10 Incredible Things to Do in La Rioja Spain & Visiting Guide

The La Rioja region is most famous for its incredible wine region, which draws travelers to this autonomous community in northern Spain. Yes, this wine region is one of the most prestigious in Spain, but there are plenty of things to do in La Rioja besides sampling the fabulous wines.

While Haro is the place to go for winos, there are lots of places to see in La Rioja from the lively capital city of Logroño and charming medieval villages packed with history. The underrated region of La Rioja has everything from incredible hiking trails to hillside ruins, stunning nature preserves, important monasteries, and therapeutic hot springs.

This guide to the La Rioja region includes basic tips for planning a visit and a sample La Rioja itinerary for a week. I’ve also included my top La Rioja attractions and places to see.

Here is how to make the most of your time in La Rioja Spain and some of the best places to see.

Table of Contents

• Where is the La Rioja Region in Spain?
• Are the La Rioja Region and La Rioja Wine Region the Same Thing?
• How Much Time to Spend in the La Rioja Region?
• 10 Best Things to Do in La Rioja Spain
• Is La Rioja Spain Worth Visiting?
• Conclusion | The Ultimate Guide to Visiting La Rioja Spain

Where is the La Rioja Region in Spain?

La Rioja region is located in northern Spain. To the north of La Rioja find the incredible Basque region of Spain. In fact, Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque region is an ideal gateway to the La Rioja region.

To the north and northeast of La Rioja is Navarra (Navarre), which was a medieval kingdom of the Basque region and now its own autonomous community. The rest of La Rioja is surrounded by Castile and León the largest autonomous community of Spain to its west and southern border.

La Rioja region is landlocked, with the Sierra de Cantabria mountains found in the north of the region and the Sierra de la Demanda mountains to the south. The mighty Ebro River flows through the La Rioja region providing rich river valleys perfect for growing different wine varietals.

Are the La Rioja Region and La Rioja Wine Region the Same Thing?

No, the La Rioja autonomous community and the La Rioja Wine region are not the same. While La Rioja is an autonomous community in Spain, there are three sub-zones of the La Rioja Wine region.

The La Rioja Wine region boasts over 600 wineries with vineyards scattered throughout the three sub-climates of the Rioja Wine Region. These sub-regions are Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja). The sub-zones are scattered through three of Spain’s autonomous communities: La Rioja, Navarre, and Basque Country.

The La Rioja wine region is not just found in the La Rioja autonomous community. The Rioja Alta sub-climate is found completely in the La Rioja region. Rioja Alavesa is found in the southern area of the Basque region. Rioja Oriental is the easternmost sub-climate of the La Rioja wine region and is part of the La Rioja region and the Navarre region.

How Much Time to Spend in the La Rioja Region?

There are a lot of things to see and do in La Rioja Spain. Those who are short on time may only have time for a day trip from San Sebastian or Bilbao in the Basque region. Both San Sebastian and Bilbao offer private tours to the inland wineries of La Rioja.

➜ Join a Private Tour from Bilbao to Visit La Rioja Wine Region

➜ This Full-Day Private Cultural and Gastronomic Adventure in Rioja departs San Sebastian and includes two wineries near Haro and a stop in the medieval village of Laguardia

The best way to experience La Rioja is to rent a car. Those road-tripping through La Rioja will want to budget for at least 3 days to see the main attractions and highlights. If looking to experience the most of this underrated region in Spain, plan on at least one week in La Rioja.

Another way to experience the La Rioja region is to walk the Camino de Santiago. The French Way officially starts from the quaint village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France. The way crosses over the Pyrenees Mountains, across the Navarre region, and through the heart of the La Rioja region.

Sample La Rioja Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

• Day 1 & 2 | Explore Logroño and nearby attractions
• Day 3 | Head to Haro and sip on wine at the many Bodegas near the Train Station
• Day 4 | Explore the small villages of Rioja Alavesa of the Basque Region
• Day 5 | Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yuso & Suso Monastery and the small villages on the Camino Frances
• Day 6 & 7 | Head to the Rioja Oriental and explore hidden gem villages like Arnedo & Calahorra

I’ve explored La Rioja on foot on the Camino de Santiago and by car and think the area warrants at least one week.

