Laguardia

Vineyard walking around Laguardia

Laguardia rises above the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, surrounded by medieval walls and the agricultural landscape of one of northern Spain's best-known wine-growing areas. The GR® 38 Wine & Fish Route passes through the town as it crosses the vineyards between the Ebro valley and the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño.

Within the walls, narrow stone streets and historic buildings form a compact centre largely separated from the surrounding road network. Beneath the town lies a network of underground wine cellars, while beyond the walls vineyards spread across the lower slopes towards the Ebro valley.

The Sierra de Toloño rises immediately to the north, giving Laguardia a distinctive position between vineyard country and the higher landscapes beyond. From the town and surrounding paths, views extend across Rioja Alavesa, with the mountains forming a prominent backdrop to walks through the vineyards.

Laguardia has accommodation, cafés, restaurants, shops and visitor facilities, making it practical both as an overnight stop on the GR® 38 and as a base for spending several days exploring Rioja Alavesa on foot.

Exploring Laguardia on foot

The GR® 38 Wine & Fish Route approaches Laguardia through vineyards and along rural tracks from the direction of Oyón-Oion. Walking here is characterised by open agricultural landscapes, vineyard tracks and quiet roads, with long views towards the Sierra de Toloño.

From Laguardia, walkers can explore shorter routes through the surrounding vineyards or continue north on the GR® 38 towards the foothills. The changing landscape is particularly apparent here, as the broad vineyard country south of the town gradually gives way to rising ground beneath the mountains.

The historic centre can also form part of a walking day. Passing through the medieval streets before returning to the surrounding vineyard paths creates a strong contrast between the compact hilltop settlement and the open landscape around it.

For long-distance walkers, Laguardia marks an important stop before the GR® 38 continues north towards higher terrain. For those staying longer, the same network of vineyard tracks and paths makes the town a useful base for exploring Rioja Alavesa without needing to follow the entire trail.

For walkers staying in Laguardia, Hotel Pachico provides a base within the historic town close to the surrounding vineyard landscape and the GR® 38 Wine & Fish Route. From here, walkers can explore Rioja Alavesa on foot, follow the GR® 38 through the vineyards, or head towards the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño for longer days in the surrounding landscape.