Izki Natural Park

Izki Natural Park is a protected area located in the Basque Country, in the province of Álava, in northern Spain. The park covers the valley of the Izki river, and its landscape is mostly covered by Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) forests — a species particularly characteristic of the region's transitional climate zones between Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. These forests give the park its dense, green character for much of the year.

Where exactly is the park located?

Izki Natural Park lies in the eastern part of the province of Álava, in the heart of the Basque Country. Its approximate geographic coordinates are 42.706°N, 2.494°W. The park stretches along the valley of the Izki river, which gives the area its name and largely shapes its terrain — from the riverbed itself to the wooded slopes surrounding it.

What defines the park's landscape?

The dominant natural feature of the park is its cover of Pyrenean oak forest. Quercus pyrenaica is a deciduous species well suited to climates that combine Atlantic and Mediterranean characteristics, which is exactly the kind of environment found in the Izki valley. The extent of these forests makes the park one of the places in the region where this type of woodland ecosystem has been preserved over a large area.

Does anyone live within the park's boundaries?

Yes, but only to a very limited extent. Korres is the only settlement located within the boundaries of Izki Natural Park. This small settlement is the sole point of permanent habitation inside the protected area, setting the park apart from many other places in the region where settlement is more widespread.

What protection status does the area hold?

Izki Natural Park is classified as a protected area within Spain's system of nature conservation. This status is tied to safeguarding the forest ecosystem characteristic of the Izki valley, along with the landscape shaped by the river that runs through the park and defines the surrounding vegetation.

Frequently asked questions

In which region of Spain is Izki Natural Park located? The park is located in the Basque Country, in the province of Álava, in northern Spain.

What is the main type of vegetation in the park? The predominant vegetation type is Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) forest, covering most of the Izki river valley.

Are there any settlements inside the park? Yes — Korres is the only settlement located within the park's boundaries.

Where does the park's name come from? The park is named after the Izki river, along whose valley the entire protected area extends.

What is the legal status of this area? It is classified as a protected area under Spain's system for classifying natural sites.