Spanish holidays in La Rioja, north Spain : rent accommodation

La Rioja, famous for its fruity red wines is an autonomous community bordering the Basque Region in northern Spain. A land of vineyards and monasteries, La Rioja is a place for those who appreciate good wine and outstanding architecture.

The fertile soil northern Spain yields a rich grape harvest. The best wines are produced along the Ebro Valley. Rioja is especially known for good quality red wine produced from Tempranillo grape variety. Many vineyards offer tasting tours and wine connoisseurs can spend many pleasant afternoons wandering amongst bountiful vines, sampling the best from the region’s wine cellars. You can also purchase a case or two to help you recall memories of your holiday when you return home.

The city of Logroño is set on the banks of the River Ebro and is a great base for exploring the Rioja wine-producing region. The old quarter of the city is set with some fine historical buildings including lovely gothic churches and the fabulous baroque La Rioja Museum. In the evening try tasty morsels from the extensive tapas menu accompanied by local red wine. Traditional dishes include sweet red peppers and slow roasted lamb.

• Holiday accommodation in Spain : villas, apartments and houses

The ancient pilgrimage route, the Way of St James, passes through some of La Rioja’s loveliest towns. For hundreds of years, pilgrims have come through San Millan de la Cogolla and monasteries were established here as early as 550AD. Today the monasteries have attracted World Heritage status and the ancient stone buildings are a wonder of middle age and medieval religious architecture.

For riotous fun, come to the historic town of Haro on the 29th of June. Every year the residents turn the town red with the ‘Battle of the Wine’ festival. Revellers take to the streets and fire wine filled water pistols at each other and hold lively drinking competitions.

Self-catering holiday villas and accommodation to rent in La Rioja: