bat-focused section of the Xaguxatar park are designed with younger visitors in mind, and the centre regularly runs educational activities for school groups.