With more time, you could easily include places to the north of La Rioja like San Sebastian and Bilbao. Alternatively, head east and spend time in one of Hemmington’s favorite Spanish cities, Pamplona. Those who are looking to get more off the beaten path could continue south to underrated cities like Soria and the medieval village of Sigüenza.

10 Best Things to Do in La Rioja

After visiting the La Rioja region a few different occasions, these are my favorite places to see in La Rioja Spain.

1 | Wine Tasting at a Bodega (Winery)

The La Rioja wine region has over 600 bodegas scattered across the three sub-zones. These bodegas range from large producers to small family-run wine cellars. Almost all of these bodegas offer wine tours and tastings of their wines.

By far one of the most popular things to do in La Rioja is to visit and tour a bodega.

Visiting the La Rioja wine region requires some planning as almost all wine tours must be booked in advance. This is especially true during the off-season (winter months). Many of the large bodegas offer tours in English, but some of the smaller bodegas only have tours in Spanish. Almost all of the guided tours include a sampling of the wine at the end of each tour.

Another fantastic option at the bodega is to walk in and purchase a flight of wine or glass. A majority of the bodegas have a tasting room and/or wine bar where you can sample their wines without taking a guided tour. This is a great option for those who have limited time and want to see a handful of bodegas.

As a majority of the tours and guided visits are similar, I think it’s best to do one wine tour and then pick and choose different wineries to do tastings.

➜ Coming soon: My top places to drink wine in La Rioja

Popular Places to Drink Wine in La Rioja Wine Region

These are popular villages to sip wine in La Rioja.

➤ Haro (Rioja Alta) – Considered to be the “Capital of La Rioja Wine Region,” near the Train Station (El Barrio de la Estación) there are seven large bodegas that all offer guided tours and tastings

➤ Laguardia (Rioja Alavesa) – A small hilltop village that has numerous family run bodegas that have cellars underground. There are also famous bodegas on the outskirts of town like Bodegas Ysios.

➤ Eltziego (Rioja Alavesa) – A beautiful village with a handful of bodegas, including the famous Bodegas Marqués de Riscal with the Hotel Marques de Riscal designed by Frank Gehry. There are plenty of things to do in Eltziego from sipping wine to a wine museum.

➤ Logroño (Rioja Alta) – The lively capital of La Rioja’s autonomous community is surrounded by bodegas and has a plethora of wine shops, tapas bars, restaurants, and wine bars pouring off the best wines of La Rioja.

2 | Spend the Night in Haro

Haro is a small hilltop village that is considered to be the “Capital of the La Rioja Wine Region.” Those who want to sip and sample wine from Spain’s most iconic wine region will enjoy at least one night in Haro.

One of the best things to do in Haro is to head to El Barrio de la Estación, which is home to seven bodegas. The following bodegas all offer guided tours and wine tastings and are all within steps of each other.

1. R. López de Heredia – Viña Tondonia
2. C.V.N.E.
3. Bodegas Gómez Cruzado
4. Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A.
5. Bodegas Bilbaínas
6. Bodegas Muga
7. Bodegas Roda

While visiting the bodegas near the Train Station is fantastic, the town of Haro boasts charming streets and a delicious culinary scene. Besides its gastronomy riches, Haro is home to numerous hiking trails, stellar viewpoints, and historical buildings.

For me, Haro is a must-visit destination in La Rioja.

As there are numerous bodegas, it’s best to spend at least one night in Haro. The small village can also make for a great base to enjoy all the treasures that the La Rioja region offers.

➜ Browse the best places to stay in Haro La Rioja Spain

3 | Indulge in the Culinary Scene in Logroño

Logroño is a fabulous place to start any journey of the La Rioja region. As the capital of the autonomous region, it is well connected to Spain by public transportation. There are lots of things to see in Logroño, making it a spectacular place to base and explore the La Rioja region.

The Old Town in Logroño is charming and home to churches, markets, restaurants, pintxos bars, and more. The city has always been an important stop for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago French Way, so many of the historical sites are connected to Europe’s most grand pilgrimage.

One of the best things to do in Logroño is to indulge in the culinary treasures found on Calle Laurel. This street is home to around 60 pinchos bars that all offer local wines of the La Rioja wine region. With so many bars, the locals have nicknamed this street the “Trail of the Elephant,” since many people can be seen staggering on all fours from eating and drinking too much. Remember, indulge in moderation!

