Añana Salt Valley

Highlights

  • • Over 7,000 years of uninterrupted salt production
  • • FAO World Agricultural Heritage and ERIH Anchor Point
  • • Thousands of evaporation platforms of stone, wood and clay
  • • Workshops to make salt with your own hands
  • • Añana gourmet salt, prized by Spain's top chefs
Local LifeHistoryGastronomy

Description

The Añana Salt Valley is one of the oldest salt works in the world, with over 7,000 years of uninterrupted production. Located in the Álava town of Añana, 30 km from Vitoria-Gasteiz, this landscape of thousands of evaporation platforms built with stone, wood and clay is a living monument to traditional engineering.

Salt is obtained by solar evaporation of brine that springs from underground. Generations of salt workers have maintained and expanded this complex over millennia, creating a cultural landscape without equal in Europe. In 2017 it was declared a World Agricultural Heritage site by the FAO.

Guided tours walk through the salt terraces, explain the production process and the valley's history from Roman times. There are workshops where you can make salt with your own hands, tastings of salt with different maturations and a shop selling Añana gourmet salt, prized by Spain's top chefs.

The Salt Valley has received the Anchor Point recognition from the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH) for its exceptional importance and innovative visitor experience.

Key Information

Visit Duration

1.5-2.5 hours

Recommended Seasons

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Accessibility

Medium

Kid-Friendly Booking Required

Related Destinations

Guide

Essential information for visiting Añana Salt Valley

Location

How to get there

By carBy public transport
Practical Information
Visit Duration
1.5-2.5 hours
Features & Services
  • Accessibility:Medium
  • Kid-Friendly:Yes
  • Booking:Booking Required
Planning Information

Recommended Seasons

Spring · Summer · Autumn

Best Time to Visit

Spring to autumn for active production. Summer for workshops. Winter also open but no production.

Visitor Tips

Book ahead in peak season. The salt workshop is the most complete experience. Wear comfortable shoes (uneven terrain). The shop has exclusive gourmet salts.

Things to do

Activities and experiences near Añana Salt Valley

20

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about Añana Salt Valley

Daily guided tours walk through the salt terraces and explain the process. Also salt workshops and tastings. Advance booking recommended (tel. 945 351 111 or website).
There is a free 2.5 km self-guided route with panoramic views. Guided tours and workshops have a fee (check vallesalado.com).
In Salinas de Añana (Álava), 30 km from Vitoria-Gasteiz and 35 km from Miranda de Ebro. Access via A-1/AP-1, Pobes exit.
The guided tour takes 1-1.5 hours. With salt workshop, about 2-2.5 hours. Arrive 15 minutes early at the Visitor Centre.