La RiojaOf Walks And Of Wine
La Rioja takes its name from the Rio Oja - one of the tributaries of the mighty River Ebro - and it's the Ebro's passage through the region that gives rise to the beautiful fertile countryside so suited to wine cultivation and horticulture, in general. The capital - Logroño - is a delightful city and a perfect place from where to base any holiday in the region. Set on the banks of the Ebro, its full of serene parks and the bars and restaurants along Calle del Laurel - known as the 'path of elephants'- are famous for the best pinchos in Northern Spain. The city was an important stop along the Camino de Santiago, as was the unmissable Santo Domingo de la Calzada, and the region is littered with awe-inspiring religious buildings and monuments, including the monasteries of Suso and Yuso at San Millan de Cogolla - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And of course, one of the highlights of a visit to the city and the region is a guided tour round one of the bodegas followed by a generous winetasting session. In fact, the real draw of La Rioja is the combination of the Camino de Santiago, lovely countryside and the wine, and Wine and Walking holidays are becoming increasingly popular. Apart from Logroño and Santo Domingo de la Calzada, any of the other major towns - Calahorra, Arnedo, Alfaro, Haro and Nájera - are ideal bases for a cultural and rural break. If you're thinking of visiting this undiscovered gem, the closest International Airport is Vitoria Airport as only domestic flights serve Logroño.
The new edition of the DK Eyewitness Guide to Northern Spain Football In La RiojaIt has to be said that Rioja region is no superpower when it comes to football. The region's main side has always been CD Logroñés, who played in the Primera Liga until the mid-nineties. However, things haven't gone well for them and a series of relegations and financial difficulties will mean they'll be in the amateur Regional Preferente in 2009-10.The relatively new Logroñés CF were only formed a few years ago and currentlt compete in Segunda B. Group 16 of Tercera is made entirely of Riojan sides and the Federación Riojana de Fútbol runs a full array of amateur, youth and women's competitions. Where To StayIf you're looking for somewhere to stay in the Basque Country, please use Spain Accomodation Search to find hotels in the Logroño area.The engine searches the databases of the companies listed below and returns with a list of hotels at all prices and star ratings. Once you click through, you can make the booking directly with the company and also browse for last minute deals.
If you're looking for something a little cheaper or even further off the beaten track, Click Here For The Best Prices And Widest Choice of Hostels in the Basque Country One of the best ways of getting about the region is by car, so Click Here for La Rioja Car Hire Search of the major towns in La Rioja.
Vitoria Airport Books and Guides to La Rioja: On Amazon.co.uk 
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includes an extensive section on La Rioja and Navarra and also covers Galicia, Asturias,
Cantabria and Aragón and, whilst Ron Scarborough's
gives a very personal view of the region and also gives great insights into the wines that make the region famous.
