The Atlantic watershed

The climate in the Atlantic watershed is rainy and humid throughout the year. It is a climate which favours rivers having a flow of water permanently.

The rivers are short and form wide valleys, due to erosion. Villages and towns were built on the fertile lands of these valleys.

The water from these rivers is used for human consumption and to provide hydroelectric energy.

The rivers in the Atlantic watershed reach the coast and empty into Gulf of Bizkaia.

The coast of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia is rugged with many coves, islands and inlets. In Labourd to the north, on the other hand, the coast is a gentle and flat one.