The Ebro River flows through Logroño providing fertile grounds for nearby vineyards. There are numerous bodegas found within the city limits. Additionally, there are a handful of bodegas found on the outskirts of town.

Logroño is a must-visit stop in La Rioja for those seeking the delicious culinary specialties of La Rioja.

➜ Discover the best places to stay in Logroño Spain

4 | Explore Small Towns on the Camino de Santiago French Way

The Camino Frances cuts through the heart of the La Rioja region. Pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela will find themselves passing through historical and beautiful small towns in La Rioja along the way.

Even if you’re not walking the Camino de Santiago, these are some memorable small villages in La Rioja on the “Camino route” worth a stop.

➤ Navarrete – a tiny village found on the Camino Frances with its 16th-century Church of La Asunción, hilltop viewpoint, and medieval streets.

➤ Najera – a picturesque village found on the shores of the Najerillo River. There are plenty of things to see in Najera from visiting the Monastery of Santa María la Real, climbing up to the abandoned Alcazar ruins, or enjoying the green space along the river. Najera is a great place to walk the Camino Real to the Yuso and Suso Monasteries.

➤ Santo Domingo de la Calzada – a city steeped in Camino history that dates back to the 11th century. Santo Domingo de la Calzada has a towering cathedral, an old pilgrim hospital (now a Parador Hotel), and the legend of the rooster. (This legend can also be found on the Camino Portuguese and connected to the city of Barcelo).

These are only a few of the incredible towns on the Camino Frances. If feeling inspired to walk the Camino de Santiago, make sure to pack light and carry only what you need. These are some of my best tips for first-time pilgrims.

5 | Stop at the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture

On the outskirts of Briones village, find the Vivanco Cultura de Vino. This is a must for those seeking to get a well-rounded history of the wine culture of La Rioja and beyond.

Unfortunately, we visited during the winter months when the museum was closed, but it’s on my list for my next visit to the region.

There are lots of activities and services that can be experienced at the Museum of Wine Culture. The most popular is an unguided tour of the museum. Within the large facility is over 8,000 years of the history of wine. In the Vivanco Museum find everything from the growing process to bottling and transportation and the characteristics of the diverse grapes. There is also a section dedicated to wine and its influence in art.

There is an option to add a wine tasting at the end of the guided tour.

On top of the wealth of information at the Vivanco Culture de Vino, there is also a restaurant, gardens, and a tapas bars.

 Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture | Find it Here: Carretera Nacional, 232 Briones, La Rioja Spain | Admission Fee:  Museum (Unguided) €18 / Museum (Unguided) with Wine Tasting €26 | Reserve a Spot & Check Opening Hours Here

6 | Tour the Suso & Yuso Monasteries

In the picturesque village of San Millán de la Cogolla find the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Yuso and Suso Monasteries. The Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla is one of the most beautiful places to see in La Rioja.

The larger monastery is the Yuso Monastery, an impressive site with a breathtaking church, choir room, and important religious items. Perhaps the most significant treasure at the Yuso Monastery is the replicas of the Glosas Emilianenses, the first known writings in Castilian Spanish. It was said these writings were created in the hillside Suso Monastery by the monks.

The Suso Monastery is a special hillside chapel that was said to be built during the mid-6th century. Some say that the monks lived in the cave systems here long before the chapel was built. Take time to savor the views of the Cardenas River and the stunning valley.

The only way to visit the Yuso and Suso Monasteries is on a guided tour. Be mindful that for now, there are no English tours, but English plaques and information packets are available. Each monastery requires a separate entrance ticket.

➜ Official Website Hours, Fees, and Information

There is also an option to sleep at the Hostería del Monasterio de San Millan which is part of the Yuso Monastery.

7 | Hike to Ancient Monastery Ruins on the Hillside

One of the more unique things to do in La Rioja is hike to the ruins of the San Prudencio Monastery. This short hike is beautiful and provides incredible views of the landscape of the La Rioja region and the Leza River Valley.

There are a few different places to access the San Prudencio Monastery ruins, but I choose to start from the medieval hilltop village of Clavijo and follow it as an out-and-back trail. As Clavijo is a little harder to reach this hike remains a hidden gem.

 🥾 Clavijo to San Prudencio Monastery Ruins | Out & Back Distance: 1.85 Miles(3 Km) | Duration: +/- 1 hour depending on how much you want to explore

This hike won’t be for everyone as the trail can be steep. Stay on the path and hike at your OWN RISK near the Monastery Ruins. Much of the ground inside the ruins is quite weak and could easily cave in on itself.

