Ullíbarri-Gamboa is a village in the municipality of Arrazua-Ubarrundia, province of Álava in the Basque Country of. Ullíbarri-Gamboa means "villa" or "new town" of Gamboa in Basque. Gamboa is the name of the vicariate to which this population belonged, as well as that of a neighboring community, which did not belong Ullíbarri however, since it was integrated into Arratzua-Ubarrundia.The Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir has a growing recreational use, contributing to nature tourism in the historical territory of Álava. One of the main reservoirs of drinking water in Álava and Vizcaya, the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir gives life to an environment that has taken advantage of the changes that humans introduce into the landscape, and conforms to their expense aquatic environments high environmental value. Wedged between the Álava plain and the mountains of the watershed north of the historic territory, a transition zone between oceanic and continental interior of the Iberian peninsula, the natural environment combines oaks with areas of dense banks, lake and marsh ecosystems with large water bodies and urban areas and playgrounds, making human use compatible with conservation of natural resources. Riding, bird watching, cycling, picnicking, swimming, interpretation of nature or the contemplation of the landscape are particularly suitable activities in the provincial parks of Garaio and Landa, the Mendixur Ornithological Park in the Ramsar area of the tailings dam, and the road which runs along its banks.
Location
This village of 60 habitants is known mainly for giving its name to the Ullíbarri-Gamboa dam nearby. Ullíbarri marsh is the largest in the Basque Country and plays a triple role, supplying water to Álava and Vizcaya, regulating river flow and serving as a recreational area, one of the most frequented in summer. The dam of the reservoir is located between the villages of Ullíbarri and Arroyabe.
Construction dates
The construction of the dam between 1947 and 1950 completely changed the life and appearance of the people, because even if the center of the town and most of the houses narrowly escaped the reservoir, the majority of farmland was flooded, and residents had to reorient their activities mainly to farming or being forced to migrate to the city ofVitoria. Ullíbarri's position at the edge of the dam has a special scenic beauty that attracts visitors and has also motivated the construction of some second homes in the village. A prominent example of the activities related to the dam are the facilities and the Yacht Club Pier in Vitoria. The club is located 15 minutes from Vitoria and promotes sailing and windsurfing activities fully sustainable with the environment of the reservoir.
Characteristics
Ullíbarri's position at the edge of the dam has given it a special scenic beauty that attracts visitors and has also motivated the construction of some second homes in the village. A prominent example of the activities related to the dam in Ullíbarri-Gamboa are the facilities and the Yacht Club Pier Vitoria. The club is located 15 minutes from Vitoria and primarily promotes sailing and windsurfing activities fully sustainable with the environment of the reservoir. In summer up north wind force 4 after noon ideal for windsurfing and cools the environment.
Reservoir trail
A 45-mile pedestrian and mountain bike trail, divided into two circuits of 13 and 33 kilometres respectively will allows hikers to experience the richnatural landscape and Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir. Recreational parks, beaches, floating walkways, oak forests and wetlands of high ecological interest are just some of the attractions that this route offers.
