7 Fantastic Things to Do in Haro The Capital of La Rioja Wine Region Spain
Haro La Rioja allows visitors to visit some of Spain’s top wine producers and savor the beauty of a small hilltop village. The village of Haro is officially named the capital of the La Rioja wine region of Spain.
While most travelers visit Haro to sip on wine from Spain’s most famous wine region, the inviting village has its own charm and offers plenty of things to see and do besides wine tours.
This quick guide to Haro La Rioja includes numerous ways to reach the capital of the La Rioja region, the best things to do, tips on visiting the many bodegas, and where to sleep in Haro.
Hopefully, after this guide, you will feel inspired to spend some quality time in cute little Haro.
Here’s how to make the most of a visit to Haro La Rioja.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Haro La Rioja Spain?
- Haro La Rioja Wine Tours
- How Much Time to Spend in Haro?
- 7 Best Things to Do in Haro La Rioja
- Where to Stay in La Rioja Spain
- Is Haro Worth Visiting?
- Conclusion | Haro the Capital of Rioja Wine
How to Get to Haro La Rioja Spain?
Haro is found in the La Rioja province and autonomous region of northern Spain. For those interested in tasting wine from Spain’s most prestigious wine region, Haro is the place to go.
La Rioja region is one of the most famous wine regions in Spain and is home to over 600 bodegas which range from large producers to small local family-run cellars. The region of La Rioja is known for its delicious Tempranillo wine varietals and is divided into three sub-zones. Haro is included in the Rioja Alta sub-zone and sits right on the border of Rioja Alavesa, which is in Spain’s Basque Country.
The Ebro River acts as a natural border for the autonomous regions of Basque and La Rioja.
Some of Spain’s most noteworthy wine producers allow visitors to sample wines in their bodegas and tour the facilities near Haro’s train station (Barrio de la Estación). The Tirón River cuts between the Station District and the hilltop village.
Haro is well connected to the Spanish Basque Country and Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja autonomous region. Madrid also offers buses and trains to the small village.
By Car
The easiest way to reach Haro is by car. We included it as a stopping point on our La Rioja road trip. We picked up our car in the underrated Basque capital city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. The drive is under an hour.
Additionally, those starting in Logroño will arrive in Haro in around 45 minutes.
As Haro is found on a hilltop, we parked below the city near the Barrio de la Estación. There is a large free parking lot here. We verified with the nearby bodega if we could leave our car overnight. They said yes, but this was also during the off-season. Make sure to get confirmation before leaving a car overnight.
⁉️ Remember that Spain has a strict drinking and driving policy. The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Driving limit for Spain is .5. Do not drive if you plan on visiting numerous bodegas in Haro. Be safe and spend the night in Haro or use a taxi or tour service
By Bus
Numerous bus companies offer direct buses to Haro. Bilbao in the Basque region offers a direct bus to Haro. There are even buses from Madrid. I like using Rome2Rio to check in with the bus companies. From there, visit each bus company’s website to verify the current timetable schedules.
Some smaller bus companies will not be listed, so stop by the local bus station to check current bus company’s schedules.
Haro Train Station
Many of the Bodegas of La Rioja region became what they are due to the Haro Train Station. The station was built during the mid-1800s to help move the wine barrels from Haro. The Barrio de la Estación was unintentionally formed due to producers transporting the wine from La Rioja to cities and ports throughout Spain.
The Haro Train Station is connected by rail to cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Bilbao via trains run by RENFE.
The Haro Municipality offers this useful guide for those planning a trip to Haro via public transportation. Always check with the official transportation carriers to verify the most up-to-date schedules.
On Foot
The small hamlet of Haro is found on the little trekked Camino de Santiago Camino Vasco route. This Camino de Santiago route starts from the Basque border town of Irún (near San Sebastian) and finishes at either Santo Domingo de la Calzada or Burgos.
Once in Burgos or Santo Domingo de la Calzada the route merges with the most famous Camino route, the Camino Frances.
If you want to walk through Haro, choose the split in La Puebla de Arganzón village towards Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
The Camino de Santiago is a life-changing journey, no matter what Camino de Santiago route you choose. All routes lead pilgrims to the incredible city of Santiago de Compostela. One of the best tips for first-time walkers is to listen to your body, pack only what you need, and walk with an open mind.
Buen Camino!
Haro La Rioja Wine Tours
Another way to visit Haro is part of a guided wine tour of the La Rioja Wine region. This is a great option for those who don’t want to drive and simply want to make the most of their limited time.
Many of the La Rioja Wine Tours depart from the Basque cities of Bilbao or San Sebastian.
➜ 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.
➜ This Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa Wine Tour offers a full-day excursion to experience two of the three sub-regions of the Rioja Wine Region with fabulous guides.
➜ Private Rioja Wine-Tasting Tour with Local Lunch is a highly rated tour that offers a handful of pick-up locations in numerous cities.
How Much Time to Spend in Haro?
If visiting Haro to sample the wines from the handful of Bodegas near the Haro Train Station, it’s best to spend at least one night in Haro.
