Camping La Rioja

Camping in the La Rioja community of Spain will provide you with more than just wines and Santiago de Compostella, though these two are undoubtedly important in the region.

La Rioja is an autonomous community and province in Spain, in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Its capital is Logroño.

The province's name was changed to La Rioja in 1980, and it was reorganised as a uni-provincial autonomous community following the adoption of the Estatuto de San Millán in 1982, during the reorganisation following Spain's transition to democracy. It is Spain's second-smallest autonomous community and has the smallest population; half of its 174 municipalities have populations of less than 200 people. The capital is home to nearly half of the country's population.

Logroño

Logroño is rich in history and traditions that have been passed down since the Middle Ages. The Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela made this one of the most important towns on the route, leaving an interesting architectural legacy closely related to the pilgrims' traditional passage.

Nájera

Nájera, located 27 kilometres from Logroño, is one of the towns on the Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela, thanks to King Sancho III, who modified the route in the 11th century to make it a staging post for passing pilgrims.

Navarrete

Pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela pass through this medieval village, which is only 11 kilometres from LogroñoLogroo. The pilgrimage route follows the village's main street. Because of its historical significance, the old part of the village has been designated as a cultural property.

Calahorra

It is the main town in Lower Rioja. It is located on a hill overlooking the fertile plain of Cidacos, and its main business is distributing the region's excellent garden produce.

Ezcaray

The town of Ezcaray and its surrounding area, located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the river Oja, are as ideal for those seeking rest and peace and quiet as they are for mountaineering enthusiasts.

San Millán de la Cogolla 

The town's deep-rooted monastic tradition can be seen in the beautiful collection of historic buildings it houses, particularly the Monasteries of Suso and Yuso, both of which have been designated World Heritage Sites. San Millán de la Cogolla's significance stems from its status as the cradle of the Spanish language, as the first documents written in this language are preserved here.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Santo Domingo de la Calzada is one of the Rioja towns most strongly associated with the Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela. Its network of medieval streets, which has been designated as a National Historic Interest Site, houses a valuable heritage, particularly its walls, the Cathedral, and the old Pilgrims' Hospital.

Alfaro 

Stroll through town and discover churches and palaces with centuries of history, witness to its ancient splendour, such as the old Abbey and Abbey Palace (18th century) and the San Miguel Collegiate Church, a Baroque masterpiece from the end of the 17th century. It is also worthwhile to visit the archaeological site of Eras de San Martín, as well as the Ninfeo Romano, a Roman water system designated as a Cultural Property.

Arnedo

Among the most notable structures are the mediaeval castle, Archbishop Argaiz's house/palace, built in 1658, the Baroness of Benasque's palace in Modernist style, and Vico Monastery, where legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared to a Moorish leader in 1045.

Haro

Outstanding in the historic-artistic heritage of this town in La Rioja are: the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Haro, with its Baroque high altar; the Palace of the Counts of Haro, also Baroque; Beldaña Palace, a good example of Spanish Plateresque dating from the 16th century; Santo Tomás Church; the Municipal Archive, with documentation going back as far as the 13th century.

Wine is central to Haro's life. It is the driving force of the regional economy and a cultural expression in the area.

1. Valdezcaray ski resort

A ski resort at the foot of Castile's highest peak, "San Lorenzo," casts a shadow over the town of Ezcaray. This is a natural wonderland. The Oja River rises here, surrounded by lush forests and springs. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy their favourite activities all year long in this location.

2. Biosphere Reserve of the valleys of the Leza, Jubera, Cidacos and Alhama Rivers

The Starlight Foundation has designated it as a stargazing destination. The watercourses of the Leza, Jubera, Cidacos and Alhama Rivers open in the eastern mountains of La Rioja. Their Mediterranean forest-covered valleys have left canyons, rock beds, and gorges where entire communities of birds of prey nest. Rioja's high valleys were designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due to their significant biological, scenic, and cultural value.

3. Calahorra cathedral

Originally a baptistery, it was rebuilt in the 14th century after experiencing ups and downs throughout its history.

4. Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Its origins can be traced back to 1158 when construction work began. It underwent various modifications in the 14th and 16th centuries before assuming its current form. It consists of three naves, a transept, an ambulatory, a triforium, and an ogival vaulted ceiling. The Romanesque apse, Baroque tower, and the south or 'Santo' entrance, with a semi-circular arch, images set in niches, and circular skylights, are among the exterior highlights.

