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Home > Articles and tour tips > La Rioja > La Rioja Regional Information
07-03-2025
In this article, we cover the “basics” you need to know before traveling/cycling to La Rioja. Among other topics, you’ll learn about the various ways to travel to La Rioja, things to see and do, and more…
For general travel tips to Spain, we recommend you check:
How to get there: Airports
We have two tours in this region, one starting in Burgos and one starting in Logroño. For those traveling to Burgos, the town has a local airport called Villafría (RGS) that you can fly into. That being said, it is a very small airport that only flies to and from Barcelona, so you will probably need a connecting flight first!
For those traveling to Logroño, this town also has an airport called Logroño–Agoncillo Airport (RJL). Again, this airport is very small and only flies to and from Madrid, so you will probably need a connecting flight first.
One can also make their way to Burgos/Logroño from larger airports in the region such as Bilbao and Madrid.
How to get there: Trains
Europe is known for its excellent train system, and Spain’s Rail system (owned by Renfe) is known for its high-speed AVE trains. However, please read the following information below about traveling SpainRail with a bike. Depending on the type of train, you may need to fold/case your bicycle in order to travel with it.
If you wish to travel by train with your bike to La Rioja, do read the following articles:
Spain Rail
La Rioja is not very well-covered by SpainRail, but it is a great way to travel to Spain’s main cities. In this region, SpainRail does serve the following towns: Burgos, Haro, Logroño, Agoncillo, Alcanadre, and Calahorra. However, you are more likely to find a more direct route by bus.
To Burgos
To Logroño
Car Rental
You may choose to rent a car in Spain for part of your journey. Dealers can be found at most Spanish airports and in the downtown area of towns (for Burgos and Logroño double-check to see if the pick up location is the airport or the train station). You can find the best deals by comparing rental companies online: Avis (www.avis.com), Europcar (www.europcar.com), Budget (www.budget.com), SIXT (www.sixt.com), Hertz Espagne (www.hertz.com), and Enterprise Espagne (www.enterprise.com). Note that drivers must be over 21 to rent a car (21-25 year olds may face extra fees) and they must possess a valid driver’s license. (An international driver’s license would help.)
When is the best time to travel to La Rioja?
While May to October is the best time to visit for mild weather and vibrant outdoor activities, Autumn (September and October) stands out as the most magical time for wine lovers, offering the thrill of the harvest season, beautiful vineyard views, and lively festivals. Whether you're after sunny days and cultural events in summer or peaceful wine tastings in winter, La Rioja offers something special year-round.
What is there to see and do in La Rioja?
Museums, Monasteries, and Monuments- oh my! When not enjoying the local cuisine, La Rioja has lots to see and do. There are plenty of museums, 11 monasteries, and beautiful architecture in local churches and castles. La Rioja has over 500 wineries (called bodegas), though Haro in particular is this region’s ‘wine capital’. Many tasting rooms don’t even require appointments! If you’re looking for an educational experience, Bodegas Vivanco just outside of Haro also has a historical wine museum.
To learn more about some things to do and to see in La Rioja:
The Terrain
This region is home to rolling hills, glittering with the silver and green of olive groves and vineyards. While we won’t be doing any tough climbs, you’ll be able to see the gorgeous mountain range that borders La Rioja to the north. La Rioja also boasts seven rivers that decorate the landscape.
La Rioja Weather and Climate
La Rioja usually has warm and dry summers typical of continental climates. It only rains about 1-4 days a month - but we suggest wearing layers of clothing so that you are ready for cooler, foggy, mornings and hotter afternoons.
Temperature and Rainfall
Local produce/shopping
La Rioja is renowned for its world-class wines, and while it’s almost a given to visit the local wineries for tastings, make sure you leave room in your suitcase for a bottle (or two) of your favorite vintage to take home. Wine is so beloved here that you can even try Rioja Wine Sorbet — a refreshing, boozy twist on dessert!
Beyond wine, the region is famous for its fresh, seasonal produce. Look out for artichokes, cardoons, and borage, which feature prominently in local dishes. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the chance to savor tender beef and succulent lamb—both staples of La Rioja’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you're enjoying a farm-to-table meal or browsing the vibrant markets, you’ll find an abundance of flavors that reflect the region’s deep connection to its land.
Gastronomy and wine: Wine
La Rioja is not just Spain’s most famous wine region — it’s a true paradise for wine lovers. Known for its Tempranillo grapes, the region also produces a rich variety of other wines. Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo contribute to bold reds, while Viura, Malvasia, and Tempranillo Blanco offer crisp, refreshing whites. The region even produces delicate rosados (rosés) that are perfect for sipping on warm afternoons. Whether you’re into rich, aged reds with deep flavors or prefer the bright, zesty notes of a young white, La Rioja has something to suit every palate.
Gastronomy: Food products
La Rioja surprises with its delectable fish dishes, particularly trout and cod, which are often prepared in traditional and flavorful ways that reflect the region's culinary creativity. When it comes to desserts, don't miss the fardalejos, a scrumptious almond pastry cake, or the region’s famed marzipan, which offers a sweet taste of local tradition.
La Rioja’s Camerano cheese is a must-try – rich, creamy, and often paired with honey for a sweet and savory experience. For hearty meals, Patatas a la Riojana is a comforting stew made with tender potatoes, flavorful chorizo, and a hint of smoky paprika, perfect for warming you up on cooler evenings. Caparrones con sus Sacramentos is another local specialty – a satisfying dish of pygmy red kidney beans, slow-cooked in a savory mix of meat and onions. Each bite tells a story of La Rioja’s agricultural richness and culinary heritage!
List of links
Tourism
https://vivancoculturadevino.es/en/
Airports:
Burgos: www.aena.es/en/burgos-airport/index.html
Logroño: www.aena.es/en/logrono-agoncillo-airport/index.html
Madrid: www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/eng/home.html
Bilbao: www.aena.es/en/bilbao-airport/index.html
Trains
Madrid Commuter line: https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/suburban-madrid/maps
Buses
ALSA: www.alsa.com
CuadraBus: https://cuadra.ingeniacom.com/venta/selection
BizkaiBus: http://apli.bizkaia.net
Car Rental
List of markets
We’ve organized some notable markets by location, date and time. If you happen to be in the area, stop by to check out the local produce! You never know what you’ll find.
Burgos
Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9am-2pm: Mercadillo de Frutas y Verduras
Wednesdays, 9am-2pm: Mercadillo del Parque de los Poetas
Fridays, 9am-2pm: Mercadillo del Paseo del Empecinado
Saturdays, 9am-2pm: Mercadillo de San Pedro De La Fuente
Sundays, 9am-2pm: Mercadillo Plantío
Sundays, 10am-2pm: Mercadillo de la Plaza de España
Ezcaray
Saturdays: Triumphal Arch
Haro
Tuesdays & Saturdays, morning: Calle Siervas de Jesús
Laguardia
Tuesdays & Fridays, 8am-2pm: Calle Santa Engracia Kalea
Logroño
Sundays, morning: Camino de las Norias
Mondays-Fridays 7:30am-2pm, 4:30pm- 8pm, Saturdays 7:30am-2pm: Mercado de San Blas
Please note that market schedules can change due to local holidays, special events, or unforeseen circumstances. It's advisable to verify the current timings and availability closer to your visit by checking local sources or contacting the respective town halls for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
For more information on our cycling tours, feel free to contact us or visit the rest of our website!
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