Zumaia Flysch

Highlights

  • • 60 million years of geological history
  • • K-T boundary: dinosaur extinction
  • • 8 km Zumaia-Deba coastal path
  • • World-reference stratified cliffs
  • • Guided visits with geologists

Description

Geological formations 60 million years old emerging from the sea like pages of an open book on the Zumaia coast. The flysch strata contain the record of dinosaur extinction (K-T boundary), visible as a dark clay layer between limestone. The coastal path between Zumaia and Deba covers 8 km of stratified cliffs that are a world reference for geologists.

Guide

Essential information for visiting Zumaia Flysch

Location

How to get there

By carBy public transport
Planning Information

Visitor Tips

Access via Itzurun beach (Zumaia) or coastal path from Deba (8 km). Low tide essential to see formations. Check tide tables before going. Guided visits with geologist from the Basque Coast Geopark. Limited parking at Itzurun in summer.

Historical Facts

Zumaia's flysch strata contain one of the world's most complete records of the K-T boundary (66 million years ago), the iridium layer marking dinosaur extinction. The Basque Coast Geopark was declared a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010.