La Rioja is small enough to drive across in an hour, and most of it is vineyards. Haro has the old wineries, Logroño has some of the best tapas streets in Spain, and the monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla are where the first written Spanish was found.
Climate
Continental with Atlantic influence: warm summers, cold winters.
Best time: September and October for the harvest; spring is quiet and green.
Food and drink
Patatas a la riojana, lamb chops grilled over vine cuttings, and pinchos on Calle Laurel.
What it’s like
Rural, calm and food-focused. Wine tourism is well organised; many bodegas open for visits with a reservation.
Living here
Logroño is affordable and has a good quality of life, with a small job market.
Getting around
Logroño is about 3.5 hours from Madrid by road or rail.
Towns and cities in La Rioja
La Rioja
Logroño
Wine capital of Rioja with Calle Laurel, a street where every bar has its own signature pincho.
€€€€ 1 to 2 days
Fiestas in La Rioja
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit La Rioja?
September and October for the harvest; spring is quiet and green.
What is the weather like in La Rioja?
Continental with Atlantic influence: warm summers, cold winters.
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