5. Wine Culture Museum

The Wine Culture Museum takes us on a journey through the history of wine, explaining how it is made and its cultural significance.

1. Discover La Rioja by motorbike

This is the purpose of the Route of the Three Valleys, which runs along the banks of the rivers Leza, Iregua, and Nejerilla (in La Rioja). Bring out your inner biker as you ride the 1,313 bends through incredible landscapes, chapels hidden in the heart of nature, natural viewing points, vineyards, and more.

2. Wine tourism

History, monuments, and scenery complement gastronomy, especially wine.

3. Experience the wine harvest festival

Wine is a complete tradition in La Rioja, a region known all over the world for the high quality of its wines. The grapes are harvested in Logroño at the beginning of September, signalling the start of the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival.

4. Going out for tapas on Calle Laurel in Logroño

Calle Laurel in La Rioja's capital is famous for its tapas and is always bustling with people wandering from bar to bar trying something new.

5. The wine route

The Rioja Alta Wine Route passes through a wine-growing region par excellence, the source of some of La Rioja's most prestigious wines. The landscape's main feature is its vineyards, but it also has spectacular views of the mountains of Toloño, Cantabria, and La Demanda, as well as the Ebro river's route. Furthermore, the area has a rich historical and artistic heritage.

From artichokes, cardoons, and borage to the masterful combination of ingredients that form the exceptional vegetable stews. Excellent Cameros beef and roast lamb chops grilled on dry vine shoots from La Rioja vineyards are among the delicacies. Despite being an inland region, fish, particularly cod, is a mainstay on the menu in La Rioja. In this region, traditional grandmother recipes have survived: patitas (potatoes), manitas (pig's trotters), patorrillo (a stew made with lamb innards), embuchados (stuffed meat), and snails.

1. Yacimientos de icnitas de Enciso

In the municipality of Enciso, 1,400 dinosaur tracks have been discovered. The Palaeontology Centre is an excellent starting point for exploring the tracks. There are a total of seven discoveries between Enciso and Navalsaz.

2. Museo Würth La Rioja

The Würth Museum is intended to be a 20th-21st century avant-garde international contemporary art scenario. The works from the Würth España collection, as well as those from the Würth Collection from Germany, which is regarded as one of the most important in Europe, will be displayed here.

3. Take an organised tour at "Trujal 5 Valles"

Trujal 5 Valles is La Rioja's largest cooperative olive-oil mill, with 900 members. Farmers from the Cidacos, Alhama, Leza, Jubera, and Linares valleys joined forces in 1995 to promote the growth of olive trees in one of the region's most productive olive-growing areas.

4. Visit "Fábrica de embutidos Martínez Somalo"

A gastronomic guided tour as well as a shop.

5. La Casa Encantada

Domestic items and trousseaux from our ancestors' daily lives become valuable items at "La Casa Encantada." The worth of what one has lived and used.

Markets are open on various days of the week in La Rioja. Depending on where you are camping, you might be able to visit one of the markets listed below. 

Entrena's Monday market is located in Plaza del Coso. 

Tuesday market in Plaza Nueva, San Asensio. 

Igea's Wednesday market is located on Calle Mayor. 

Quel's Thursday market is located on Calle Carrera. 

Pradejón's Friday market, located on Avenida de La Rioja. 

Casalarreina's Saturday market is held in Plaza de la Florida. 

Logroño's Sunday market is located on Camino de las Norias.

1. Batalla del Vino in Haro every June.
2. In September La Vendimía held in Logroño.

When looking for a campsite in La Rioja, choose one that is close to your points of interest. All campsites provide modern amenities and a variety of accommodations, as well as pitches and glamping spots. Camping in La Rioja's bungalows is one of the most popular types of vacation rentals.

RV campsites in La Rioja are typically located in a shaded area. The plots are large and have everything you need.

Glamping is widely available in La Rioja, and you should not pass up the chance to have a luxurious camping experience.

This is the type of camping available in La Rioja for families with children. Swimming pools, entertainment, and the best holiday deals are available at La Rioja's holiday park camping.