Introduction
El Monte Ulía, one of the three emblematic mountains of San Sebastián along with Igeldo and Urgull, is a natural paradise that combines history, biodiversity and recreational opportunities. With its 235 meters high and more than 300,000 m² in area, Ulía stands as a green lung and a favorite destination for locals and tourists looking to disconnect from the city and enjoy nature.
History of Mount Ulía
The origin of the name and its meaning
The name Ulía comes from ancient Gascon settlements in the region. Like other place names such as Urgull, Polloe, Mompás and Miramon, it recalls the presence of these ancient settlers and their influence on local toponymy. These settlements have left an indelible mark on the history and culture of the region, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of San Sebastián.
Development and popularity in the 20th century
Monte Ulía has been an important recreational space for the people of San Sebastián for generations. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was a popular destination for the aristocracy visiting San Sebastián. In 1902, an electric tram was inaugurated that allowed tourists to access the summit from the Ategorrieta neighborhood. This tram was one of the first of its kind in the world, facilitating access and increasing the popularity of Mt. In addition, various attractions were built on the summit, including a pigeon shooting range and a picnic area, which added to the attraction of the place.
The Belle Époque and its impact on Ulía
During the Belle Époque, Mount Ulía became a leisure center for the aristocracy. This period saw the construction of multiple recreational facilities, including the aerial ferry designed by Leonardo Torres Quevedo in 1907, which although it had a short-lived use, is considered one of the first funiculars in the world intended for the transportation of people. This golden era of the mountain reflected the rise of San Sebastián as a luxury tourist destination.
The decline after the opening of the amusement park in Monte Igeldo
Starting in 1912, with the opening of the amusement park on Monte Igeldo, Monte Ulía began to lose its popularity as a leisure center. However, it remains a significant place for recreation and connection with nature in San Sebastián. Today, Ulía has reinvented itself as a space for hiking and other outdoor activities, attracting visitors looking for a more natural and peaceful experience.
Geographic characteristics
Height and extent of the mountain
Mount Ulía has a height of 235 meters above sea level and an area of more than 300,000 m². This natural space extends from the Gros neighborhood to the coast, offering a unique mix of maritime and terrestrial landscapes. Its large green areas and its privileged location make it an ideal place to enjoy nature without moving too far from the city.
The Natura 2000 network and its protection
The northern slope of Monte Ulía is part of the Natura 2000 network, a set of areas protected by the European Commission for the conservation of biodiversity. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of the mountain and its role in the preservation of species and natural habitats. Inclusion in this network ensures that conservation measures are implemented to protect its valuable ecosystems.
The contrast between the north and south slopes
Mount Ulía presents a notable contrast between its northern and southern slopes. The northern slope, wilder and more dehumanized, is shaped by the sea and natural elements, creating a landscape of cliffs, hanging valleys and curious geoforms. In contrast, the southern slope is more accessible and is home to dense vegetation and a network of trails that invite exploration. This contrast offers visitors a diverse experience, from the tranquility of the forests to the majesty of the coastal landscape.
Flora and fauna
Endemic and protected species
Monte Ulía is home to rich biodiversity, including endemic and protected species. Among its most notable flowers is “Armeria euscadiensis”, a plant that is difficult to find and highly protected. This flower, along with other species, contributes to the botanical uniqueness of the mountain and underlines the need to conserve its natural environment.
Predominant vegetation
The vegetation in Ulía is diverse, with areas of heath, heather, argomas and ferns. The mountain also has a dense and populated forest where various native and coniferous species grow, creating a green and lush landscape. In some areas, the forest is so dense that it seems impenetrable, offering a refuge for numerous species of flora and fauna.
Marine and terrestrial biodiversity
In addition to its plant wealth, Monte Ulía also has significant marine biodiversity, especially along its coastal strip. This combination of sea and mountains provides a unique habitat for a variety of both terrestrial and maritime species. The cliffs and rock formations of the coast are home to seabirds and other species that find Ulía an ideal environment to live and reproduce.
Facilities and services
Picnic and recreation areas
Monte Ulía is equipped with various facilities for the enjoyment of visitors. The picnic areas are ideal for spending a day with family or friends, enjoying nature and the panoramic views of San Sebastián and the Cantabrian Sea.
Ulía Youth Hostel
On the slope of Mount Ulía, at about 200 meters above sea level, is the Ulía Youth Hostel. A 20-minute walk from Zurriola beach, this hostel is an excellent location to enjoy the mountains and healthy living. The forest environment of Ulía Park is ideal for walks or bicycle rides, offering splendid views and a landscape that constitutes an Eden of tranquility and beauty. Furthermore, the proximity to the urban center allows you to fully enjoy San Sebastián.
The Ulía Youth Hostel is a cozy and modern place, perfect for sharing experiences and living together, while taking care of nature. It was the first in the Basque Country to obtain the European ecological label, generating much of its energy through photovoltaic and thermal solar panels. It has also implemented measures to reduce water consumption, uses eco-labeled cleaning and paper products, and offers locally sourced, organic and fair trade food products. Selective waste collection is rigorous, with differentiated containers in the rooms and bungalows, and organic matter is converted into compost used in the hostel garden. The hostel has rooms for 3-4 people and bungalows for 5-6 people with kitchen, each with its own porch and direct access from the street. It also has free parking.
Closing of the Tiro al Pichón Restaurant
The restaurant in the Monte Ulía pigeon shooting area is closed. This space, previously a popular meeting point, stopped operating due to financial problems.
Viewpoints and interpretation centers
The viewpoints of Monte Ulía offer spectacular views of the city, the bay of San Sebastián and the coast.
Furthermore, the Ulía Interpretation Center it’s a space dedicated to making Mount Ulía known, delving into the characteristics of its physical, natural and historical environment. The center offers a program of educational and cultural activities that includes workshops, itineraries, guided tours, screenings and temporary exhibitions. It also has a permanent exhibition that allows visitors to interact with the most unique elements of the mountain.
The center addresses various thematic areas: the physical environment, the rocks and soils of Ulía; the flora and fauna; marine ecosystems; and the history and cultural heritage of the landscape. To this end, it has a permanent exhibition hall, a multipurpose room for conferences and screenings, and a didactic workshop room. In addition, it has a small ecological garden with a water recycling system and composters, and an artificial pond that favors the flora and fauna related to wetlands.
