While Rioja wine is world famous, you might not realize that there are many tourist attractions in the Rioja area. This makes it a really interesting place to visit. Here are some of the many reasons why you should visit La Rioja, Spain.
Things to Do in La Rioja, Spain
In case you were wondering, the correct Rioja pronunciation is “ree-oh-hah” although if you want to sound more authentic, try saying the “oh” from the back of your throat. There’s much more to the area than just the Rioja wineries. Here are our favorite things to do in La Rioja.
1. Ancient Castles
There are some stunning medieval castles dotted around the Rioja region, including 15th century Castillo de Sajazarra, for which you can only visit the exterior. Castillo de Aguas Mansas is located in the town of Agoncillo and can be visited on weekdays.
2. Battle of The Wine
If you’re visiting the area of La Rioja in late June, you simply can’t miss the Battalo del Vino, aka Wine Battle. Held each year on 29 June in Haro, it’s a good natured festival where dousing each other with Rioja red wine is actively encouraged.
Participants dress in a white t-shirt and red neck scarf, making them easy to identify. Equip yourself with a super soaker, bug spray or even a bucket and get stuck in with the best of them. It’s less touristy than the famous tomato festival and highly recommended.
3. Rioja Wine Harvest Festival
Every year in mid September, the town of Logroño celebrates the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival or Fiestas de San Mateo. Rioja grapes are the star of the show, with grape foot-crushing, festival floats and food stalls.
On San Mateo Day, there’s a procession where children carry the grapes from Rioja vineyards. These are poured into a large wooden barrel and two men dressed in traditional costumes then crush the grapes barefoot.
4. Haro
Haro itself is a charming town known for its red wine, with some picturesque old buildings and churches. The actual capital of La Rioja, Spain is a town called Logrono, however Haro is considered to be the wine capital of the area.
5. Sierra Cebollera
The Parque Natural Sierra Cebollera is definitely worth a visit, but the whole area is stunning. The mountain ranges are popular for climbing, hiking, skiing, and even bungee jumping or paragliding if you’re feeling adventurous.
Parts of the Camino de Santiago pass through the area and the scenery is spectacular.
6. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Monasteries of San Millán Yuso and Suso are both registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical importance. The monastery in San Millán Suso dates from the mid-6th century whereas the monastery of Yuso dates from the 11th century and is still a thriving place of worship today.
Not only is their architecture striking, but they are also the birthplace of the modern Spanish language. They’re both located in San Millán de la Cogolla, with Suso meaning upper and Yuso meaning lower.
7. Vivanco Wine Museum
Rioja is one of the most famous Spanish wine regions. Internationally renowned for the consistent quality of its wines, it’s also a truly photogenic region. Nestled in the quaint village of Briones, you’ll find the unmissable Vivanco Winery-Foundation-Experience.
The World Tourism Organization (OMT-ONU) considers it to be the best wine museum in the world and it’s not hard to see why. It’s also recomended by the Travel Channel as one of the best Food and Wine Museums.
Spread over 9,000 square metres, it’s the perfect place to learn more about wine and man’s 8,000 year old relationship with it. The museum includes many artworks and films depicting wine, together with a corkscrew collection of over 3,000 models and much more.
The Vivanco family are passionate about “giving back to wine what wine has given to us” and it shows. Santiago and Rafael Vivanco are continuing the legacy of their great-grandfather who established a Rioja winery many years ago.
Yet there’s much more to Vivanco than just the winery and foundation. Designed to give the visitor a truly immersive experience, there are a range of fun activities on offer, such as workshops, wine tastings and workshops for children.
It’s the food though that’s got us salivating, if these dishes are anything to go by… At Vivanco, they call it winecooking and they incorporate wine into many of the dishes that they serve in the restaurant, gastrobar and private dining rooms.
Visitors to the Rioja wine region should not miss this unique experience, and you can book your tickets here.
And it goes without saying that Rioja wines are unparalleled, thanks to their quality categorization, Denominación de Origen Calificada (D.O.Ca., or Qualified Designation of Origin. There are over 57,000 wine-producing hectares in La Rioja, with 85% of production being Rioja red wine. Having said that, white Rioja and Cava wine is excellent and we have a soft spot for it!
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in La Rioja Spain
La Rioja is an amazing region with plenty of different things to do and see. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, nature or gastronomy there are endless possibilities in the region that you’re sure to find exciting.
La Rioja definitely won’t be a forgettable experience for all who visit this beautiful area of Spain. Don’t forget to check out some of the more unique activities mentioned above like participating in The Battle of The Wine or outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting and trekking. Be sure to also check out our other travel articles to help you plan your next adventure with new ideas, tips and suggestions.
Whatever your age, we’re sure you’ll love exploring this Spanish hidden gem. Have you visited Rioja?
