La Rioja Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable journey through La Rioja region, Spain! La Rioja Road Trip starts in Logroño and takes you through the beautiful towns of Nájera, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Briones, and Laguardia, covering a distance of ca. 142km. This road trip is suitable for drivers of all levels and can be completed in 3 days.
Experience the best of La Rioja by visiting the famous monuments of Nájera, the cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, the medieval walls of Briones, and the historical architecture of Laguardia. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the delicious local cuisine. The roads are in good condition and the best time to drive is during the spring and autumn months.
Take the La Rioja Road Trip and create unforgettable memories while managing a moderate budget. Enjoy the journey!
3
number of days
142 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Logroño
Distance 142 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: modest
37.0 kWh
Airports
VIT
,
PNA
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Logroño is a historic city located in the autonomous region of La Rioja in northern Spain. It is the perfect starting point for the “La Rioja Road Trip”, the ideal way to explore the region.
Logroño is known for its amazing gastronomy and traditional cuisine, with some of the best tapas bars in Spain. The center of the city is the Plaza del Mercado, with its lively atmosphere and bars. There are also a number of churches and other historic buildings to explore, such as the Church of Santa María de Palacio and the Basilica of Santa María de La Redonda.
For those travelling by air, the nearest international airport is Bilbao Airport, located just 90 minutes away (IATA code: BIO). Car rental is available at the airport, so visitors can start their journey right away.
For the perfect trip, explore some of the stunning surrounding countryside. Visit the historic towns of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Nájera, or the beautiful Monastery of Suso, located on the bank of the River Najerilla. For wine lovers, there are plenty of vineyards in the region, including the renowned Bodegas Ysios in Laguardia.
To truly experience the beauty of the region, a road trip around La Rioja is a must. Logroño is the ideal starting point, with its amazing food, historic buildings, and its excellent transport links.
1
Logroño
- Nájera
Distance 31 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
8.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Logroño-Nájera stage of your road trip! This 31 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, so you can fit in plenty of sightseeing.
First, start your journey in Logroño, a beautiful city in the La Rioja region. Here, you can visit the impressive 13th century Monastery of Santa María la Real and the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda. For a unique experience, don't miss the Logroño Wine Museum, where you can learn about the city's winemaking history.
From Logroño, you'll head to Nájera. Here, you can explore the stunning Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Nájera, a monastery that dates back to the 10th century. You can also visit the nearby archaeological sites of La Hoya and Cueva de la Olla.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Nájera - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Nájera
- San Millan de la Cogolla
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
4.4 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip to explore the beauty of Spain? Your journey begins in Nájera, a small town in the La Rioja region, famous for its medieval Monastery of Santa María la Real. From here, you will drive 17 km to San Millán de la Cogolla, a small village known for its two monasteries of San Millán de Yuso and San Millán de Suso. On the way, you can stop at the famous wine-producing town of Haro and take a stroll through its picturesque streets.
In San Millán de la Cogolla, you can visit the two monasteries, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Monastery of San Millán de Yuso is the birthplace of the Castilian language, and the Monastery of San Millán de Suso houses the oldest Spanish-language text. Apart from the monasteries, you can also explore the nearby riverside villages and enjoy the breathtaking views of the countryside.
The drive from Nájera to San Millán de la Cogolla takes less than an hour, making it one of the most convenient stages of your road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an exciting journey to explore the beauty of Spain!
San Millan de la Cogolla - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
San Millan de la Cogolla - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
San Millan de la Cogolla
- Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Distance 20 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
5.1 kWh
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Welcome to the most exciting road trip of your life! Our first stage starts in San Millan de la Cogolla, Spain, and ends in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. This stage is only 20 km long and takes less than an hour to complete, so you can enjoy the scenery and attractions along the way.
In San Millan de la Cogolla, you can visit the Monastery of San Millan de la Cogolla, a World Heritage Site, and the Monastery of Yuso, which houses the oldest Spanish language texts. In Santo Domingo de la Calzada, you can visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, the Church of Santiago and the Museum of the Camino de Santiago.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
- Haro
Distance 20 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
5.3 kWh
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip stage from Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Haro! This 20km route will take you less than an hour to drive and will show you some of the most beautiful sights in Spain.
In Santo Domingo de la Calzada, don't miss the chance to visit the Church of Santiago and the Monastery of Santa María de la Hoz. The Church of Santiago is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, while the Monastery of Santa María de la Hoz is an impressive building surrounded by gardens.
In Haro, be sure to visit the Church of San Felices de los Gallegos, built in the 12th century. The church is surrounded by a beautiful garden and has a stunning view of the city. You should also visit the Church of San Martín de Tours, a Romanesque-style church built in the 12th century.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Haro - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Haro
- Briones
Distance 11 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
2.8 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your journey starts in Haro, a beautiful city in La Rioja, Spain. From here, you'll be driving 11km to Briones, a charming town in the same region. The entire drive should take you less than an hour, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the sights along the way.
Your first stop should be the Church of Santa María de la Vega, a Gothic-style church in Haro. After that, you can visit the Bodegas Dinastía Vivanco, a winery and museum where you can learn about the history of wine-making in the region.
In Briones, you'll find the Church of Santa María la Mayor, a stunning 15th-century church. You can also explore the remains of the Castle of Briones, a 12th-century fortress.
This is just one stage of your larger tour, but don't worry - more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Briones - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Briones
- Elciego
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
5.6 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready to explore the beauty of the 19km journey from Briones to Elciego, Spain. This short drive of less than an hour will take you through the lush green vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the countryside.
