Near Rioja Alavesa
From the Middle Ages to the nearby capitalsNear Rioja Alavesa
In addition to the attractions of Rioja Alavesa in our immediate surroundings there are numerous attractions awaiting visitors, ranging from medieval routes among vineyards and ancient walls, to the three capitals of the Basque Country and the capital of La Rioja, all very close at hand.
Routes among vineyards and medieval walls
The Provincial Council of Alava proposes three routes crossing historical territories which come into contact with historical medieval walled towns. The three routes have common points of departure and arrival between Artziniega (Ayala) and Laguardia (Rioja Alavesa), but with different paths through the many towns that stand out for their historic monumental heritage.
Between Laguardia and Artziniega there are just over 100 km and both have well preserved medieval city centres, where palaces, towers and defensive walls can be found. The three itineraries also include a visit to Vitoria-Gasteiz, which also has an interesting and well preserved medieval centre.
Each of the three routes offers a chance to visit the artistic and historical heritage of 7 villages and walled cities, while discovering the wine culture of the different localities. The itineraries also provide well marked trail paths through vineyards, on foot or by bicycle, while visiting ancient or modern wineries.
- Route 1: Laguardia, Salinillas de Buradón, Salinas de Añana, The Botanical Garden of Santa Catalina, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Gujuli, Artziniega
- Route 2: Laguardia, Balcon de la Rioja, Peñacerrada, Trevino, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Gujuli, Artziniega
- Route 3: Laguardia, Labraza, Antoñana, GaZeo, Alaitza, Gujuli, Artziniega
Nearby cities
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz with more than 230,000 inhabitants is the capital of Euskadi and the Historical Territory of Alava. It is located 50 kilometres from Laguardia. The city retains remarkable artistic testimonies from Gothic to Neoclassical. Architectural styles include Gothic and Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical and Romantic and its medieval quarter was declared a monument in 1987, it is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. In Vitoria you can enjoy from the most traditional local cuisine to the most advanced creations of the new Basque cuisine, all washed down with wines from Rioja Alavesa.
Bilbao
It is the capital of the Territory of Bizkaia. The city is surrounded by forests, mountains, beaches and coasts, making Bilbao a very interesting destination. Bilbao is a city of dynamic amenities and focused on environmental and urban regeneration and has recovered numerous spaces for the enjoyment of its citizens. It has paved the way for years for spatial transformation, making it an increasingly attractive city for visitors. The famous and impressive Guggenheim Museum and the Euskalduna Conference and Music Palace have become the major reference for international tourism.
Donostia / San Sebastián
San Sebastian is an important tourist destination on both a Spanish and European level. The urban layout of the city unfolds overlooking the bay of La Concha, with the old town situated between the sea and the river Urumea, which should not be missed. It has a beautiful promenade running along the seafront, with elegant lampposts and railings representing one of the most famous tourist symbols of San Sebastian. Strolling through the narrow pedestrian streets of the centre or enjoying a few pintxos and txikitos during a well-deserved break, are just some of the pleasures which delight visitors to a Donostia, full of bars and restaurants.
Logroño
Just 16 kilometres from Laguardia is Logroño, capital of the Autonomous Community of La Rioja. With around 150,000 inhabitants it is a pleasant city for the visitor to enjoy the festivities, gastronomy and traditions. It is a city that offers wide streets, avenues, parks and gardens but has managed to preserve its historical past and regain its old quarter. La Calle del Laurel (known as Calle Laurel), one of the streets in the old town of Logroño famous for being the typical tapas place of the city.
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