To me, the ruins of the San Prudencio Monastery were hauntingly beautiful. Much of what remains is being reclaimed by the Earth.

8 | Visit at Least One of the Official Beautiful Pueblos in La Rioja

Spain has issued an official list of “Los Pueblos Mas Bonitos de España,” the most beautiful village in Spain. This list contains 116 towns that span across all of the diverse regions of Spain.

In La Rioja, four villages are included in this list.

• Briones
• Sajazarra
• Viniegra de Abajo
• Viniegra de Arriba

There is a charm and reason for each village to be included on the list ranging from medieval architecture to cultural significance. All villages must have a population under 15,000 inhabitants, natural heritage, limited car traffic, and ample green spaces.

While these are the officially listed Beautiful Pueblos, these are some of my favorite villages in La Rioja Wine Region.

9 | Soak in the Arnedillo Hot Springs

Those seeking a therapeutic trip in La Rioja can soak in the Termas de Arnedillo. These rustic hot springs are found in the picturesque hamlet of Arnedillo and are completely free to enjoy. The natural pools can be as warm as 52 ℃ (125 ℉) and contain minerals like sodium, bromate, and calcium sulfates. People soak in these curative waters for numerous reasons from assisting with rheumatic disease to helping heal skin ailments.

The pools are found in the cute hamlet of Arnedillo and sit alongside the Cidacos River.

 Termas de Arnedillo | Find it Here: Río Cidacos, Spain | Free to Visit | Hours: Daily, 6:00 – midnight

In addition to the Arndedillo natural springs, there is a spa at the nearby Hotel Balneario TermaEuropa Arnedillo.

While the hot springs of Arnedillo are the main draw, there are plenty of things to do in Arnedillo. The tiny town is a delight to wander, there are numerous viewpoints and outdoor adventures from hiking and biking trails. This is also a fantastic place to observe Griffon Vultures.

➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Arnedillo La Rioja Spain

10 | Head to the Rioja Alavesa

While this article is about the best places to see in La Rioja, it’s hard not to mention Rioja Alavesa of the Spanish Basque Country. As the Ebro River is a natural border between La Rioja and the Basque Country, it would be a shame not to spend time in the Rioja Alavesa.

In the Rioja Alavesa, a must-visit village is Laguardia with its picturesque streets lined with family bodegas. This hilltop village is well preserved and a highlight of the Alavesa wine region. Don’t miss the clock show with its dancers donning traditional clothing.

Eltziego is another fabulous place to visit in the Rioja Alavesa. The Winery and Hotel Marques de Riscal on the outskirts of Eltziego was a highlight of our trip. We stayed at the family-run Agroturismo Valdelana which included a different kind of wine tour and tasting.

Is La Rioja Spain Worth Visiting?

With so many amazing and diverse places, it’s easy to see why La Rioja is worth visiting! While most people visit La Rioja to sample wine from Spain’s most famous wine region, there is so much more to see and do.

La Rioja is filled with breathtaking nature, enchanting towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical villages tied to the Camino de Santiago, hot springs, and hidden gems.

The region also offers an incredible cuisine and gastronomy that pairs perfectly with a local glass of La Rioja wine.

La Rioja Spain is definitely worth visiting!

Conclusion | Best Places to See & Guide to La Rioja Spain

In short, there are some of the best things to do in La Rioja Spain. The region is most famous for its wine production, but as you can see, the region offers so much more. Find everything from historical villages to stunning monasteries, incredible hiking trails, and rustic hot springs.

This guide includes tips for visiting La Rioja, a sample itinerary, how to best enjoy the many wineries of La Rioja, some of my favorite villages, and things to do in La Rioja besides drink wine.

The La Rioja region and its nearby Basque neighbor have numerous attractions and highlights, so it’s ideal to spend at least a few days here. Many people like to base from Logroño, while others may feel more comfortable taking a road trip through the region. However, if short on time, there are plenty of wine tours available from San Sebastian and Bilbao.

I loved my time in La Rioja (both on foot and by car). The La Rioja region is worth visiting!

Have you spent time in La Rioja? Is there something you loved in this region that I’m missing from this guide? Are there any updates I should know about? 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.