Muñatones Castle is perhaps the best-preserved bulwark in the Basque Country. The castle was the culmination of a long construction process, starting in the 14^th century amid the civil wars that ravaged the region. Nobleman Don Lope García de Salazar was born in the stronghold and wrote the first history of the Biscayan people, a first-hand testimony to such devastating fights. Next to it, the visitor will find the Salazar Palace, a unique complex protected by the law for its architectural value.

The adjoining Pobeña Estuary, flanked by marshlands and sandy terrains, marks the way to La Arena Beach, running along Muskiz and neighbouring Zierbena for over a kilometre, or 0.62 miles, making it the second largest beach in the province. La Arena is a favourite surfing spot and initial lessons are offered. The geography of the place is perfect for canoeing and other sports as well.

Humans and sea have intertwined in Muskiz for centuries. It’s not a coincidence that the picturesque Our Lady of Help Hermitage was built here in 1768 after Don Pedro de Llano survived a furious storm in the waters of Havana. The district of Pobeña, where the temple sits, is traversed by a two-kilometre promenade silhouetting the coastline, a must-see route for hikers and nature lovers – or anyone wishing to get rid of woes and worries.

As a final destination, El Pobal Forge – dating from the 16^th century – acts now as a museum showing the visitor how iron used to be smelted and turned into a vast number of objects.