After visiting one of the most beautiful natural parks in Spain, the Cabrera Archipelago National Maritime-Terrestrial Park, today we wanted to stay in Spain, although this time we moved to the north of the peninsula. Specifically, today we want to discover some of the most beautiful towns in La Rioja , an autonomous community that has a lot to offer: art, culture, sports, oenology, gastronomy …
One of the great attractions of this community with the name of wine is the beauty of its towns. Today at Vuela Viajes we are talking about some of the most beautiful. Would you like to join us?
San Millán de la Cogolla
What do you think if we start our tour of the most beautiful towns in La Rioja in San Millán de la Cogolla? In this town located at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda and on the banks of the Cárdenas River are the Yuso and Suso Monasteries, which are World Heritage Sites because they house, among other things, the Emilianenses Glosses , which are the first texts in Spanish language.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Santo Domingo de la Calzada could not be missing from this list, a town that has an important heritage: a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, walls, a beautiful square, Gothic palaces, the Santo Domingo bridge (11th century) … Deeply marked by the Camino de Santiago , highlights its network of streets of medieval origin, which has been declared a Set of Historical-National Interest. In addition, we cannot forget to mention the Pilgrims Hospital.
Najera
We continue our journey in Nájera, a town full of history , culture and art. The main attraction of the place is the Monastery of Santa María la Real, which has a Gothic church, a royal pantheon and a magnificent cloister of Knights, three places that are worth a visit. In addition, this town has many more things to offer, such as its botanical garden, the Castillo de la Mota or the ruins of the Alcázar. In addition, we love the landscape offered by the Najerrilla river as it passes through Nájera, dividing the town in two.
San Vicente de la Sonsierra
One of the most beautiful towns in La Rioja is San Vicente de la Sonsierra, created in the 10th century to serve as a fortress for the Kingdom of Navarra. From this place you will enjoy impressive views of the meanders of the Ebro river and the vineyards that surround the town. He is known in Spain for "Los Picaos", a Christian penance professed in this locality that consists of hitting his back for several minutes and then pricking himself with a ball of wax encrusted with crystals.
Ezcaray
Another beautiful Riojan town is Ezcaray, located in the Sierra de la Demanada. It is an ideal place both to relax and to release adrenaline while practicing mountain sports . Nor can we forget to mention its town center, of which the church of Santa María la Mayor stands out, in Aragonese Gothic style. Another place that you should visit if you are lucky enough to go to Ezcaray is the set of the Real Fábrica de Paños de Santa Bárbara and the edifico del tinte. Also, you should keep in mind that the landscape of this place is really beautiful, with high peaks, streams and forests.
Sajazarra
Although there are many more towns that we would like to talk about, we have to finish our tour in Sajazarra, a small town that has a beautiful network of streets with stone houses that are perfectly preserved . In addition, you will find large houses, cozy squares and emblazoned palaces, as well as a fairytale castle and a medieval church.
Do you think we have left any town ? Feel free to tell us!