The 8 Best Things to Do in Arnedillo A Hidden Gem in La Rioja Region
One of the most special villages we visited on our adventure through the La Rioja region of Spain was Arnedillo. Although small, this tiny village nestled in the mountains is picturesque and is included in a unique biosphere reserve.
The surrounding area offers endless hiking and biking trails and opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna. Nestled next to the Cidacos River find therapeutic natural thermal pools.
Arnedillo can be a little more challenging to reach than other destinations in the La Rioja region. The small village is surrounded by rocky mountains, which may deter some visitors. Those who make the effort will be rewarded with beauty, warm hospitality, and a unique place in this region of Spain.
This quick guide to Arnedillo village includes the best ways to reach the pueblo, the best things to see and do, and other useful tips for visiting.
Here are the best things to do in Arnedillo and why it’s worth adding to a La Rioja region road trip.
Table of Contents
- Where is Arnedillo Spain?
- How Much Time to Spend in Arnedillo?
- The 8 Best Things to Do in Arnedillo
- Where to Stay in Arnedillo Spain
- Is Arnedillo Worth Visiting?
- Conclusion | A Quick Guide to Arnedillo La Rioja & Best Things To See & Do
Where is Arnedillo Spain?
Arnedillo is found in the La Rioja province and autonomous region of northern Spain. To the north of La Rioja is Spain’s spectacular Basque Country, to the east is Aragon, and the rest of the region borders Spain’s largest autonomous region of Castile & León.
La Rioja region is one of the most famous wine regions in Spain and is known for its delicious Tempranillo wine varietals. The La Rioja wine region is divided into three sub-zones with Arnedillo being part of the Rioja Oriental sub-zone. This sub-zone has a climate known for its dry summers. Additionally, the soil here contains more clay and silt-rich minerals.
Arnedillo is found within the the Hez and Peñalmonte mountain ranges and is in the heart of the Arnedillo Biosphere Reserve. The Ciadcos River cuts through the hamlet and the valley.
The small hamlet is around an hour south of Logroño, the capital city of the La Rioja region and an important city on the Camino de Santiago route of the French Way.
While most visitors would come from Logroño, the village is an hour north of Soria, an overlooked city that is the gateway to the Numancia Roman Ruins.
The easiest way to reach Arnedillo is with a car. We included it as a stopping point on our La Rioja road trip.
Cars are not allowed through the Old Town of Arnedillo, so utilize one of the main parking areas. We parked here for free.
How Much Time to Spend in Arnedillo?
Arnedillo could easily be visited from Logroño as a day trip. The city is known for its lively tapas bars and bodegas which are within reach of the historical city. Many people could easily sleep in Logroño and take the hour drive each way to spend the full day in the village.
Those seeking a quiet escape from the city should definitely spend the night in Arnedillo. One night is enough time to enjoy the natural thermal pools, hike a short trail, and wander through the quaint streets.
If looking to explore the nearby caves in Santa Eulalia Bajera, bike the Cidacos Green Trail, or seek out a Spa treatment from Balneario TermaEuropa Arnedillo, spend at least two nights in Arnedillo.
Arnedillo is a fabulous village in La Rioja that is worth visiting.
8 Best Things to Do in Arnedillo
Here are some of the top attractions to see in Arnedillo in La Rioja Spain. This small village shows that there’s so much more to La Rioja region than its fabulous wine!
1 | Soak in the Arnedillo Hot Springs
The most popular thing to do in Arnedillo is to enjoy the natural Termas de Arnedillo. These rustic hot springs are completely free to enjoy and can be as warm as 52 ℃ (125 ℉). There are three main pools and the water temperatures fluctuate between each one.
The thermal pools are said to contain minerals like sodium, bromate, and calcium sulfates. People soak in these curative waters for reasons like to help treat rheumatic disease or to assist with breathing problems. The healing mineral-rich waters are said to help heal skin ailments like muscle contractures and bruises.
The pools sit next to the Cidacos River, so there is a natural cold pool to dip in to cool off. With the rushing river nearby and the surrounding mountains, the Arnedillo hot springs are the perfect place to unwind, relax, and savor the beauty of the hamlet.
As the pools are popular they can be extremely busy, especially during the day. We found the best times to visit the pools were at night and in the early morning since most people are simply spending the day here. This is another reason to spend at least one night in the village.
Termas de Arnedillo | Find it Here: Río Cidacos, Spain | Free to Visit | Hours: Daily, 6:00 – midnight
Another way to experience the mineral waters is to visit the Piscinas Municipales de Arnedillo. These municipal pools come with a fee and also offer a restaurant. The pools are located in the old train station of Arnedillo.
Piscinas Municipales de Arnedillo | Find it Here: C. Joaquín Velasco | Admission Fee: €3 | Open: June 7 – Sept 8: 11:00 – 21:00 (changes each year) | Instagram
2 | Wander Through the Pedestrian Streets of Arnedillo
The pedestrian streets in the town are charming and are worth a stroll. The Old Town rolls down the hillside and meets the Cidacos River. Some of my favorite places were to wander was near the old stone bridge. Make sure to pass by the Iglesia de Arnedillo with its tall clocktower and small open plaza.
Follow the road to the Visitor Information Center with its recently restored Lavadero (old public washing space).
The riverside stroll along the Rio Cidacos is also stunning. The serene walk passes by an old olive oil mill.
Keep in mind that the small and compact old town is quite hilly. However, it’s worth a saunter.
3 | Enjoy the Views from Ermita de San Andrés y San Blas
To enjoy one of the best views in Arnedillo, cross over that stone bridge that spans across the Cidacos River. The small path follows past the remains of the town’s Castle and the cemetery.
