Álava

Álava, known as Araba in Basque, is a province of the Basque Autonomous Community in northern Spain. It is the largest Basque province by land area and is largely inland. Its capital and largest city is Vitoria-Gasteiz, which hosts the Basque Parliament and the Basque Government.

Its landscape ranges from the Cantabrian-influenced northern mountains to the Ebro valley in the south. The province is bordered by Gipuzkoa to the east, Biscay to the north, La Rioja to the south, and Castile and León to the west. The Rioja Alavesa wine region occupies the southern part of the province, with towns such as Laguardia, Elciego and Samaniego producing renowned wines. The Gorbea massif lies in the northern area, contributing to diverse scenery.

The population is around 330,000 inhabitants. Euskara is spoken in parts of Álava alongside Spanish, and both languages have official status in the province. The culture reflects a mix of Basque traditions with modern urban life, supported by agriculture, manufacturing and services.

The economy centers on wine production in Rioja Alavesa, agriculture, and manufacturing around Vitoria-Gasteiz, as well as logistics and distribution due to its central location in northern Spain. Deportivo Alavés, the province’s main football club, plays in the Spanish league.

Historically, Álava has been part of the Basque homeland, with influences from the Kingdom of Navarre and the Crown of Castile. Its towns preserve medieval and early modern heritage, including walled villages and religious monuments. The province is a destination for wine tourism, nature, and urban culture in Vitoria-Gasteiz.