Alojamientos sostenibles in the heart of Spain's finest wine country — Rioja
Logroño is the capital of La Rioja, Spain's smallest mainland autonomous community and its most celebrated wine-producing region. Sitting on the southern bank of the Ebro River — the largest river entirely within Spain — this city of roughly 150,000 inhabitants punches far above its weight in gastronomy, culture, and quality of life. For centuries, Logroño has been a vital crossroads: the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage passes directly through its old town, and the historic Puente de Piedra (stone bridge) over the Ebro has connected Navarre to Castile since medieval times.
The city's greatest draw is the seamless fusion of wine heritage and modern gastronomy. Calle Laurel, a narrow pedestrian street in the heart of the Casco Antiguo, is one of Spain's most famous tapas streets. Over sixty bars line this compact stretch, each specialising in one or two signature pinchos — bite-sized masterpieces that cost barely more than a couple of euros, washed down with superb local Rioja wines. The atmosphere is electric, especially on weekend evenings, when locals and visitors spill out onto the cobbled lanes in a ritual that feels timeless and deeply Spanish.
Beyond the bars, Logroño rewards the curious traveller. The twin Baroque towers of the Concatedral de Santa María de la Redonda — affectionately known locally as "Las Gemelas" (the Twins) — dominate the skyline. The Iglesia de Santiago el Real, with its enormous equestrian statue of Santiago Matamoros above the portal, reminds visitors they are walking in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have passed this way for over a thousand years. The Museo de La Rioja, housed in an elegant 18th-century palace, offers a thoughtful journey through the region's art and history, while the leafy Paseo del Espolón provides a peaceful riverside stroll beneath century-old plane trees.
The surrounding countryside ranks among the most beautiful in northern Spain. The Ebro valley is carpeted with vineyards as far as the eye can see — Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo vines stretching across rolling hillsides dotted with medieval hilltop villages. To the south, the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park offers hiking through beech and oak forests with panoramic mountain views. To the north, the Sierra de Cantabria forms a dramatic mountain wall. All of this is within a 20-minute drive of Logroño's city centre, making it one of the best-located small cities in Europe for accessing both urban culture and wild nature.
Logroño is also one of Spain's most sustainable cities to visit. The old town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, public transport is excellent, and the city has invested heavily in green spaces, cycling infrastructure, and renewable energy. When you book your hotel through IMPT, every stay offsets 1 tonne of CO₂ — the equivalent of planting 16 trees or driving 4,000 fewer kilometres — and you earn 5% cashback in IMPT tokens to spend on future sustainable travel.
Logroño has its own airport — Logroño-Agoncillo (RJL) — located just 13 km east of the city centre on the N-232 road, though flights are limited to a handful of domestic and seasonal European routes. For most international travellers, Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the best gateway, approximately 130 km northwest. The drive from Bilbao takes around 1 hour 20 minutes along the AP-68 motorway, winding through dramatic Basque mountains before descending into the broad, sun-soaked Ebro valley — one of Spain's most scenic approach roads. Alternatively, Renfe operates direct AVE high-speed train services from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha (approximately 3 hours 20 minutes). ALSA buses link Logroño to Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Pamplona, Zaragoza, San Sebastián, and most other major Spanish cities.
Once in Logroño, the compact old town is easily walkable, and most attractions lie within a 15-minute stroll of each other. Local bus services (Autobuses Logroño) cover the wider city area with frequent routes operating from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. Taxis are reasonably priced — a journey across the city centre costs around EUR 6–10. However, the real magic of La Rioja unfolds beyond the city limits. Hiring a car opens up the wine routes: head west on the LO-20 and LR-111 to Haro (30 km), the traditional capital of Rioja wine, where legendary bodegas like López de Heredia (founded 1877), Muga, and CVNE offer tours and tastings in the historic Barrio de la Estación. South-west lies Briones (35 km via the A-124), home to the Museo Vivanco — widely regarded as the finest wine museum in the world, with five exhibition halls spanning 8,000 years of viticulture.
Cross into the Rioja Alavesa (Basque Country side) via the AP-68 — a 25-minute drive — to visit Laguardia, a stunning medieval hilltop town surrounded by vineyards, and the futuristic Marqués de Riscal winery designed by Frank Gehry in Elciego. The Ciudad del Vino complex at Marqués de Riscal includes a hotel whose titanium ribbons shimmer in colours of pink, gold, and silver — a reference to the colours of his Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
For nature lovers, the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park is about an hour's drive south on the LR-250, with hiking trails through beech, oak, and pine forests offering panoramic mountain views and the headwaters of the Iregua River. Closer to town, Monte Cantabria (446 m) offers an accessible half-day hike with sweeping views over Logroño and the Ebro river valley — the site of the original pre-Roman settlement that preceded the city. Spring and autumn are the finest seasons to visit: mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and in September–October, the intoxicating atmosphere of the vendimia harvest, when the entire region celebrates its most important annual event with festivals, wine-treadings, and fireworks.