As Haro is a popular day trip from San Sebastian, it can be quite busy during the day.
At night, the village of Haro returns to a sleepy hilltop town in the La Rioja region. One of my favorite things to do in Haro was simply stroll the quiet streets at night.
Those looking to hike around the village may prefer to sleep two nights in Haro.
Haro is an unmissable place to see in La Rioja Spain.
7 Best Things to Do in Haro Spain
While Haro village is quite small, there are still plenty of things to see and do. The main focus of Haro La Rioja is the wine, but the small pueblo is connected to hiking trails and is a nice walkable city.
1 | Wander the Historic Center of Haro
In Haro, make sure to take the time to stroll the streets of the village. The main plaza, Plaza de la Paz is a fantastic place to start.
The large open plaza is home to a gazebo and the extremely helpful Tourist Information Center. Notice the Town Hall which is decorated with wine barrels highlighting the major Bodegas of the Rioja Alta region.
Look for the murals that highlight just how great the wine is. 😉
There are also lots of bronze statues found throughout the town representing the different steps of the wine-making process. Some statues also tell stories of local people.
Plaza San Martín is another small and picturesque place to admire, especially during the night. The area near Iglesia de Santo Tomás is also worth a stroll.
The Historic Center of Haro La Rioja is small, so it’s easy to enjoy on foot.
2 | Sample La Rioja Wine at the Bodegas Near the Train Station
Most visitors come to Haro La Rioja to stop at El Barrio de la Estación, the small district near the Haro Train Station. In this area, find some of Spain’s top wine producers of La Rioja Alta.
Near the Haro Train Station, seven bodegas can be visited. This is the official website of the Barrio de la Estación.
- R. López de Heredia – Viña Tondonia
- C.V.N.E.
- Bodegas Gómez Cruzado
- Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A.
- Bodegas Bilbaínas
- Bodegas Muga
- Bodegas Roda
Not far from the Bodegas of the Haro Train Station, Bodegas TIHOM is another small bodega that offers tastings.
Tips for Visiting El Barrio de la Estación
With so many options, I’ve included the best ways to enjoy the Haro La Rioja wineries near the train station.
We visited during the winter months, meaning the bodegas had limited opening hours, but there were barely any visitors. In most of the Bodegas, we were the only two people!
Most of the Bodegas offer wine tours. All of the wine tours must be booked in advance. Each winery has an online booking system. Be mindful that each tour varies in time and cost, but on average, the wine tours are around 1.5 hours and cost around €20. Tours are typically 1 hour through the production facilities and then include a wine sampling of two to three wines, sometimes with small snacks.
Make sure to specify what language the tour will be in. Some tours are not available in English.
One of the most popular guided tours in Haro La Rioja is the C.V.N.E. Imperial Wine Tour which allows visitors to experience the wine cemetery filled with ancient bottles of wine. When visiting the La Rioja wine region, I think it’s essential to choose one bodega to take a guided tour.
While a guided tour is amazing, we opted to visit the wineries in Haro differently.
Each Bodega in El Barrio de la Estación has a wine bar at the main entrance. We purchased different flights at each winery and were able to visit almost every single bodega in a nice afternoon. At some bodegas, we purchased flights, while at others we simply enjoyed a glass of wine.
Some of the Bodegas near the Haro Train Station also serve delicious tapas like local meats and cheeses. Even though it was winter, we even got to sit outside on the outdoor terrace at a few locations! Flights and wine glasses vary in price at each winery, but this was an enjoyable way to experience all the Bodegas in Haro.
El Barrio de la Estación Bus
We parked at the Barrio de la Estación parking lot and left our car. After visiting the bodegas, we didn’t feel like hiking up the hill up to Haro (although its only a 10 minute walk or so).
The Haro municipality offers a great little white shuttle bus that transports visitors from the parking lot to the center of the village.
Jimenez Movilidad operates the local bus in Haro. Be mindful that the small bus runs infrequently and for now does not run on Sundays. Find a current timetable at the bus stop in the parking lot here.
We hopped on the last bus for the day that carried us up to the historical center for less than €1 per person.
3 | Enjoy the Views from Mirador Haro
One of my favorite views in Haro was from the Mirador Haro. There is a small signboard with the village name (although it’s backward looking out). From here, the views look out over to the Barrio de la Estación. It also provides stellar views of the La Rioja countryside and surrounding river valleys and mountainsides.
I loved walking here in the early morning as the sun poked its head above the hillside. The lighting highlighted the reddish landscape and soil.
4 | Hike the Part of the Camino Naturales Ebro GR 99
The Camino Naturales Ebro GR 99 is a long walk that follows Spain’s longest river, the Ebro. The trail starts from the source of the river, the small village of Fontibre, and moves through the Cantabrian Mountains. The scenic trails pass through river valleys, and gorges, and arrives at the Mediterranean Sea via the Ebro Delta near Riumar
🥾 Camino Naturales Ebro GR 99 | Distance: 795 miles (1,280 Km) | Stages: 42, with many alternative routes | More Information Here
Haro is found on stage 13 of the Camino Naturales Ebro route. There are two alternative routes to reach the next stage, San Vicente de la Sonsierra.
