The secrets of La Rioja

La Rioja is very well known for its great wines but this small county hide some secrets you shouldn’t miss during your next holidays in Spain. Architecture, gastronomy and nature are all fundaments??? of this region. Ready to fall in love with this area?

San Millán de la Cogolla monasteries

The monasteries of San Millán de la Corolla are a must when traveling to La Rioja for its beauty and history. Both are, undoubtedly, two unique architecture pieces in Spain.

On one hand, the Monastery of Suso, founded by San Millán on the Vth century, is a mix of visigoth, pre-romanesque and mozarabic styles. The tradition says that the 7 infants of Lara, main actors of a medieval legend we won’t reveal, rest in the sepulchers of the cloister.

On the other hand, the monastery of Yuso, where the body of San Millán was taken on 1053. The legend says that the king of Navarre, Garcia IVth, ordered to move the body of San Millán but the oxen in charge of carrying the body could not even move it. That way they understood the Saint wanted to remain there, what motivated the construction of this other monastery.

Enjoy wine

As we mentioned before La Rioja is land of wine. That’s why we suggest you to visit the Museo Vivanco de la cultura del Vino, where you’ll be able to find out everything about the most popular riojan drink. The activities we must highlight are the tasting of different wines and the walks through the immense vineyards. Hard to find a better place to enjoy good wine.

The Alhama

La Alhama es un valle tan espectacular como desconocido. Se trata de un riquísimo paraje en el que habitan especies forestales como el olivo y el almendro, aparte de todo tipo de matorrales aromáticos que convertirán tu visita a la zona en una gran experiencia aromática.

The Alhama valley is as spectacular as unknown. It is a rich area where you’ll find olive trees, almond trees and all kind of aromatic bushes that will make your visit a world of sensations.

There you’ll also find the Contrebia Leucade museum, an archaeological interpretation center where you’ll find out how the first human settlements were, around the Ebro river. It means finding out how were the Celtics and Iberians, first humans in this area.

Be part of the harvesting

Otra opción es remangarte la camisa y participar en la vendimia, es decir, en la recogida de las uvas con las que luego se producirá el riquísimo vino de La Rioja. Si te interesa, la vendimia tiene lugar desde mediados de septiembre y hasta casi finales de octubre. Descubrirás cómo trabajan los agricultores y bodegueros, quienes se mantienen fieles a un estilo de vida que ha ido pasando de generación en generación.

Among many other activities, taking part in the harvesting is one of the best. You can spend part of one day picking up grapes that will be used to produce the great Rioja wine. But you must know this is a seasonal activity and it usually starts on mid september till the end of october. But if you can do it do not hesitate it. That way you’ll find out how the farmers and winemakers work following step by step the way of doing so taught by their ancestors.

Storks and dinosaurs

Quizá la comparación resulte odiosa, pero La Rioja también ofrece la oportunidad de disfrutar de las cigüeñas y los dinosaurios. A las primeras, se las puede contemplar en numerosas torres de toda La Rioja. En especial, en las calles que rodean a la colegiata de Alfaro, donde anidan numerosos ejemplares. La cercanía del parque natural de los Sotos del Ebro y el buen tiempo animan a estas aves a habitar en la zona.

It might not be the best comparison but this area also gives you the opportunity to enjoy of both. The first ones can be seen in the peak of the towers all along  La Rioja, specially in the streets around the Alfaro collegiate where many of them nest. The situation close to the Natural Park of Los Sotos del Ebro and the good weather make of this spot one of the most sought by these birds.

If you prefer the historical animals you must know that you can find lots of dinosaur footprints in this area. You can go to the paleontology interpretation center of Igea and to the Barranco Perdido park. You’ll discover all the secrets of the Iberian dinosaurs in both.

Willing to visit La Rioja? Then don’t hesitate and include it in your tailor made holidays in Spain. We, Hidden in Spain, will know how to help you!! Contact us!!