If you find yourself visiting the La Rioja region in Northern Spain, there are many day trips from Logroño that you can take. Logroño is the capital city of the region and a stop on the Camino de Santiago. While it’s not the biggest city in the world, its population of 150,000 definitely won’t leave you bored.
While the city has some sights to see, food to eat and wine to drink, I would definitely recommend a day trip or two to get more of the authentic La Rioja experience. You really need to get out and see the lush countryside full of vineyards to really experience this region. Here are a few places within a 30 minute-hour drive that are worth the trip.
1. Santo Domingo de la Calzada
This town is about 45 minutes to an hour from Logroño. You can take a Jimenez bus from the Logroño bus statin, so no worries if you don’t have a car.
My favorite thing to do in Santo Domingo is get lost in the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful architecture. The entire town has this medieval feel. If you’re visiting in early December, you might be able to catch their four-day medieval festival where you can see street performances. I went several years ago and had a blast.
If you have a family or just like animals, there’s also an animal conversation called Rioja Natura just outside of Santo Domingo.
2. Laguardia
Laguardia is another medieval town that is absolutely stunning. I actually spent a year working as a language assistant there, so I know it quite well. It’s located in the Basque Country, so you’ll want to take an Álava Bus to get there.
I have a blog post all about what you can do over a weekend in Laguardia. There are multiple wineries, lots of pinxtos (small plates of food) and a small lake that’s perfect for an afternoon stroll. One of my absolute favorite restaurants is also in this town. You do not want to miss it.
3. Haro
If you like wine then Haro is the place to be! Whether you prefer red or white, it’s one of the best day trips from Logroño for wine lovers. All of the best wineries are right in town. It’s about an hour from Logroño and just like with Santo Domingo, you can also catch a Jimenez bus from the bus station.
My favorite wineries in Haro are Muga, Gomez Cruzado and Ramon Bilbao. Of course there are others that you can visit as well, but those three are the ones I’ve visited myself.
Related: 8 La Rioja Wineries You Have to Visit
In addition to drinking wine I would also recommend the pincho scene in Haro. Just like in Logroño, there is a part of the town that is full of bars with delicious pinchos. It’s called La Herradura. You also must have a coffee or glass of wine in Hotel Agustinas. The interior is absolutely beautiful. Make sure you check out my blog post on everything there is to do and see in Haro.
4. Arnedillo
It’s called Arnedillo because it’s next to a bigger town called Arnedo. However the smaller village of Arnedillo is what really is the charmer of the town.
If you’re looking to relax, Arnedillo is one of the best day trips from Logroño to take. It has both a natural hot springs and a balneario. The first one is simply a public hot springs that anyone is welcome to relax in while the second one is a spa that you have to pay to use. It is free if you stay at the hotel although the hotel seems a bit expensive.
If you go to Arnedillo, beware that there are less bus options. If you have a car it might be better to take it. Make sure you hike up to the Mirador de los Gurgús as you have the best view of the town from up there.
5. Vitoria Gasteiz
If you’d prefer an escape to a larger city, Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the best day trips from Logroño. It only takes about an hour on an Álava bus from the Logroño bus station. Once in Vitoria, you’ll want to head straight to the Casco Antiguo (old town) for a walk around. Make sure to come hungry because you’ll want to try all the pinxtos.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is also a great city for museum lovers. There are countless museums and some are even free! Several years back I took a day trip to Vitoria and wrote a blog post about it. Check it out: A Day Trip to Vitoria.
6. Ezcaray
Ezcaray is the place to go if you like the snow. In the winter time, there are places nearby to ski and hike. If you’d like to spend the day exploring the town, you can do that as well. Be sure to check out Mantas Ezcaray. They make beautiful blankets, scarves, bags and other types of things.
To get to Ezcaray, you need to catch a Riojacar bus from the Logroño bus station.
7. Nájera
Nájera is a town only a half an hour by bus from Logroño. It’s along the Camino de Santiago, so in the warmer months you’ll find people. Half of the town is on one side of the river and half is on the other. The bus will drop you off right in the center, but to explore the more historic part of the town you’ll need to cross one of the bridges. Make sure you visit the monastery Santa María la Real. It only costs 4€ and is absolutely beautiful.
Those are just a few ideas if you’re looking to take a day trip. Have you been to the La Rioja region of Spain?
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