Surounding Area
EZCARAY
One of the less well-known towns of La Rioja, but famous for its brightly coloured, high quality woollen blankets, scarves and knit wear. This is also the town closest to the hidden ski-slopes of Valdezcaray Ski Resort just 14 kilometers away. This offers a unique opportunity to combine wine tasting with winter sports, a fantastic way to blow away the cobwebs if you happen to visit during the winter months.
HARO
The unofficial capital of wine-making as opposed to the comarca (county), Haro has a long tradition of tapas, as well as innumerable wine bars. It’s outskirts are dotted with wineries and it’s not surprising then that the town goes in for parties in big way from Carnival in February, Holy Week (Semana Santa - Easter) when folks get high on mulled wine and of course the annual Batalla de Vino (battle of wine) at the end of June.
- Street in Laguardia
LAGUARDIA
Really two cities in one, Laguardia has a network of tunnels and rooms that run beneath its streets that were used by the Knights Templar in the middle ages. Even today, nearly every house in the village has its own underground chambers, many of which are linked to others by a network of tunnels, and some it is rumoured, even go out as far as some of the surrounding wineries. Laguardia is a fantastic place to tapear (tapas hop), and nearly everyone in town turns out on a Sunday morning to stroll from bar to bar for a copa (glass of wine) and tapa (snack) in each.
LOGROÑO
The capital of the region and the most cosmopolitan in terms of shopping and commercial activities. The old town is pleasant and it’s a great place to eat, however, it does not have the atmosphere of smaller towns and villages in La Rioja.
- San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Early spring.
SAN VICENTE DE
LA SONSIERRA
For a taste of the bizarre this town is infamous for “Los Picaos” - an annual repentance that involves self-flagellation. The custom was outlawed by Franco in all but the most off-the-beaten-path places. Nevertheless, during this time “sinners” repent by donning white robes and repeatedly whipping themselves while they make a pilgrimage through the streets to the church asking God for forgiveness. The procession lasts about 20 minutes during which time each “sinner” will receive between 800 and 1000 lashes.