Ekoetxea Azpeitia

About the museum

Ekoetxea Azpeitia, also known as Ingurugiro Etxea, was the first environmental education facility in the Basque Country. It stands beside the gardens of the Basilica of Loiola, at the foot of the Izarraitz massif, in an area of pronounced relief and ravines of great ecological value. It is run by Ihobe, the Basque Government's public environmental management company, together with the Azpeitia town council, and forms part of the network of ekoetxeas.

The permanent exhibition occupies four connected rooms and is organised into twelve thematic areas, including the atmosphere, climate change and water, biodiversity, sustainable urban design, energy and protected areas. Its aim is to make known natural resources and to encourage sustainable habits.

The centre also includes the Xaguxatar urban nature park, 1,800 m², with games and interactive panels on the habits and habitat of bats, and an 18th-century water mill where visitors can see how maize flour is made. It runs a school programme and offers experiences and routes through the natural surroundings.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition with twelve thematic areas on the environment and sustainability
• Xaguxatar urban nature park of 1,800 m², dedicated to bats
• 18th-century water mill where maize flour is made
• Xaguxatar family self-guided route of 6.5 km, with a game and six stops
• Programme of workshops and experiences for families

Permanent exhibitions

• Exposición permanente de Ekoetxea Azpeitia – Four rooms with twelve thematic areas on the atmosphere, climate change, water, biodiversity, sustainable urban design, energy and protected areas.
• Parque natural urbano Xaguxatar – A 1,800 m² space with six interactive and playful sections on the habits, characteristics and habitat of bats.

Operated by

Ihobe (Gobierno Vasco) y Ayuntamiento de Azpeitia

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The programme includes activities for families, such as cookery workshops. The Xaguxatar route is a family self-guided route of 6.5 km and about two hours, with six stops and a game. The leaflet is collected at the Ekoetxea or at the tourist offices of Loiola and Azpeitia, and the route is described as accessible for all ages.

Getting there & parking

The centre is beside the gardens of the Basilica of Loiola, at the foot of the Izarraitz massif.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café-bar, library, archive and video room.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The centre hires out spaces for events.

Plan your visit