Follow the trail all the way to the Hermitage of San Andrés y San Blas. This small church boasts an observation deck and a picturesque view of the entire village. This is also a fabulous view of the Cidacos River and mountainsides.
4 | Hike the Ruta de las Ermitas
The Route of the Chapels, or la Ruta de las Ermitas, is a short loop trail that makes for an ideal hike. The scenic hike passes three small hermitage sites found throughout the beautiful countryside.
If limited on time, this is a fantastic hike option since the route includes the path next to the Mirador del Buitre (Vulture Viewpoint and Visitor Center) and a small section of the Cidacos Green Trail.
The trail is marked with signboards (Ermita) and the village provides this map.
I started at the hillside Ermita de San Andrés y San Blas and followed the trail to the Ermita de San Miguel. Next, the trail passes by an old ice storage mound. The final hermitage on the route is the Peñalba chapel.
I walked during the offseason and all the chapels were shut, but I loved that the trail offered mountain and river views.
The trail has some signboards, but I recommend downloading an offline map. Some areas are not well-marked and there are divergent paths along the way.
The route continues towards the Mirador del Buitre (Vulture Viewpoint) and connects to the Ciadacos Green Trail. The green trail takes hikers to the center of the village.
🥾 Ruta de las Ermitas | Distance: 3.62 miles (5.8 Km) | Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours | My Wikiloc Trail
5 | Bike the Cidacos Green Trail
The Green Trail of Cidacos is one of Spain’s many Vías Verdes or Green Ways. All of these paths are old railway paths that have been converted into walking and biking paths.
The Cidacos Green Trail stretches between Arnedillo and Calahorra villages and follows the Cidacos River. The distance is 21 miles (34 Km) and it highlights the limestone mountains and lush river valleys filled with almond and olive trees. The Cidacos Green Trail boasts old railway tunnels and spectacular viewpoints.
There is also a short 2.5 mile (4 Km) loop trail near Préjano that has a recreation area with a small waterfall and replica of old dinosaur prints. The area around Préjano was used for coal mining and there are remnants of the old mines along this trail section.
If walking the trail, most people opt to sleep in Arnedo to help break up the trip. Alternatively, bikers could complete the one-way route in a day.
6 | Visit the Ajedrezado Caves in Santa Eulalia Bajera
Down the road from Arnedillo, find the tiny hamlet of Santa Eulalia Bajera. This small village is home to the Las Cuevas del Ajedrezado (Chess Caves).
These ancient caves were believed to be used as an old hermitage space. Some experts also think that this space was used as a breeding area for pigeons. The idea that this was a hermitage site makes sense as some of the most ancient cave monasteries are found in La Rioja. The UNESCO-recognized Suso Monastery in San Millán de la Cogolla is one of the prime examples of this theory.
In order to visit the caves, check in with the Tourist Center in Arnedillo. Tour times are limited and require a reservation.
7 | Observe Vultures at Mirador del Buitre
On the outskirts of Arnedillo is the Mirador del Buitre and a Vulture Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is built into an old quarry dock and showcases information on the Griffon Vulture. The access center is a short 5-minute walk up the hillside from the road below.
Many vultures nest along the limestone cliffs and can be seen from this viewpoint. The observation deck in the back provides useful tools like binoculars and telescopes.
The Visitor Center has limited hours, so it’s best to reserve a spot in advance.
While this is an excellent place to learn about the vultures, oftentimes the birds can be seen with a blind eye soaring around the mountain peaks. We saw them soaring while soaking in the hot springs!
Mirador del Buitre | Find it Here: LR-115, 26589 Arnedillo, La Rioja, Spain | Admission Fee: €2 | Open: Saturdays, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 / 17:00 & 18:00 | Contact Them Here
8 | Spend the Day at the Spa
At the Hotel Balneario TermaEuropa Arnedillo, it’s possible to purchase different spa day packages. The healing pools are fed by the same natural springs as the rustic thermal pools. Even if not staying at the hotel, visitors can enjoy a few hours of relaxing in the spa circuit, which includes jacuzzis and massage jets.
In addition, day passers can relax in comfort at the outdoor pool.
The spa also offers services like massages, beauty treatments, and mud treatments.
Where to Stay in Arnedillo?
There are plenty of different accommodation options for those looking to stay in Arnedillo. As it is a small town, there are quite a few full-service apartments.
We stayed at El Mirador del Rio de Arnedillo which had everything we needed. Lovely views, a well-stocked kitchen, and a kind host who made sure we were enjoying our time!
➜ Hospedería Las Pedrolas is a highly rated Casa Rural in the heart of town
➜ Hotel Parras and Hotel Marrodan are found across the river from Balneario TermaEuropa Arnedillo
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Arnedillo La Rioja Spain
Some people would rather sleep in Logroño and visit Arnedillo on a day trip. For me, the quaintness of this village is best experienced in the early morning and evenings.
Is Arnedillo in La Rioja Worth Visiting?
Yes, Arnedillo is worth visiting. Although it can be a long drive through the mountains to reach the small hamlet, Arnedillo offers plenty of things to see and do.
Of course, the biggest draw to the village is the Arnedillo hot springs. However, there are plenty of outdoor adventures from hiking and biking trails, to a charming pedestrian-friendly old town.
We loved our time in Arnedillo and was a highlight of our La Rioja road trip.
Conclusion | The Best Things to Do in Arnedillo Spain
In short, this is a quick guide on how to best visit Arnedillo village in the La Rioja autonomous community. This guide includes tips for visiting Arnedillo, the top things to see and do, and where to stay.
My mom and I loved our short time in Arnedillo and would definitely return again. For us, it was a hidden gem on our Rioja road trip!
Have you heard of Arnedillo and its natural thermal pools? Is there anything that you did in the area that I’m missing and that you recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
