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HomeRoad TripsEuropeSouth EuropeSpainLa Rioja
La Rioja

La Rioja Road Trip

Logroño - Nájera - San Millan de la Cogolla - Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Haro - Briones - Elciego - Laguardia

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Culture Culture
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
La Rioja Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km142 h/stage0.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a La Rioja Road Trip in Spain?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 173EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 323EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 496EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 275EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 516EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 732EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 513EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 495EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 821EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,334EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 347EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,022EUR
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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!
number of days 3 number of days
route length 142 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level 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 View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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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!

2 Nájera - San Millan de la Cogolla

Distance 17 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 4.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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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!

3 San Millan de la Cogolla - Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Distance 20 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 5.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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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!

4 Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Haro

Distance 20 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 5.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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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!

5 Haro - Briones

Distance 11 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 2.8 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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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!

6 Briones - Elciego

Distance 19 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 5.6 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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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!

7 Elciego - Laguardia

Distance 6 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: slow 1.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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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!

8 Laguardia - Logroño

Distance 19 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: slow 4.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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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

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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.

La Rioja Road Trip at a glance

Hopefully, the presented road trip idea gave you plenty of inspirations for your future travels.
Our tour can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting tourist attractions.
If you are planning on travelling by car in Spain, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a list of elements to keep in mind to turn your journey into pure pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all travellers who are considering vehicle rental or camper rental in Spain.
There are a number of road regulations to be followed while on a trip around Spain. When moving around Spain in a car, it is best to avoid spirits at all costs. Holidaymakers should remember that the permitted consumption limit is low and equals only 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed when driving around the urban areas. When it comes to undeveloped areas, you should bear in mind that the maximum permissible speed is 100km/h. On highways, avoid driving faster than the maximum speed of 120km/h. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit increases the safety of you and your passengers.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. The final cost of the whole tour may vary depending on the budget option that you are interested in. Take a look at the available budget options.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest option to cover the planned 9 stages across Spain, it can cost roughly 25 EUR. Within the economy offer, accommodation options will cost approximately 154 EUR. Tourists should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend approximately 144 EUR for restaurants and food in this option. Travellers will have to pay around 173 EUR if they aim for the budget hire car offer as well. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to more or less 323 EUR without vehicle hire and 496 EUR with car rental.
Travellers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay around 25 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the road trip. Those who are searching for standard hotels should be ready to pay more or less 275 EUR. Tourists can expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost roughly 216 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle should expect a cost of more or less 216 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 732 EUR for the whole road trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend more or less 516 EUR.
Holidayers who are into the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 1,334 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 516 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium rental vehicle should expect a cost of around 513 EUR. If you are interested in the highest comfort of the trip, the fuel cost will be up to about 38 EUR. You should expect to pay approximately 495 EUR for accommodation options and 288 EUR for restaurants and food if you are interested in the top standard of services during your trip.
Our adventure will also be ideal for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their needs. If you choose this travel means, the expenses may amount to roughly 675 EUR. Travellers will spend around 38 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Tourists who opt for camper rental should expect to pay roughly 165 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 144 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned details in a straightforward manner.
The period between April and October is superb to visit the part of Spain mentioned in our itinerary idea. There are numerous interesting road adventures that are available on our website if La Rioja Road Trip has sparked your creativity. Hopefully, the great versatility of options will definitely meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in Spain

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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