VALLE DE CARRANZA
Valle de Carranza is located in the westernmost part of Biscay. It is made up by 137 square kilometers of mountains and slopes, green hills and dense woods. Distributed all over the territory, there are 16 parishes, 49 small neighbourhoods and 2800 inhabitants who work mostly in stockbreeding. Thus, Valle de Carranza appears as the most important source of cattle in Biscay.
We want to highlight the mountain range of Ordunte in the South. It has been declared Special Area of Conservation; Z.E.C. by its initials in Spanish, and included in the Red Natura 2000 (Net Natura 2000) due to its natural relevance and value. In the North, we have the Armañón Natural Park, where it is important to highlight the caves of Pozalagua and Ventalaperra, as well as the holm-oak wood of Sopeña, unique in the Cantabrian ledge.
As Carranza is 54 km from Bilbao and 33 km from Laredo, it is considered to be a bridge between the mountains and the sea, connecting Biscay with Cantabria..
TOURIST RESOURCES IN VALLE DE CARRANZA
POZALAGUA CAVE
It is the most important geological treasure that the mountains of the Basque Country hide. Accidentally discovered in 1957, this cave harbours the largest concentration of eccentric stalactites in the world.
Inside, we will be able to see how Nature has sculpted amazing geological formations. Certainly, a real natural phenomenon for your senses.
ARMAÑÓN INTERPRETATION CENTRE
The interpretation centre of the Armañon Natural Park is the perfect place to receive first hand information about all the natural, historic and industrial values that this region possesses.
Located beside the Cave of Pozalagua, the interpretation centre has three floors and a spectacular lookout from where you can enjoy the best view of Valle de Carranza.
KARPIN ABENTURA
The Karpin zoo is more than a place where you can enjoy the company of the animals. Actually, it is a refuge for wild animals coming from seizures of illegal traffic, abandoned pets, irrecoverable native fauna from other refuges, etc. Their mission is to take the animals in, provide them with a decent life and tell their stories to those visitors who want to be aware of these problems.
DOLOMITAS DEL NORTE MUSEUM
The industrial heritage of Valle de Carranza is also of great relevance in the tourism of this region. As an indication of that we have the interpretation centre of the old unloading station of minerals, which formerly belonged to Dolomitas del Norte S.A.
This centre represents a great opportunity to know about the final process of the minerals extracted from the quarry, located just beside the Cave of Pozalagua.
SAN ANDRÉS DE BIÁÑEZ CHURCH
During the restoration process of the old church of Biañez, the labourers discovered a hidden retable of the XVI Century, which had patterns of Renaissance and Late Gothic style. This retable is, in fact, the largest in the Cantabric ledge.
Considering the great importance of these paintings the restoration process was authorised and now the result can be seen in a guided route. Apart from that, you will get to know the life of a distinguished “indiano” (a Basque who made good in America) who contributed enormously to the economy of the Valley.
More information about Valle de Carranza
Ayuntamiento de Carranza
Karrantzako Udala