Start your journey in Briones, where you can visit the 16th century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a beautiful church built in the Gothic style. Then, you can explore the ruins of the medieval castle of Briones, which is located on top of a hill.
Continue your journey to Elciego, the birthplace of the famous wine producer, Marqués de Riscal. Here, you can visit the Bodega de Elciego, where you can taste some of the finest wines in the region.
Afterwards, you can explore the iconic Hotel Marqués de Riscal, designed by the renowned architect, Frank Gehry. The hotel is a modern marvel, with its colorful titanium façade and curved structures.
Finally, you can explore the local wineries and enjoy the traditional Basque cuisine.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Happy road-tripping!
Elciego - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Elciego
- Laguardia
Distance 6 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: slow
1.3 kWh
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Take a road trip from Elciego to Laguardia, two charming villages in Spain’s La Rioja region. This 6 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete.
Start your journey in Elciego, home to the renowned Marqués de Riscal winery. Take a tour of the vineyard and learn more about the winemaking process. Don’t forget to taste some of the delicious wines produced here.
As you drive to Laguardia, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Once you reach Laguardia, make sure to visit the Church of Santa Maria de los Reyes. This 12th-century Romanesque-style church is a must-see.
After exploring the village, head to the Castle of Laguardia. This medieval fortress is a well-preserved example of Spanish military architecture. For a great view of the entire village, climb up to the top of the castle’s towers.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Laguardia - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Laguardia
- Logroño
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
4.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Laguardia-Logroño road trip stage! This 19 km journey is estimated to take less than an hour to complete.
Start your journey in Laguardia, a small village in the province of La Rioja, Spain. Here you can explore the remains of the fortified walls of the 11th century castle, visit the Church of Santa María de los Reyes and the Church of San Juan Bautista. Don't forget to take a walk through the Calle Mayor, the main street of the village.
Continue your journey to Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja region. Here you can visit the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda, the Town Hall and the San Bartolomé Church. If you're looking for a great view, head to the Balcon de la Rioja, a viewpoint overlooking the Ebro River.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Logroño - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Logroño
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Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja region in Spain and the end point of the scenic La Rioja Road Trip, is a vibrant city filled with culture and history, making it a great destination for travelers. With its many monuments, museums, and churches, there is plenty to explore in the city.
For those looking for a bit of culture, Logroño offers the Museum of La Rioja, the Church of San Bartolome, and the Palace of the Merino Mayor. As well, the Church of San Juan de la Cruz, the Convent of Santa Clara, and the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda are all worth seeing.
For those looking to get a glimpse of traditional Spanish culture, Logroño is home to many tapas bars and restaurants. Tapas is a popular Spanish cuisine, and Logroño has a wide selection of tapas bars and restaurants to choose from.
In addition to its many attractions, Logroño is home to the Logroño-Agoncillo International Airport (RJL). This airport is the closest international airport to Logroño and makes it easy for travelers to get to the city.
For those looking for a scenic drive, the La Rioja Road Trip is a great option. Starting in Santander, the trip takes travelers through the beautiful La Rioja region and ends in Logroño. With its many attractions and great food, Logroño is a great destination for those looking to explore Spain.
Logroño - Spain - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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La Rioja Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Logroño
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End:
Logroño
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Distance:
142 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
Vitoria/Foronda Airport (VIT),
Pamplona Airport (PNA)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The La Rioja Road Trip offers an enchanting exploration of northern Spain's most famous wine-producing region, with a route that meanders from the vibrant capital of Logroño through the verdant valleys and rolling vineyards of La Rioja. Along the way, travelers will encounter historic towns such as Nájera, with its royal monastery; Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a key point on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route; the wine-centric village of Briones; and the walled town of Laguardia, perched atop a hill with panoramic views. Covering approximately 142km, this journey is suitable for drivers of all skill levels and is thoughtfully designed to be savored over a 3-day period.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Logroño: Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere, sample tapas on the famous Calle Laurel, and visit the Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda.
- Nájera: Discover the majestic Santa María la Real Monastery and the rich tapestry of the town's past.
- Santo Domingo de la Calzada: Be enchanted by the town's magnificent cathedral, which houses a unique henhouse with live chickens in memory of a medieval miracle.
- Briones: Stroll through the historic streets, visit the acclaimed Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Ebro River valley.
- Laguardia: Experience the preserved medieval charm, explore underground wine cellars, and gaze upon the intricate portico of the Church of Santa María de los Reyes.
Best Time to Go:
The most favorable times for this Road Trip are during the spring, when the vineyards burst into a lush green, and autumn, when the harvest season brings a special energy to the region and the foliage turns into a tapestry of fiery hues.
Potential Risks:
Although the Roads are generally in excellent condition, caution should be exercised due to possible inclement weather and the winding nature of some rural routes. Additionally, the area is known for wine tourism, so be mindful of local festivals that may increase traffic.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Distance: Roughly 142km of scenic landscapes.
- Duration: A 3-day itinerary allows for ample time to delve into the region's culture, history, and gastronomy.
- Budget: With options ranging from luxury estates to cozy inns, travelers can tailor their Trip to suit a variety of budgets.
- Cuisine: La Rioja is a haven for foodies, offering dishes like patatas a la riojana (potato and chorizo stew), lamb chops grilled over grapevines, and a plethora of fine wines, including the famed Tempranillo.
A good choice for:
The La Rioja Road Trip is an exceptional opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of culture, architecture, and culinary prowess that characterizes this distinctive Spanish region. Whether you're a wine aficionado, a history buff, or simply in search of a picturesque escape, this journey will not only satisfy the senses but also leave you with an array of unforgettable experiences.
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