The Valleys of La Rioja Panoramic Road

Experience the beauty of La Rioja with the Valleys of La Rioja Panoramic Road. This 76 km road trip starts in Calahorra and ends in Castilruiz, taking you through the towns of Arnedo, Cervera del Rio Alhama and Aquilar del Rio Alhama. Along the way you will experience a variety of landscapes, from rolling hills to deep valleys, giving you a unique and memorable experience. The best time of year to drive this route is in the spring or autumn, when you can enjoy the best of the region's weather and scenery. The roads are mostly in good condition, although some sections are narrow and curvy. The Valleys of La Rioja Panoramic Road is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. Enjoy an unforgettable experience and create lasting memories on this beautiful road trip.

Calahorra is a small town in the northeast of La Rioja, Spain. It is an ideal starting point for the road trip “The Valleys of La Rioja Panoramic Road”, a 180 km journey through the rolling hills of the region. Calahorra is a beautiful city with picturesque streets and numerous attractions to explore. The city’s main attraction is its castle, a fortified structure built in the 11th century by the Moors. It is a great place to explore the history of the city and get a glimpse of the past. Another must-see is the church of San Pedro, built in the 13th century and home to a magnificent Baroque altar. The Calahorra Museum is also worth a visit, with its collection of archaeological artifacts, paintings and sculptures. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Logroño-Agoncillo Airport (RJL), located about 40 km from Calahorra. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip from Calahorra. So, if you’re looking for a great start to your road trip, Calahorra is the perfect place to begin. With its beautiful castle, churches and museums, it is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip stage? Start your journey in Calahorra, Spain, and drive 17 km to Arnedo in less than an hour. Along the way, you will be able to discover the best attractions of both cities. In Calahorra, visit the old town and its castle, which is one of the most important monuments of the city. Stroll through the Plaza Mayor and the medieval streets, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Ebro Valley. Arnedo is a charming town, with a great historical and cultural heritage. Don't miss the Church of Santa María la Mayor, the Church of San Juan Bautista, and the remains of the old Roman city, which are located in the center of the town. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start your journey!

Welcome to the Arnedo-Cervera del Rio Alhama road trip stage! This 37km drive will take you less than an hour to complete, so you have plenty of time to admire the beautiful scenery along the way. You'll be winding through some sections of the road, so be sure to pay extra attention. In other sections, you'll find the road to be a bit narrower, so be sure to go slow. This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, so be sure to take in all the sights and sounds of this beautiful part of Spain. As you drive, make sure to take note of any attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. You can find more information on these in the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on a beautiful road trip from Cervera del Rio Alhama to Aquilar del Rio Alhama, a distance of 7km that can be covered in less than an hour. The road is very winding in some sections and narrow in others, so pay attention to the scenic views you'll find along the way. You'll find some amazing places to explore, such as the Castle of Cervera del Rio Alhama, a 12th century castle built on the ruins of an older fortress. The nearby Palacio de los Condes de Cervera, a 17th century palace, is also worth a visit. In Aquilar del Rio Alhama, you can explore the Church of San Miguel Arcangel, a 16th century church with a beautiful baroque façade. Along the way, you'll also find a variety of restaurants, campsites, and accommodation options. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Are you ready for an amazing road trip experience? Start your journey in Aquilar del Rio Alhama, Spain and drive 15 km to reach Castilruiz in less than 1 hour. Along the way, you can visit the impressive Cuevas de Valporquero and enjoy its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the amazing views of the valley. You can also visit the archaeological site of El Tesoro, where you can explore the ruins of a Roman villa and learn about the history of the region. Be mindful that there might not be any gas stations in this stage, so make sure you have enough fuel for the journey. Also, some sections of the road can be narrow, so drive carefully. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Castilruiz is a small town in the north of Spain, located in the La Rioja region. It is the perfect ending point for a road trip of the Valleys of La Rioja Panoramic Road. This route will take you through breathtaking landscapes, such as the amazing views of the lake of Sanabria, the highest lake in the Iberian Peninsula. During your journey, you will be able to admire the beautiful villages of the region, such as San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Nájera and Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Once you arrive in Castilruiz, you will be able to enjoy the typical Riojan cuisine in the local restaurants, as well as a variety of cultural activities that the town offers. Among them, the most popular is the visit to the Monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, a World Heritage Site. In addition, you can take a walk along the banks of the Cidacos river or visit the medieval castle that gives the town its name. If you are traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Logroño-Agoncillo Airport (RJL), located about 40 kilometers from Castilruiz. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach your destination. If you are looking for a unique experience in the north of Spain, the Valleys of La Rioja Panoramic Road is the perfect route for you, and Castilruiz is the perfect destination to end your journey.

Before you set off

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Valleys of La Rioja Panoramic Road, an enchanting 76 km route that stretches from the historic city of Calahorra to the quaint village of Castilruiz. Travelers will be mesmerized by the rolling vineyards, rugged cliffs, and serene rivers that define the diverse landscapes of this famed wine-producing region.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Calahorra: The gateway to the route, this ancient town boasts a rich Roman heritage with ruins and museums, alongside Gothic cathedrals and vibrant local markets.
• Arnedo: Step into a town renowned not only for its flourishing footwear industry but also for its striking rock formations and prehistoric caves, such as Cueva de los Cien Pilares.
• Cervera del Rio Alhama and Aguilar del Rio Alhama: Explore these twin towns to discover their architectural wonders, including medieval bridges, Baroque churches, and remnants of ancient fortresses. The thermal springs in the area offer a historical and relaxing experience.
• Castilruiz: The final stop of this Scenic Drive, where the captivating Church of St. Peter stands proud, showcasing a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Best Time to Go:

Embark on your journey during spring or autumn to witness the tapestry of blooming wildflowers or the golden hues of harvest season, all under the mild and comfortable Mediterranean climate prevalent in La Rioja.

Potential Risks:

Be prepared for stretches of narrow and winding Roads, especially when traversing the mountainous terrain. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and drive with care to safely navigate these picturesque but potentially challenging paths.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• La Rioja is internationally acclaimed for its wine production, so consider visiting one of the many bodegas along the route to sample exquisite local wines.
• The Road Trip can include a visit to the Yacimiento de Icnitas, where you can view authentic dinosaur footprints.
• The region's culinary delights are a highlight, with traditional dishes such as 'patatas a la riojana' and grilled lamb chops that perfectly complement the local wines.
• La Rioja offers not just surface-level beauty but also underground wonders, with several wine cellars (bodegas) providing tours of their extensive wine caves.

A good choice for:

Whether you're a lover of natural landscapes, history, fine wine, or regional cuisine, the Valleys of La Rioja Panoramic Road promises a captivating and comprehensive experience that embodies the essence of Spanish culture and the splendor of its countryside.