Llodio

Llodio is the second biggest town in Araba-Álava in the Basque Country. It is the gateway to the Ayala valley, through which the Nervión river flows. There are a number of routes and activities to get to know the area's beautiful mountain environment. 

The most famous building in the town is the Lamuza Palace. In 1876, the Marquises of Urquijo bought this property as a summer bolthole to escape their political life in Madrid. You can now walk through its beautiful gardens, which have been converted into a public park.There are several routes for getting to know the surrounding area. You can explore the green ring surrounding Llodio for the best views of its landscape. Or you can walk or cycle the Nervión Linear Park Greenway. Another fascinating option in the area is the “Cinturón de Hierro” (Iron Belt), a route where you can discover traces of the Spanish Civil War through the remains of fortifications and trenches. The most daring can complete this with the “Ruta de los Contrabandistas” (Smugglers' Route), a 20-kilometre route between Llodio and Bilbao that used to be used by bandits.Llodio's cultural attractions also include its three best-known festivals: Friday of Sorrows (before the start of Easter week), San Roque on August 15, and the Día de las Morcillas (Black Pudding Day) on the last Saturday in August.In addition to black pudding, local products to try include Idiazabal designation of origin cheeses and txakoli wine from Álava.