Mairuelegorreta (Gorbeia Nature Reserve)

The ground on which Álava rests forms cavities that can be explored.

The best known cave, for its dimensions and caving tradition is that of Mairuelegorreta, in the Gorbeia Nature Reserve. Spectacular, owing to its 40 km of galleries and 350 metres height difference, is the Hayal de Ponata, in Sierra Salvada ("Cuadrilla" of Ayala).

Also important are the caves located in the Mountain Ranges of Badaia, Gibijo, Arkamo and Santiago (Valley of Kuartango); Sierra Salvada, ("Cuadrilla" of Ayala); Kapildui Mountains, Iturrieta, Bitigarra and Entzia, ("Cuadrilla" of Campezo-Montaña Alavesa); and the Mountain Range of Toloño/Cantabria ("Cuadrilla" of Laguardia-Rioja Alavesa), amongst others. This is a broad area with over 1,000 caves classified. However, we could say that there are 18 caves or potholes running over 1,000 metres, and 17 that are over 100 metres deep.