Rioja Alavesa has unique landscapes that provide the ideal setting for nature tourism, where you can take walks, bike rides or horse rides through endless vineyards.
From the vineyards of Oyón-Oion to the port of Bermeo, the GR-38 runs through the Basque Country from south to north, crossing captivating landscapes along the historic Wine and Fish Route. In the past, this route was used to exchange produce from the interior for fish from the coastal towns. The section that runs through Alava features a range of contrasting landscapes, from oak groves to wooded areas and beech forests, the brackish lagoons of Carravalseca and Carralogroño, and charcoal making areas where it is still possible to see how charcoal was produced.
The GR-99, or Ebro Nature Trail, is a long trail covering more than 1,200 kilometres, running from the source to the mouth of the river Ebro, with several stages that pass through the Rioja Alavesa region. On these walks, you can appreciate the differences and particularities of the landscape and the route itself, enjoying the impressive artistic legacy resulting from the settlement of humans along the riverbanks of these towns and villages.
Two other important routes, which have their origins in historical religious traditions, are the Way of St James, particularly the route taken by pilgrims travelling from Europe and from this region, and the Ignatian Way, which follows the route taken by the knight Ignatius of Loyola in 1522 from Loyola to the city of Manresa, from where he planned to travel to Barcelona and then on to the Holy Land. This route is frequented increasingly by pilgrims following their spiritual journey.
One should not forget the routes specific to the region, such as the Lagunas de Laguardia (Laguardia Lagoons) and the Dolmen de la Hechicera (Sorceress' Dolmen) in Elvillar/Bilar; the route linking the source of the Kripan river to the Monforte massif; the route linking Paridera del Monte and Pinar de Dueñas in Labraza; and the route between the Ermita de Santiago (St. Jame's Hermitage) and La Laguna in Navaridas.
You can also enjoy many other activities in the area, such as hot air balloon rides, off-road 4WD trips, canoeing, mountain walks and anything else you can imagine.
The area has an extensive network of well-signposted paths and trails that extend throughout the more than 300 square kilometres of the region, allowing you to discover our beautiful natural landscapes.
