Logroño is the largest city in Rioja and its capital. But in reality, it is a small city if compared to other cities in Spain. Logroño is not a hot tourist destination in Spain and most visitors arrive at the city either as part of their itinerary in El Camino de Santiago, either as the place to stay during a wine country getaway or vacation. In this Logroño city guide, we will show you what are the best things to enjoy, what makes Logroño such as a special place and how to make the most out of its local and traditional vibe.
Logroño is an important step in El Camino and one that will for sure make most pilgrims happy (see our next point to understand why!).
A top pincho and tapas experience in Spain. The city centre of Logroño is well-known across Spain for its tapas. Logroño offers for many the ultimate tapas (pincho as they call them locally) experience. Locals from Logroño use the word pincho and not tapas (the same way as locals from the Basque country use the word pintxos instead of tapas) A pincho is a small piece of food served on a stick. Calle Laurel is the most famous street in Logroño (please remember that calle means street I Spanish). Calle Laurel is packed with bars and taverns, but it is not the only street you should pay attention to. There are also plenty of bars in nearby Calle San Agustin and Calle Albornoz. Most bars here don´t have tables nor chairs and bar crawling is what locals enjoy most. Local Riojan wine is served everywhere and you can order young wine or a Crianza (a Riojan wine that has been aged in an oak barrel) Some bars offer even Reserva wines on the glass along with their pintxos.
Despite most wineries in Rioja are located in the countryside, there are still a good number of wineries in Rioja´s capital city. However, if one of the main intentions of your trip is to enjoy wine tasting, you should make sure you visit Haro, “the wine capital of Rioja” In Logroño, you will find important wineries like Franco Españolas, Ontañon or Viña Ijalba
A 15th-century church which was later expanded during the 18th century, this is the main monument in Logroño. It has three polygonal apses, and a nave, and two aisles, all of the same height. There are many chapels inside Santa María la real. The most outstanding one in the chapel of Nuestra señora de la Paz, an outstanding chapel with a fantastic plateresque retable, and where sits the tomb of the founder of the church: Diego Ponce de Leon. Amongst the other chapels, locals pay special attention to the mausoleum of Espartero (1888) a very important general in Spanish history. The 16th-century choir and the dome (from the 18th century) are both remarkable. From the outside, the main portal on the western side is the most recognized image of Logroño, with the twin baroque towers and numerous sculptures that frame the main façade.
A 15th-century church which ws later expanded during the 18th century, this is the main monument in Logroño. It has three polygonal apses, and a nave and tow aisles, all of the same height. There are many chapels inside Santa María la real. The most outstanding one is the chapel of Nuestra señora de la paz, an outstanding chapel with a fantastic plateresque retable and where sits the tomb of the founder of the church: Diego Ponce de Leon. Amongst the other chapels, locals pay special attention to the mausoleum of Espartero (1888) a very important general in Spanish history. The 16th-century choir and the dome (from the 18th century) are both remarkable. From the outside, the main portal on the western side is the most recognized image of Logroño, with the twin baroque towers and numerous sculptures that frame the main façade.
The Ebro river, the second largest in Spain after the Tagus, is the soul of Logroño. The river is located two steps from the city center and the famous Calle Laurel. The river can be best enjoyed along a beautiful park. The most famous bridge that crosses the river is the Stone Bridge, one of the top sights in logroño.
The second most famous street in Logroño is Calle Portales. It is a street covered by arcades (this explains its name) where many businesses and shops were concentrated and still are. The street is a meeting point for people who walk from one side to the other, looking for protection in the rain or the summer sun
El Espolón is the most famous green area in the Logroño. It is a large square with recreational parks for children and many trees and where you will find the most famous statue in the city: that of General Espartero.
This is Logroño´s second most important monument It was built on the site of the palace of the kings of Castile which Alfonso VII gave to the order of the Knights Templar. The founding of the monastery is attributed to Emperor Constantine, but little or almost nothing remains from that 11th-century building. The transept is from the 13th century and the portal, with its 148 feet high tower, from the 16th The most interesting part of the building is the 15th century gothic chapel of Nuestra señora de la Antigua.
This 13th-century church has an impressive entrance with an outstanding portico.
The best months to enjoy Logroño are September and October. Local San Mateo Fiestas take place in September and they are organized around the time of the harvest in the nearby vineyards. These are the most exciting months of the year for sure, but March, April, May and June are also great months to visit Logroño
The weather in Logroño is Continental, despite it receives Mediterranean and Atlantic influences (though not as much as would be expected thanks to the protection offered by the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range).
The average high temperature in the coldest months (December and January) is 10C or 50F, whilst average low temperatures are 2-3C (36F)
During summer, July and August average high tempratures are 30C (86F) and average lows 16C (61F)
The most rainy months are April and May, when you can expect in average rain 1 out of every 3,2 days. during summer it only rains 3 to 5 days per months.
San Millan de la Cogolla in La Rioja is located 45 kilometers south of Logroño. San Millan is one of the top attractions in La Rioja and one of the most fascinating monasteries in Spain. It is a perfect day trip from Logroño and a great way to combine culture with wine tasting during your stay in Rioja. San Millán is not far from the Camino de Santiago route from Logroño to Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Pamplona is well known around the globe for the running of the bulls that takes place through its streets in July every year. But Pamplona has much more to offer travelers that are willing to take the time to get to know the city. Pamplona and the region of Navarra enjoys a deep and interesting history and a unique local culture unlike anything else in Spain.
This small Spanish village was founded in 908 by Sancho Abarca of Navarre to defend the frontier, when it was known as La Guarda. It was originally laid out in the shape of
a ship, with the bow facing North. and the stern South. In 1164 it achieved town status under Sancho el Sabio. In 1194 its fortifications were extended by King Sancho el Fuerte. Cars are not permitted inside the walled city!
