La Rioja

Explore La Rioja

La Rioja Must-Sees: Monasteries, Wine & Castles

La Rioja is home to the UNESCO-listed San Millán de Yuso and Suso monasteries, where the first written words of the Spanish language were recorded. The region’s viticulture is showcased through the avant-garde architecture of the Marqués de Riscal hotel and the extensive Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture. Historical landmarks include the 14th-century Castillo de Aguas Mansas and the ruins of Castillo de Davalillo, while Logroño features the Gothic-Baroque Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda and the traditional Mercado de San Blas.

14 places

Historic Religious Sites

La Rioja’s religious landscape is defined by the UNESCO-listed Monasteries of San Millán de Yuso and Suso, where the first written words of the Spanish language were recorded. This collection spans from the Romanesque Hermitage of Santa María de La Piscina to the massive Baroque-fronted Co-Cathedral of Logroño. Notable sites include the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, famous for its Gothic architecture and the living poultry kept within its walls, and the Collegiate Church of San Miguel Arcángel in Alfaro, which hosts one of Europe's largest stork colonies.

19 places

Historic Sites and Ruins

This collection highlights the diverse historical landscape of La Rioja, spanning from the prehistoric dinosaur tracks of Enciso to the Celtiberian ruins of Contrebia Leucade. It features the UNESCO-listed monasteries of San Millán de Yuso and Suso, foundational sites for the Spanish language. The list also includes medieval defensive structures like the well-preserved Castle of Aguas Mansas, the cliffside ruins of Clavijo, and the Romanesque-Mozarabic influences found in local ecclesiastical architecture and ancient town gates.

12 places

Spanish Natural Wonders

This collection highlights the geological and botanical diversity of La Rioja, from the deep limestone walls of the Leza River Canyon to the high-altitude vistas of Sierra de Moncalvillo. It features urban green spaces like Logroño’s riverfront park, the unique vertical rock pillars in Ocón, and the ancient holm oaks of La Dehesilla. Visitors can explore natural landmarks such as the Sima del Chorron waterfall and the historical stone communal laundry site at Fuente de Cillas.

20 places

Top Wineries & Wine Shops

This selection features the most significant wine producers in La Rioja, spanning from the historic 19th-century cellars of Haro's Station District to avant-garde architectural landmarks in Elciego. The list highlights diverse production styles, including traditionalists using century-old oak vats and in-house cooperages, boutique estates focusing on organic and recovered grape varieties like Maturana Blanca, and modern facilities utilizing gravity-flow systems. Visitors can explore ancient underground 'calados,' Eiffel-designed cellars, and some of the region's oldest industrial estates.

19 places

Map of La Rioja

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit La Rioja: April, May, June, September, October

Practical information

Tours & Activities