6 Wonderful Towns To See In La Rioja
La Rioja is known throughout the world for its good wine, but few are those who know that this area is one of the most beautiful in Spain. It is surrounded by nature and charming villages. Precisely, today we are talking about the towns that must be seen in La Rioja. Are you coming with us to do this tour? There are many towns to visit, but we are going to try to tell you about the most beautiful ones.
1. Towns to see in La Rioja : Haro
This picturesque town of La Rioja is known for its good wine, because despite its size, it produces a large amount of good Rioja wine. In addition, its beauty and the nature that surrounds it make it one of those towns that must be seen in La Rioja. Its old town is an Asset of Cultural Interest and its festival of the Battle of Wine is a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
Its three palaces, its parish and its town hall are monuments that you cannot miss. And if you go in winter, although a bit cold, you can enjoy a very special event: the horseshoe, in which everyone in the place goes from bar to bar forming a horseshoe while having a wine and a tapa in each of them. . Or as far as the body allows.
2. Ezcaray
This town is considered the first tourist town in La Rioja. It is in a high area of a valley through which the river Oja passes and it is an ideal place to do trails or routes through the vineyards and the mountains.
Nearby there is a ski resort, Valdezcaray, so boredom in this area is not something that has a place. Its arcades, arcaded squares, palaces and monuments such as the Parish Church of Santa María la Mayor are must-see attractions.
3. Nájera
This is one of the must-see towns in La Rioja. It has a history that its ruins and monuments will tell you. The majestic monastery of Santa María la Real stands out for its Gothic, Plateresque and Renaissance cloister.
The ruins of the castle-fortress of La Mota or the convent of Santa Elena are other attractions that this small town offers you. Strolling through the monumental area on the banks of the Najerilla will be an unforgettable memory.
4. Arnedo
Although this town in itself is beautiful, due to its location and architecture, the castle that crowns it is its most prominent place. It was built by the Arabs in the 10th century and, although what remains of it are ruins, its shape can be appreciated on a hill that dominates the area.
In addition, the Cidacos Valley, declared a Natural Biosphere Reserve, contains archaeological and monumental remains that will tell you a lot about the history of this area.
5. Alfaro
Who has not heard of the storks of Alfaro? It is, without a doubt, an attraction to see in this town, where these animals have their nests in the most emblematic building: the Collegiate Church of San Miguel. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument and gives the town a majestic touch.
Don’t forget to stop by, as it is one of the best towns to see in La Rioja. From the hermitage of Pilar you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view.
6. Briones
This town has a great monumental and architectural heritage. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption or the Palace of the Marqués de San Nicolás are part of it. In addition, here is the oldest house in La Rioja, dating from the 16th century.
And to finish the route, go through the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, considered the best wine museum in the world.
What did you think of our tour of some of the must-see towns in La Rioja? Take note and make a route on your next visit to the area. You will not regret!