Vitoria-Gasteiz

Vitoria-Gasteiz

The capital of the Basque Country has a long-standing commitment to urban sustainability.

Its designation as the European Green Capital in 2012 marked a milestone in its development strategy, consolidating an identity that connects quality of life with environmental respect. This green legacy is reinforced through comprehensive and participatory strategic planning, guided by the 2030 Agenda. Located 40 minutes from Bilbao and three hours from Madrid, this ancient city harmonizes its valuable Medieval Quarter—one of the most notable historical ensembles in northern Spain—with a richly biodiverse natural environment.

A testament to this environmental commitment is its Green Belt, an international benchmark with over 25 years of history. This network of parks features the Salburua wetlands, the Olarizu Botanical Garden, and the Armentia Forest.

The capital of Álava also boasts a rich gastronomic and wine tradition, with a special emphasis on its pintxos and wine culture.

In the MICE sector, the city offers great proximity between meeting venues and major tourist attractions. Among these venues are the historic Villa Suso Palace and the Europa Conference Center, a Passivhaus building with LEED Gold certification, making it a benchmark for sustainable architecture.

 

Admission to the Smart Tourism Destinations Programme Vitoria-Gasteiz joined the Smart Tourist Destinations project through the development of the Diagnostic Report and Action Plan for its transformation into a Smart Tourist Destination, carried out in May 2020. Follow-ups were completed in May 2023 and April 2025.
Outstanding initiatives
  • The first Spanish city to be named European Green Capital (2012) and Global Green City (2019).
  • Selected for the European mission of “Smart and Climate-Neutral Cities.”
  • “Climate and Sustainable Energy Action Plan of Vitoria-Gasteiz” (PACES 2030).
  • Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification, SICTED certificate, and the first urban destination certified by the Ecotourism Association of Spain.
  • Citizen participation forums: Elkargunes, Auzogunes, and the Social Council.
  • Tourism and MICE Marketing Plan 2024-2027.
  • Coexistence and Diversity Service, which supports other municipal areas to implement accessibility in municipal projects.
  • Support service for the development of sustainability plans in tourism businesses. Energy consultancy for tourism businesses.
  • Visitor flow monitoring applied to large-scale events.
  • Promotion of innovation across public policies, as well as in the development of tourism innovation projects such as the City Laboratory project.

Technical data

VAT number: P0106800F
Address: c/ Pintor Teodoro Dublang, 25 Bajo
Postal code: 01008
Telephone: 945 16 16 16
Region: País Vasco
Province: Araba/Álava
Population: Vitoria
Country: España
Local entity type: Ayuntamiento
Date of membership: 20200520
Diagnosis: Sí
Diagnosis date: 19/10/2020
Destination Type: Urbano de interior
Population: 260,774
Area (km²): 276.80
Density (inhab/km²): 918.08
Average tourist stay: 2
Level in the Network: Nivel 3

WHERE IS IT LOCATED?

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