What to see in Haro, the undisputed capital of Rioja wine

Wine Tasting in the Barrio de la Estación

I couldn’t start any other way. Nowadays, tourism in Haro is unimaginable without an in-depth visit to the Barrio de la Estación or, in other words, the Wine Cellar District, also known as the golden mile of Rioja wine. Wineries with a long history, many years of success behind them, and iconic names. In fact, we are talking about the area with the highest concentration of century-old wineries in La Rioja, Spain, and probably the world.
The location of this district around the train station is no coincidence. Initially, it was a response to the need to buy wine by French winemakers, and by the end of the 19th century, it marked the beginnings of the wine cellar district that we see today.
Those pioneering names as important as López de Heredia, CVNE, Gómez Cruzado, Bodegas Bilbaínas, or Bodegas La Rioja Alta were later joined by Bodegas Muga and Bodegas Roda in subsequent decades. I’m sure most of these names sound familiar to you, right?
What’s the best way to explore the Barrio de las Bodegas in Haro? It depends on your preferences. You can choose to visit one of them and book a guided tour of their facilities, including a tasting. You can also stroll through the area and take the opportunity to taste wines in the spaces provided by each winery. You can even attend cool events like La Cata del Barrio de la Estación to discover them all in an unbeatable atmosphere.
However, regardless of the date, make sure to check the schedules because many wineries close on Sundays, both for guided tours and for their sales and tasting facilities. But there are plenty of wineries beyond the Barrio de la Estación. Haro is full of them, and some are very interesting for planning a visit. You can find the complete list on the Haro Tourism website.

Tapas in La Herradura

Just hearing this name makes my mouth water instantly. It’s no secret that La Rioja is a super powerful gastronomic destination, and Haro is a magnificent example. It has nothing to envy to Calle Laurel in Logroño. The area known as La Herradura is a cluster of pedestrian streets and squares filled with bars and taverns. If you enjoy tapas accompanied by a good wine, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, they call it “pintxo-pote.” It’s a great way to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this city and taste the best tapas from several establishments. The best time to wander through these streets is during vermouth time or in the evening.

Plaza de la Paz

This is the nerve center of Haro’s old town. Its terraces, the constant coming and going of people, and especially the neoclassical-style Town Hall, its most emblematic building, make it a must-see place in Haro. Additionally, another beautiful building, now converted into a Tourist Office, is located in the square. There, you can get maps of the city, the surrounding area, and even the whole of La Rioja.

Santo Tomás Church

Its tall tower stands elegantly above the rest of the buildings in the center of Haro. We venture through the pedestrian streets of this Riojan town to encounter this beautiful Plateresque-style temple. It’s as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside. You cannot miss the details of the Main Altar, considered the largest in La Rioja.

Monumental Palaces

Undoubtedly, this is another of Haro’s strong points. The historic center exudes elegance thanks to a large number of stately homes that populate its streets. They were built between the 16th and 18th centuries, so you can find different architectural styles such as Baroque, Plateresque, or Renaissance. Certainly, a good incentive to extend your visit to Haro and a symbol of the evident economic prosperity of past centuries.
Among them, the Palacio de los Bendaña (now the tourist office), the Palacio de los Condes de Haro, the Palacio de Las Bezaras, and the Palacio de Tejada stand out. This is just to name a few. You will soon realize the architectural richness of this Riojan town.

Briñas Bridge

This is one of my favorite places in Haro. I couldn’t overlook the banks of the Ebro River, much less one of the most important medieval constructions in the area. It is a 13th-century Gothic-style bridge built over a spectacular meander. The view is truly beautiful.
To get here, we must leave the town limits. In reality, it’s a short walk that we can do on foot. It’s barely 20 minutes from the center of Haro and about 15 minutes from the Barrio de la Estación. But it’s not the only green space worth visiting. It’s highly recommended to visit the El Viano recreational area along the Tirón River.

Sculpture Route

A true open-air museum. It consists of 13 bronze statues scattered around some of the city’s iconic places. An ode to the old trades and representative images of this Riojan city. I challenge you to find them all. And if you can’t, the tourist office will provide you with a location map.

Basilica of Nuestra Señora de La Vega

Another of the most notable monuments to see in Haro over a weekend. It is located a few minutes from the pedestrian center of Haro, and beneath that beautiful Baroque facade, it hides the image of the Virgen de la Vega, the patron saint of the city. The festivities in her honor are celebrated on September 8.

San Felices Hermitage

It’s time to take the car and drive just seven kilometers to find one of the most beloved and emblematic places for the locals. It’s the Hermitage of San Felices. Perched on the Bilibio cliffs, this small temple competes to become one of the best viewpoints in La Rioja Alta. The views of the vineyards and the area known as Las Conchas de Haro are incredible.
The popular Batalla del Vino de Haro is held here. If you’re into festivals and strong emotions, you can’t miss the Batalla del Vino de Haro. It’s held next to the hermitage every June 29, on the day of San Pedro.