Gorbea

Gorbea
Gorbea rising over Otxandio
Highest point
Elevation	1,482 m (4,862 ft)[1]
Prominence	866 m (2,841 ft)[1]
Coordinates	43°02′06″N 2°46′48″W / 43.035°N 2.77988°W / 43.035; -2.77988
Naming
Native name	Gorbeia (Basque)
Geography
Gorbea Álava and Biscay, Basque Country, Spain Show map of the Basque Country Gorbea Gorbea (Spain) Show map of Spain
Parent range	Basque mountains
Climbing
Easiest route	Hike

Gorbea (Spanish pronunciation: [goɾˈβea]) or Gorbeia (Basque pronunciation: [gorβei.a]) is a mountain and massif in the Basque Country, Spain. It is the highest summit in Biscay and Álava, with a height of 1,482 metres (4,862 ft) above sea level. The massif covers a wide area between the two provinces. The main summit is a round grass-covered mountain crowned by a 17-metre-tall metallic cross. Historically, it was one of the five montes bocineros [es] of Biscay, from where meetings to the Juntas Generales of the Lordship of Biscay were announced.^[2]

To the north of the massif lies the karstic plateau of Itxina [eu], an area full of shafts and caves such as Supelegor [eu]. The southern side of the mountain is less craggy, being covered by forests. Other notable mountains of the massif are Berretin [eu] to the south and the Lekanda [eu] and Aldamin [eu] limestone peaks to the north.

Since 1994, the whole massif has been part of the Gorbeia Natural Park, established to preserve the local beech and oak forests as well as the populations of wild boars and deer. Its status as the highest summit in two provinces and easy access have made it one of the most emblematic mountains in the Basque Country.^[3][4]