10 | Arnedillo | Rioja Oriental

Although off the beaten path in La Rioja, Arnedillo is a fantastic village to base and explore the less-visited Rioja Oriental wine region. This small pueblo offers lots of unique things to do as it’s tucked within the Hez and Peñalmonte mountain ranges. Arnedillo is located in the heart of the Arnedillo Biosphere Reserve with the Ciadcos River cutting through the hamlet and the valley.

Surrounded by so much natural beauty, there is a wide range of things to do in Arnedillo. The tiny town is probably most famous for its natural hot springs. The Termas de Arnedillo are free to enjoy and are quite rustic and sit along the Ciadcos River. If visiting and looking for a more spa-like experience, the Balneario TermaEuropa Arnedillo Hotel has rooms and day passes.

Do wander through the picturesque streets. The small town boasts numerous viewpoints and outdoor adventures from hiking and biking trails. This is also a fantastic place to observe Griffon Vultures or simply connect deeper with nature. There are also notable towns to visit nearby like Santa Eulalia Bajera with the Las Cuevas del Ajedrezado (Chess Caves).

More Noteworthy La Rioja Villages

There are so many picturesque villages found throughout the La Rioja autonomous community and the La Rioja wine region. I feel so fortunate that I have been able to visit so many, but these are a few I missed.

✔︎ Sajazarra is a lovely fortified village in the Rioja Alta region. The town boasts a castle, old city gates, bodegas, and a plethora of outdoor art exhibitions. This pueblo is also found on Spain’s most beautiful villages list.

✔︎ Viniegra de Abajo & Viniegra de Arriba are two towns found near the southern border of the La Rioja region. These two villages are found on the Las Pueblos Mas Bonita de España and boast beautiful stone homes and cobblestone streets. Both towns are tucked between the Sierra de la Demanda and the Sierra de Urbión Mountains and provide a variety of hiking trails.

Conclusion | Beautiful La Rioja Villages That Are Worth Visiting

In short, this is a list of must-see villages in the La Rioja region. This guide includes towns from both the La Rioja Wine Region and the autonomous community of La Rioja.

These La Rioja villages include picturesque hilltop towns, historical sites, and incredible vineyards. Besides the unique wine culture, these La Rioja villages offer activities like hiking trails, hot springs, and visiting sites connected to the Camino de Santiago French Way.

A few of these listed La Rioja villages are included on the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain list and are worth seeing. While some travelers may opt to base in Logroño, the bustling capital of La Rioja, it is worth taking day trips to experience these charming towns.