You may also enjoy:
- 48 Hours in Seville, Spain
- Carmona, Spain – Points of Interest
- Fun Things to Do in Lanzarote, Spain
- Fun Things to Do in Marbella, Spain
- Hidden Gems in Ibiza
- Seville Photo Tour
- Things to Do in Ubeda, Andalucia
- Visit the Alhambra by Day or Night
- What is Cava Wine?
- What to See in Tenerife
- Weekend in Seville
- What is Stealth Wealth
Read all our Spain travel guides here
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Isn’t it a fabulous region!! It’s great to see where some of the world renowned wine is produced! Next time you visit, I really recommend a trip or stay at Marqués de Riscal.
The region certainly has some fantastic wine, and so many other interesting attractions
What a great article! Apart from the Camino de Santiago section that I walked a few years ago, I have to (shamefully) admit that I’ve neglected La Rioja region in my explorations through Spain. Thanks for reminding me that I need to add it to my list! 😊
How amazing to walk the Camino de Santiago – must have been so inspirational. Definitely on my bucket list
I love Rioja wines and this seems like the perfect trip to learn more about it – definitely putting this on my list of places to visit in Spain!
Spain is such a great country and the Rioja region is one of the most charming areas – I hope you enjoy it if you visit!
I’m glad that you liked reading it, Em! Have a great week ahead
Battalo del Vino looks so fun! It’s such a beautiful area too. Loved this post.
Gemma x
I think Battalo del Vino is a real bucket list experience! Glad you enjoyed the post, Gemma
Count me in for the Wine Battle, what’s not to like? The Vivanco is stunning too, they clearly put great effort into creating quality. I can see why Travel Channel recommended it. Fascinating to learn about such a famous wine region.
The Wine Battle really is fun isn’t it! Makes a change from a tomato fight. I love what they’ve done at Vivanco, wine is definitely a vast subject
Great timing! I am currently based in the north of Spain and a visit to the region of Rioja is at the top of my list. I actually had no idea what there was to do there besides wineries so this is super helpful. Did you stay in the region of Rioja or were you staying nearby in San Sebastian or Bilbao to travel in?
Hi Chantell, you could certainly travel in from San Sebastian or Bilbao but it’s great to be in the Rioja region itself and there are some lovely hotels and lodgings to choose from
I have never visited Rioja, but I love the Rioja wine. The wine battle looks thrilling and super fun. If happen to visit there around the end of June, I will make sure not to miss it.
I’m a big fan of Rioja wine too, especially the white version. Hope you get to see the wine battle
The Rioja region looks like a great place to relax and drink wine – the Battle of the Wine looks fun!
I know, what a fun event! Just make sure to wear old clothes for that if you go 😉
You say red wine and I’m sold, girl.
Rioja is like paradise with its rich culture, food, and history.
And this is particularly good red wine! As you say, it’s a great region for all those reasons
This all sounds amazing!! I loved my time in spain. I think the natural beauty and the wine are the best parts about visiting! 🙂
I agree, and I’d add the Spanish people – they are so friendly and patient with me when I try to speak bad Spanish!
I am not sure if I have heard of this place. Looks so beautiful. It is nice to get out of the toruistic places like Barcelona and Madrid. I would love to attend the wine battle, looks so fun 😀 As a lover of red wine I know I would love this place. Pinning for later 😀
I’m very glad that you find it useful, Vibeke and hope that you get to visit
No way, I ahve heard about tmato battles.. egg battles.. pillow battles.. but wine? That sounds hilarious!
I think the egg would be the worst, for the smell! A wine one is more fun!
I always find food cooked with wine to be so tasty, it’s a great idea isn’t it
I’ve drank plenty of it but knew absolutely nothing about the actual region. It’s just beautiful! I’m a big fan of Spain so I’ll add this to my dream road trip itinerary.
Ha ha, you and me both! Spain is a great country for a road trip, each time we’ve done one the roads have been fairly quiet and the scenery is gorgeous
I love the sound of the wine battles! I’ve not been to Rioja before though been to Spain many times before and going to Seville for the time in a few weeks. I think I would plan my visit especially for the battle! That winecooking restaurant also sounds fab.
You’ll have a brilliant time in Seville and I definitely think you should visit Rioja when the battle is on. The winecooking restaurant is a great initiative isn’t it!
Rioja is indeed a revelation. The castles are what appeal to me the most. They look so mysterious and full of stories from history. The natural landscapes too look beautiful and inviting.
I agree that the castles are spectacular, and that part of Spain has certainly seen its fair share of history
I must say Suze, I’d never really considered visiting Rioja before as I’m more partial to Ribero del Duero but your post is making me re-consider! The landscape looks beautiful – definitely bookmarking this for future reference!
A wine battle sounds like brilliant fun. I wouldn’t have imagined that there was so much to do Lucy x