"La Rioja, land of good wine and nice people" Top 5 Page for this destination La Rioja by Aitana

La Rioja is a fascinating region in the north of Spain. La Rioja is famous for the wine production, which is indeed good, but there are also other features that make it unique.

La Rioja is a land of friendly people, in general with open nature.

The Ebro river comes across the region, irrigating the vineyards and orchards. The seven tributaries define seven valleys, from west to east: Tirón, Oja, Najerilla, Iregua, Leza, Cidacos and Alhama river.

Cross of Santiago, Castle of Clavijo

During the Middle Ages, La Rioja was a border region between the kingdoms of Castile and Navarra, who fighted for it in several ocasions. That's why there are so many castles and fortresses.

The famous Batle of Clavijo, in the Reconquista, took place near the capital, Logroño. According to the legend, Saint James appeared to fight for the Christian army. The iron cross on top of the castle was adopted as the Cross of the order of Santiago.

St. James Way crosses La Rioja from the East to the West. Places like Santo Domingo de la Calzada, San Millán de la Cogolla, Nájera and of course Logroño are well known.

San Bartolomé, Logroño

Other places that are worthy a visit are:

Rioja Alta:
Valley: Abalos and Briones at la Sonsierra.
Mountain: Anguiano.

Rioja Media:
Valley: Nalda in the region of Logroño.
Mountain: Villoslada de Cameros and Ortigosa de Cameros and Torrecilla en Cameros, at Camero Nuevo.
Soto en Cameros at Leza River Canyon, at Camero Viejo.

Rioja Baja:
Valley: Calahorra, Arnedo and Alfaro.
Mountain: Cervera del río Alhama.