PUERTO DE ORDUÑA (por Orduña)

The Puerto de Orduña rises in a spectacular setting where the mountains of Bizkaia and Álava meet, forming a rugged, green landscape deeply characteristic of the northern peninsula. The road climbs through a narrow valley that soon opens out to limestone cliffs and high pastures, creating a mix of woodland, rock and slopes that rise vertically toward the upper plateau. The whole gives a feeling of pure mountain despite its relative proximity to the coast, combining natural beauty, tranquility and a strong historical character, since this pass has for centuries been a communication route between territories. The pass has been a prominent point in the history of the Vuelta a España, where it has appeared in several editions as a passing climb or as a summit finish.