- Stage 13: Haro ➜ Puente de Briñas ➜ San Vicente de la Sonsierra 9.7 miles (15.6 Km)
- Stage 13.1: Haro ➜ Briones ➜ San Vicente de la Sonsierra 9.1 miles (14.7 Km)
If looking for a day hike, it would be possible to walk these two stages in a loop and return to Haro. The total distance would be 18.8 miles (30.3 Km).
Another great way to experience this loop would be on a bike. Plan accordingly with this PDF map.
5 | Indulge in the Tapas Bars & Local Cuisine
Haro is filled with many tapas bars and fantastic restaurants. One of the best speciality items to try in Haro is the white Navarre asparagus which is typically drizzled with a vinaigrette. Other specialties include acorn-fed ham that has been curated into sausage that is served alongside delicious local cheeses.
Head to Plaza de la Paz to snack on tapas and revel in the energy of the small town. We loved our asparagus from Los Caños Haro. Just down the street, Bar la Esquina has lots of personality and satisfying cheaper eats. The chalkboard menu is super fun!
Nublo Restaurant has one Michelin Star and is the place to go if seeking out a culinary journey of the region.
Haro also has plenty of wine bars and bodegas scattered throughout the town. Ramon Bilbao is located on the outskirts of town and boasts a beautiful wine bar.
There are many fabulous places to eat in Haro, simply follow your nose.
6 | Stroll the Streets at Night
Haro is a busy day trip destination, but at night the streets are quiet and tranquil. We loved taking to the streets at night walking between the plazas and the historic center. One noticeable thing about Haro was that the plazas and main streets were very light up.
7 | Day Trip to the Medieval Village of Laguardia
If spending more than a day in Haro, don’t miss a trip to Laguardia. The small village is less than a 30-minute drive from Haro.
Laguardia is found in the Rioja Alavesa, which means that it is part of the Basque Country. This medieval hilltop village is considered one of Spain’s most beautiful pueblos.
The small village is completely pedestrian-friendly. Make sure to park in one of the parking lots below the village and take the convenient elevator to the hilltop pueblo.
Many of the buildings boast Renaissance and Baroque-style architecture. Don’t miss the fun interactive clock tower.
One of the best things to do in Laguardia is visit one of the many underground wine cellars. These small wine producers are run by families who have been making wine for centuries. Many of these wine caves date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Currently, Laguardia has around 20 locally run wine cellars.
Laguardia is a very special village to see near Haro La Rioja!
Where to Stay in Haro Spain
Haro has plenty of accommodation options for all types of travelers no matter what your budget. Like a lot of small towns in Spain, Haro offers a lot of private apartment options.
We stayed at Tinto Dreams Hostel which was perfect for us. With two of us, we were able to rent out an entire room with a private bathroom. Tinto Dreams Hostel is close to a grocery store and has a well-stocked kitchen and offers a simple breakfast. The rooms were modern and clean.
➜ Albergue de Peregrinos de Haro is for pilgrims who are walking the Camino de Santiago. Albergues are simple accommodation options that are kind of like hostels. To access this albergue, you must carry a Credencial, or pilgrim passport. This Municipal Albergue has a shared sleeping facility with bunk beds, a kitchen, and a garden.
➜ Hotel Alda Malvasía is outside the historical center of Haro but is a great budget-friendly hotel option within walking distance of all the main sites.
➜ Hotel Arrope is a lovely hotel with friendly staff and just steps away from the center of Haro.
➜ Hotel Plaza De La Paz is located right in the heart of historic Haro and offers modern rooms for a fair price.
➜ Eurostars Los Agustinos is a beautiful hotel that was originally a 14th-century convent.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Haro La Rioja Spain
Is Haro Worth Visiting?
Yes, Haro in the La Rioja region is definitely worth visiting. Those who want to sip and sample wine from Spain’s most iconic wine region will love visiting Haro. The small hilltop village epitomizes everything that is grand about this region.
With charming streets, encompassed by beautiful nature, and a spectacular gastronomy, Haro is worth visiting.
Even those who don’t wish to focus on wine tastings will find Haro worth visiting. There are numerous hiking trails, viewpoints, historical buildings, and stunning villages nearby making Haro worth a stop on a visit through the La Rioja region.
Conclusion | Haro the Capital of Rioja Wine
In short, this is a quick guide on how to best visit Haro La Rioja. The village of Haro is known as being the capital of the La Rioja wine region in Spain. This guide covers different ways to visit Haro, the best things to do, and tips for visiting.
Haro was such a delightful surprise. I had no idea what to expect and was blown away by the hilltop village, the incredible bodegas, the delicious cuisine, and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Haro is worth visiting and spending some time in!
Have you visited Haro La Rioja? What did you think of the capital of the La Rioja wine region? Is there anything in this guide that needs updating? Let me know in the comments below!
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