So, we have been to (and enjoyed) Barcelona, the Basque Country including Bilbao, and Andalucia. We love Spain and are thinking of returning for 10 (+/-) days this September. Thoughts at this point are to spend 2-3 days in Rioja visiting the wineries plus also exploring Asturias. Does this make sense? Any suggestions on where to fly in/out from the USA? And/or itinerary suggestions? Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Bilbao
743 posts
Of course. Two very different regions and both very beautiful. Green, mountainous and also coastal Asturias, with amazing landscapes and great food...very different to that in La Rioja. Take into account that Rioja D.O. wine region should not be mistaken with La Rioja. Rioja DO has three areas: Rioja Alta, with Haro as the most relevant town, then Rioja Alavesa (in the Basque Country), with Laguardia as the relevant town to visit, and then Rioja Orienta, which is in La Rioja and Navarre. La Rioja only offers wine in its upper and eastern parts, the rest does not have wineries, it´s off the D.O. (AOC in France, Designation of Origin). Beautiful towns like Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Nájera, Briones...
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
If you make it to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, visit the cathedral to see the live chickens. There is a legend behind them.
In the Laguardia, Briones area is San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Park the car and walk up to the castle and church. Near Santo Domingo de la Calzada is Ezcaray. It’s pleasant to walk around. All the towns can be visited in a day if you get an early start since they aren’t that far apart.
Posted by
la rioja
590 posts
@mml will you have a car?
And when in September. In La Rioja, and Logroño in particular, the days after the 20th are San Mateos the wine harvest festival. The wine harvest is a busy time in the wineries, and visits may be difficult.
With a car, I would suggest staying in Briones. It is one of the "Most Beautiful Village in Spain". Just below the town is the Dinastia Vivancos wine museum. Haro is nice, but the wineries there are the major ones that you can find in the US. Laguardia is very nice to visit, but every time there are more and more tourists.
Mikel gave a good explanation of the DOC, and its zone, vs the Autonomous Community (which was Booking.com's Most Welcoming Region on Earth, 2023). There is the DOC webpage.
About Asturias, can't really say anything new. Have you thought about Navarra and Zaragoza instead. Flying into Madrid would probably be the easiest. From they you could go to Logroño. There is a bus from the airport, and it would save you having to drive. Then pick up a car in Logroño, visit La Rioja (2-3 days), from there you could go to Olite, which is often recomended, for 2 days. If you do this you want to visit Uxue/Ujue, a beautiful little town outside of Olite. Then go to Zaragoza. You can drop the car off there. Search the forum and you will find that Zaragoza is well praised as a place to visit. From there you can take the AVE train back to Madrid.
Posted by
Madrid
25 posts
I would land in Madrid. And there at the airport, rent a car.
In this google maps I am recommending what to do in Rioja coming from Madrid by car and crossing on the way Ribera del Duero, Aranda de Duero, Lerma and passing very closed to Burgos. Those are places that are worth to visit on the way. Then getting out from Rioja and stopping in Vitoria, crossing Bilbao, Santander and arriving to Oviedo in Asturias by the coast. I am not an expert on Asturias.
In Google maps it means 849 kms which is not huge considering you are going to be 10 days
I would go back to Madrid by car (400 kms) or by fast speed train. https://venta.renfe.com/vol/buscarTrenEnlaces.do?c=_XU3d
By car or by train is going to take you more or less the same time
Enjoy the trip :))))
Posted by
OP
NC
396 posts
Thank you all for your kind and helpful responses. Our plan is very nebulous at this point but we would travel sometime between September 1st and the 20th and, yes, have a car. We have previously been to Zaragoza and Vitoria-Gasteiz and are not really interested in returning this trip. In 2019, we had a quick stop in beautiful Laguardia and a fabulous tour/tasting/meal at Bodegas Baigorri. We wished we had had more time to explore that area and to visit a few more wineries. My husband dislikes cities so is intrigued by the idea of poking around (and eating our way through!) Asturias. We are looking for a relaxing time without the pressure to see major sights and hoping to combine both areas into an itinerary that makes sense. That said, I find the planning more difficult than hitting major attractions. So, I very much appreciate all suggestions.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
In Asturias we enjoyed Cangas de Onis and visiting the Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga and Sanctuary of Covadonga. Just west of Asturias is As Catedrais beach. It is best seen at low tide.
There are plenty of small towns one can visit, so no need to go to large cities. Once you have a decent idea of your route, look at the small town to see if any have things of interest to you.
There is a complete list of Spain’s Prettiest Villages online.
Posted by
OP
NC
396 posts
Thank you, @jaimeelsabio!
Posted by
OP
NC
396 posts
Our plans are still a work in progress but, currently, we are thinking this:
Day 1 - Travel
Day 2 - Arrive Madrid - to Avila - to Segovia
Day 3 - to Leon
Day 4 - to Oviedo
Day 5 - to Luarca - Cudillero - Oviedo
Day 6 - to Gijon - Lastres - Ribadesella - Cangas de Onis - Covadonga
Day 7 - to Sotres - Fuente De - Potes
Day 8 - to Laguardia
Day 9 - Laguardia
Day 10 - to Madrid
Day 11 - Madrid
Day 12 - Travel
We will be traveling by car and are open to adding a few more days…though my spouse is happier with less. Would very much appreciate any and all itinerary feedback plus recommendations for places to stay and eat. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
In Laguardia there is an elevator to the top of the hill, Ascensor de Laguardia, and there is free parking near to it by the piscinas municipales. When we visited Laguardia, Briones, and San Vicente de Sonsierra (all the same day) we were staying at the Parador in Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
In León we stayed at the Parador at Plaza San Marcos. It had free parking when we were there.