Alesanco · La Rioja
Charming towns, wineries, trails and great food around your apartment.
BookThe area
Culture, wine and history within very few kilometres of Alesanco.
Yuso and Suso monasteries, birthplace of Spanish and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn more →Birthplace of the Spanish language. Its two monasteries — Suso (Visigothic-Mozarabic) and Yuso (the "Escorial of La Rioja") — have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1997. The first words ever written in Spanish (the Glosas Emilianenses) were penned here.
Natural hot springs by the river Cidacos, in a charming village with stunning views.
Learn more →Arnedillo is famous for its natural thermal pools by the river Cidacos, with water emerging at over 50 °C. You can bathe for free outdoors all year round. The village retains its medieval centre, a historic spa and spectacular valley views. Perfect for a day trip.
Monastery of Santa María la Real and old town by the Najerilla river.
Learn more →Former capital of the Kingdom of Nájera-Pamplona. Its jewel is the Monastery of Santa María la Real, a royal pantheon with a stunning Knights' Cloister. A lovely old town by the Najerilla river.
An essential Camino de Santiago stop and its famous rooster cathedral.
Learn more →An essential stop on the Camino de Santiago. Its cathedral famously keeps a live rooster and hen inside (the legend of the cock and hen). A beautifully preserved medieval centre, with a Parador in the former pilgrims' hospital.
The heart of Rioja wine: century-old wineries, tastings and tours.
Learn more →The capital of Rioja wine. Its Station District holds the world's largest concentration of century-old wineries, with tastings and guided tours. Home of the famous June Wine Battle.
One of La Rioja's prettiest villages and its ski resort in the Sierra de la Demanda.
Learn more →One of La Rioja's most charming villages, at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda. In winter, the Valdezcaray ski resort (26 slopes); in summer, hiking and nature. Top-notch dining.
The capital and its legendary tapas street. A must for food lovers.
Learn more →The regional capital. Its Calle Laurel is a temple of "pinchos" (tapas) and wine — dozens of bars, each with its own speciality. Old town, the Concathedral of La Redonda and the Camino de Santiago.
The Monastery of Light, a 13th-century Cistercian gem with a spectacular cloister.
Learn more →Just minutes from Alesanco, the Monastery of Santa María de San Salvador (known as the Monastery of Light) is a 13th-century Cistercian jewel. Its Gothic church floods the interior with natural light. It is run by cloistered nuns who make traditional sweets.
A medieval hilltop village with the Vivanco Wine Museum and stunning views.
Learn more →One of the most beautiful villages in La Rioja, perched on a hill overlooking the Ebro river and the Sierra de Cantabria. Home to Bodegas Vivanco and its Wine Culture Museum, one of the best in the world. Cobbled streets, manor houses and a Gothic-Renaissance church.
Things to do
Wineries, trails and nature to fill your getaway.
Century-old wineries in Haro and the Vivanco wine museum in Briones.
Learn more →You're in the heart of La Rioja Alta. Haro's Station District holds legendary wineries (Muga, López de Heredia, CVNE, La Rioja Alta…) with tours and tastings. And in Briones, Bodegas Vivanco combines a winery with a spectacular Museum of Wine Culture.
A former railway turned walking and cycling trail, between Casalarreina and Ezcaray.
Learn more →About 28 flat, well-surfaced km along the old railway line, ideal for walking or cycling with the family. It crosses the Camino de Santiago at Santo Domingo de la Calzada and climbs up to Ezcaray.
The French Way passes right by: Nájera, Azofra, Cirueña and Santo Domingo.
Learn more →The French Way crosses the area. Soak up its atmosphere, walk or cycle a stage (Nájera to Santo Domingo is one of the prettiest) or simply explore the pilgrim villages around Alesanco.
A surprising garden with over 600 species from around the world, just 5 minutes from Alesanco.
Learn more →Created by a local botany enthusiast, this garden brings together over 600 plant species from five continents right in the heart of La Rioja. An unexpected and highly recommended spot, especially in spring and summer. Guided visits by appointment.
Hiking in the Sierra de la Demanda in summer and skiing at Valdezcaray in winter.
Learn more →The Sierra de la Demanda, around Ezcaray, offers hiking trails (GR-93, GR-190) through forests and meadows. In winter, the Valdezcaray ski resort. Pure nature a short drive from home.
White-water rafting on the Najerilla river, with family-friendly and adventure sections.
Learn more →The river Najerilla, just minutes from Alesanco, offers rafting for all levels. The family section (4 km, grade II-III, ages 8+) is perfect for kids. The classic run from Viniegra de Abajo steps it up (grade III-IV, ages 12+, 2.5 h on the water). Companies like Rafting Rioja Aventura and Moscaventur run trips with all gear included.
Gastronomy
Riojan cuisine to enjoy at leisure, in the village and around.
Fancy exploring all this? Our apartment with pool in Alesanco is your perfect base camp. Book direct with no fees and enjoy La Rioja at your own pace.