For travellers using public transport, the Logroño train station (Estación de Logroño) on Calle Once de Junio connects to major cities via Renfe Media Distancia and Alvia services. Local buses from the station stop at Plaza del Mercado in the old town within ten minutes. Bike-sharing schemes operate across the city with docking stations at the Espolón, the train station, and the university campus.
Logroño's neighbourhoods each offer a different character. Choose based on whether you prioritise nightlife, quiet relaxation, or easy access to transport links. All are within a 20-minute walk of each other.
The historic heart of Logroño and the obvious choice for first-time visitors. Stay steps from Calle Laurel's legendary tapas bars, the Concatedral, and the Camino de Santiago route. Charming narrow streets, boutique hotels in restored 16th-century buildings, and an atmosphere that buzzes from afternoon through late night. Best for: food lovers, pilgrims, and nightlife seekers.
The elegant Paseo del Espolón runs along the Ebro with tree-lined walkways, fountains, and views of the Puente de Piedra. Hotels here offer a quieter vibe while remaining a 5-minute walk from the old town. Ideal for riverside morning jogs, peaceful evening strolls, and easy access to the Camino route. Best for: couples and walkers.
South of the old town, the Gran Vía and surrounding streets form Logroño's modern commercial district. You'll find department stores, cinemas, the main post office, and larger chain hotels with parking. Well-connected by local bus routes and within walking distance of both the old town and the train station. Best for: business travellers and families.
Newer residential and commercial neighbourhoods south of the centre offering quieter surroundings, free parking, and contemporary apartment-style accommodation. The area has supermarkets, parks, and highway access for easy wine-route exploration. Bus routes 2, 9, and 10 connect to the centre in 10–15 minutes. Best for: longer stays, families, and drivers.
Logroño offers a strong range of accommodation, from characterful boutique hotels in the old town to modern four-star properties with rooftop terraces. With IMPT, every booking offsets 1 tonne of CO₂ at the same price as Booking.com, plus you get EUR 5 free credit on sign-up and 5% cashback in IMPT tokens. All hotels below can be booked through IMPT with access to 8M+ properties worldwide.
Set inside a beautifully restored 16th-century building on Calle Mayor — one of Logroño's oldest streets — this boutique hotel blends exposed stone walls, original wooden beams, and contemporary design. The 32 rooms feature parquet flooring, rainfall showers, and smart TVs. The in-house wine bar serves an exceptional selection of local Rioja wines by the glass, with over 40 labels from all three Rioja sub-regions. Steps from Calle Laurel and the Concatedral.
Ver DisponibilidadA sleek, modern four-star with 139 rooms, a fitness centre, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views across Logroño's skyline to the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. The restaurant, Gastro Barrio, serves creative Riojan cuisine with seasonal tasting menus featuring local ingredients like piquillo peppers from Lodosa, pochas (beans) from Anguiano, and Rioja lamb. Located on Calle Marian Pina between Gran Vía and the old town.
Ver DisponibilidadExcellent value on the main Gran Vía avenue, offering 58 clean, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. The old town is a 10-minute walk north and the train station is 500 metres south. Buffet breakfast with local pastries and Rioja-style tortilla. On-site parking available — a significant advantage in central Logroño. Bike storage for Camino pilgrims.
Ver DisponibilidadHoused in a historic building overlooking the lively Plaza del Mercado, Sercotel Portales combines classical architecture with updated interiors. Surrounded by cafés, traditional shops, and the daily market where local farmers sell Rioja produce. The 44 rooms are decorated in warm earth tones with wooden furniture; some have balconies overlooking the square. Hotel restaurant specialises in Riojan cuisine.
Ver DisponibilidadA characterful three-star in the heart of the Casco Antiguo. Rooms are warmly decorated with traditional Spanish furnishings and tiled bathrooms. The ground-floor café is a popular local spot for morning coffee and afternoon churros. The Puente de Piedra is five minutes on foot, and the Camino de Santiago route passes within 100 metres. Pilgrim-friendly with discounted rates for walkers with a credencial.
Ver DisponibilidadA stylish design hotel occupying a former fortified palace on Calle Ruavieja, right in the tapas quarter. The interior blends historical stonework with minimalist contemporary decor. Rooms feature rainfall showers, premium bedding, and soundproofed windows. The rooftop terrace with plunge pool offers evening views over the old town's terracotta rooftops and the cathedral towers.
Ver DisponibilidadLogroño packs an extraordinary amount of culture, gastronomy, and nature into a compact city. From the legendary Calle Laurel tapas crawl to world-class wine tourism just outside the city, here are the essential experiences.
