La Rioja: Spain’s Undiscovered Wine Country Offers a Slower Pace of Travel
Logroño, Spain – While Spain’s tourist hotspots draw crowds, the northern region of La Rioja offers a quieter, more immersive experience for travelers seeking history, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes. This small community, known for its vineyards and medieval heritage, is increasingly attracting visitors looking for an escape from mass tourism.
La Rioja’s appeal lies in its unhurried rhythm. Unlike destinations focused on ticking off monuments, La Rioja invites visitors to explore wineries, wander cobblestone streets, and savor local wines paired with pinchos – the region’s version of tapas.
“People are looking for a different kind of travel experience,” says a local tourism official. “They want to connect with the culture, the land, and the people, and La Rioja offers that in abundance.”
The heart of tourism in La Rioja is Logroño, the region’s capital. The city’s historic center revolves around the Concatedral de Santa María de la Redonda and a network of medieval streets. But the true draw for many is Calle Laurel, a narrow street famed for its concentration of bars serving local wines and pinchos.
Beyond Logroño, the region’s historical and cultural treasures beckon. The monasteries of Suso and Yuso in San Millán de la Cogolla are considered pivotal sites in Spanish cultural history. It was here that the Glosas Emilianenses, some of the earliest known written words in the Castilian language, were discovered. The surrounding valley offers a contrasting landscape of mountains and forests, a welcome change from the region’s extensive vineyards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSvNTbOL8-s[/embed]
Haro, another key destination, is a historic center for Riojan wine. Numerous ancient and prestigious wineries are concentrated here, many offering tours and tastings. This focus on wine culture has become a major driver of tourism in La Rioja, attracting visitors eager to explore the winemaking process and the region’s viticultural traditions.
Smaller towns like Briones, Laguardia, and Santo Domingo de la Calzada also offer unique charms. Exploring these villages, stopping at a local bodega, or simply enjoying a leisurely meal are all integral parts of the La Rioja experience.
As Spain grapples with the challenges of overtourism in popular destinations, La Rioja presents a compelling alternative. It’s a place where visitors can still experience the authenticity and tranquility that are increasingly rare in today’s travel landscape. The region’s blend of history, landscape, and culture offers a compelling reason to slow down and savor the journey.
(Source: eldiario.es)