Why hiring local guides matters (and can prevent unnecessary rescues)
As official guides of the Basque Coast Geopark, we experience this spectacular —and demanding— territory from the front line every day. The Flysch cliffs of Euskadi attract thousands of visitors each year… but increasingly also make the news due to rescues caused by recklessness or lack of knowledge.
This very weekend it happened again: emergency services had to intervene to assist people trapped in a hard-to-reach area. People who likely were unaware of the danger posed by tides, the lack of signage in some areas, or the complexity of the terrain.
⚠️ The Flysch is not a backdrop — it’s a living, fragile, ever-changing environment
The Flysch of the Basque Coast is a geological jewel of international value, part of a UNESCO-recognized Geopark. But beyond its beauty, it hides very real risks:
- 🌊 Unpredictable tides and sudden sea level rises
- 📵 Isolated areas with no signal or signage
- 🧗 Slippery or unstable cliffs
- 🌿 A delicate ecosystem that suffers from uncontrolled foot traffic
This is not just any hiking trail. It’s a place that requires knowledge and respect.
🧭 The value of local guides
Our work as local guides of the Basque Coast Geopark goes far beyond showing you the landscape:
- ✔️ We know the tides and safe access points
- ✔️ We assess risks and weather conditions
- ✔️ We protect the natural environment and promote responsible tourism
- ✔️ We tell the story of the land, its rocks, and its people
We guide so you can enjoy the Flysch safely, meaningfully, and deeply.
🌱 Responsible tourism = local tourism
When you book a guided experience:
- ✅ You support the local economy
- ✅ You avoid unnecessary risks
- ✅ You reduce environmental impact
- ✅ You learn more, with context and depth
It’s not just an activity. It’s a better way to travel.
📣 Our message, loud and clear:
We’re happy you’re here. We want you to get to know and enjoy this landscape we care so deeply for.
But please, don’t go exploring on your own without preparation.
Before walking along the Flysch:
- 🔍 Check tide times
- 🚶♀️ Learn about the routes and access points
- 🗣️ And if you can, come with a guide
🧭 You’ll see more. Understand more. And do it safely.
📸 The Flysch isn’t just a pretty photo: it’s a geological and cultural legacy. And protecting it is everyone’s responsibility.