Logroño's most iconic experience and arguably Spain's finest tapas street. Hop between 60+ bars on this narrow pedestrian street, each famous for one or two signature pinchos. Must-try spots include Bar Soriano for champiñones (garlic mushrooms in olive oil), Bar Ángel for zapatillas (baguette halves topped with various ingredients), Blanco y Negro for txistorra (Basque-style chorizo), and Bar Jubera for croquetas. Pair with a glass of joven Rioja tinto or a crisp local white.
The city's grandest church, whose twin Baroque towers — known locally as "Las Gemelas" (the Twins) — are the most recognisable feature of Logroño's skyline. The main altarpiece by Juan Gómez de Mora is a masterpiece of Churrigueresque Baroque. Look for a small painting attributed to Michelangelo: a Crucifixion scene displayed in a side chapel. Free entry. Open daily 8:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00.
Housed in the elegant 18th-century Palacio del Marqués de San Nicolás, this free museum traces La Rioja's history from prehistoric times through Roman occupation to the 20th century. Highlights include Roman mosaics from Calahorra (1st–4th centuries AD), Visigothic metalwork, medieval religious art, and an entire room dedicated to winemaking traditions. Free admission. Open Tuesday–Saturday.
The historic stone bridge spanning the Ebro has been a vital crossing point for Camino de Santiago pilgrims for centuries. The current seven-arch structure dates from the 19th century (rebuilt after flood damage), but a bridge has stood here since Roman times when the Vía XXXIV connected Tarraco to Asturica Augusta. Walk across at sunset for stunning views of the river and the Sierra de Cantabria mountains beyond.
Logroño's most beloved green space runs alongside the Ebro River. Shaded by magnificent plane trees planted in the 19th century and dotted with fountains and monuments, the Espolón is where locals come to stroll, jog, and enjoy afternoon coffee at the terrace cafés. The equestrian statue of General Baldomero Espartero presides over the main promenade. Sunday mornings feature a small artisan market.
Walk the urban section of the Camino Francés through Logroño. Enter via the Puente de Piedra, follow yellow arrows through the Rúa Vieja and Calle Mayor, past the churches of Santiago el Real (with its equestrian statue of Santiago Matamoros) and Santa María del Palacio (with a distinctive Gothic spire known as "La Aguja"), and exit west towards Navarrete. The municipal albergue on Calle Ruavieja offers 82 beds for pilgrims.
Just 40 minutes south in Elciego, Rioja Alavesa, the Marqués de Riscal winery features Frank Gehry's extraordinary titanium-clad building — a sister to his Guggenheim in Bilbao, completed in 2006. The undulating ribbons of pink, gold, and silver titanium reference Rioja wine colours. Book a tour and tasting to sample Reserva and Gran Reserva wines in the historic underground cellars. Tours from EUR 25 per person.
Acerca de 35 km west in Briones, the Museo Vivanco is one of the world's most comprehensive wine culture museums. Five halls span 8,000 years of winemaking from ancient Egyptian amphorae and Greek kylixes to modern fermentation tanks. The collection includes works by Picasso and Miró with wine themes. The vineyard garden contains over 220 grape varieties. Admission EUR 15 with tasting included.
Logroño's walkable old town and scenic river setting make it an ideal city for exploring on foot. These three walks cover the essential experiences — historical, riverside, and panoramic.
Follow the yellow arrows from the Puente de Piedra across the Ebro, through the old town past the Iglesia de Santiago el Real and Santa María del Palacio, and out the western gate towards Navarrete. The route is entirely flat on paved surfaces — you'll share the path with pilgrims carrying backpacks and scallop shells. Stop at the Plaza de la Oca where a bronze goose game board is set into the pavement. This is the heart of the Camino Francés, walked by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually.
A peaceful circular walk along both banks of the Ebro River. Start at the Puente de Piedra, walk west along the tree-lined southern bank through the Parque del Espolón and its continuation, the Parque de la Ribera. Cross the Ebro at the Puente de Hierro (the iron bridge, built 1884), and return along the quieter northern bank through the Parque del Ebro. Birdwatchers may spot grey herons, common kingfishers, and white storks. Benches are spaced regularly along the route.
Cross the Ebro north via the Puente de Piedra and climb Monte Cantabria (446 m), the site of an original pre-Roman settlement that preceded Logroño. The trail winds through Mediterranean scrubland with rosemary and thyme, rewarding hikers with panoramic 360-degree views of Logroño, the Ebro valley, the Sierra de Cantabria, and the vine-covered hillsides of central Rioja. Remains of the old fortress walls mark the summit. Best in spring (March–May) when wildflowers carpet the slopes.
For more detailed planning, read our dedicated guides on the best time to visit, where to eat, and the top attractions in Logroño.
Seasons, festivals, grape harvest timing (vendimia), and weather month by month.
Ultimate Calle Laurel tapas crawl, Riojan dishes, wine classifications, and where to eat.
Complete guide to attractions, day trips, wine country tours, cultural events, and nightlife.
La Rioja's compact size means you can easily explore multiple cities in a single day trip from Logroño. Each offers a different flavour of this remarkable region.