The charming town of Orio it's a medieval fishing village with a deep-rooted rowing tradition. The town owes its name to its stunning location right at the estuary of the Oria River, where the river valley is separated from the Cantabrian Sea by the imposing Mount Talaimendi.
The Oria estuary is a beautiful natural space filled with meadows, marshes, and wetlands. The entire area has been protected under the Natura 2000 Network, the European Union’s flagship program for biodiversity conservation.
I reached Antilla Beach, a paradise for surfers and sheltered by the 377-meter Kukuarri peak. From there, I walked toward the breakwater, climbing all the way to the very end.
Officially, pedestrian access is prohibited — there’s even a sign saying so.
Still, I couldn’t resist: I climbed up and walked all the way to the furthest point to enjoy a completely different perspective of Antilla Beach, the Cantabrian Sea, Kukuarri peak (on the left, the mouth of the Oria River, and Mount Talaimendi rising on the right.
Getting up and down the breakwater is tricky, so watch your step!
This spot is a favorite among local fishermen. Here, where the river’s fresh water meets the salty sea, nutrients abound, and the fishing is excellent.
[//]:# ([//]:# (!worldmappin 43.28892 lat -2.12817 long Orio d3scr))