The Olandina Lagoon is a small temporary wetland located in the Alavese Mountains, in the municipality of Arraia-Maeztu, very close to Vírgala Menor and within the Izki Natural Park. The official route of the Basque Government describes it as a sheet of water surrounded by a belt of riparian vegetation and crops, which reinforces its character of agricultural and wet landscape at the same time. From the point of visit it is easy to appreciate the vegetation that surrounds it and, in favorable season, the presence of white water lilies, one of its best known signs. It is also a good place to observe fauna associated with quiet wetlands, especially insects such as dragonflies and damselflies, as well as birds associated with shallow bodies of water. Its natural interest lies in the fact that it concentrates a delicate and seasonal habitat, with unusual botanical and landscape values in this area of Alava. Several sources cite it as the lagoon with an outstanding presence of white water lily in the Basque Country, and the official documentation includes it in the network of trails in Alava. The best visit is usually concentrated between late spring and summer, when the environment is greener and the flowering of the water lily can be appreciated; from July onwards the water level can drop and the lagoon loses its visual appeal.
