The province of La Rioja is famous for its wines and vineyard landscapes. Therefore, there is a unique experience for lovers of nature and good wine that is to cross part of this province on a bicycle route. So that it does not involve such a great effort and is affordable to all people, we propose ebike routes.
In this article we recommend some of the best ebike routes to enjoy La Rioja and its landscapes.
But, first of all, many people wonder why it is good that these routes are done with ebike and not with a conventional bicycle.
Why choose an ebike?
If you are a cycling enthusiast but not an athletic cyclist, you may have already noticed that when you have to climb hills or cover long distances it is very costly for you. For this reason, electric bicycles or ebikes are the perfect solution. With them, anyone can cover longer distances with less effort. So you can enjoy the scenery without worrying too much about the physical effort. With an ebike you can enjoy the gentle hills and extensive vineyards of La Rioja with greater ease and flexibility.
In addition, this type of bicycle is an environmentally friendly option that allows you to immerse yourself in nature without causing a significant environmental impact.
With all this, I hope we have convinced you to choose an ebike for your sightseeing tours in La Rioja.
Recommended routes in La Rioja to do with an electric bicycle or ebike.
Here are the best routes according to our opinion and experience.
Rioja Alta Wine Route
Some general information about the route is as follows:
- Distance: 40
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Now we tell you a little more information and why to choose it. The route starts in Haro. This city is well known in the world of wine for its traditions, wineries and the famous festival of the Battle of the Wine. In addition, some of the best wines of La Rioja are produced in the vineyards and wineries of the area (such as the Muga wineries or the López de Heredia winery). Once we leave this beautiful city, we will drive along secondary roads and rural roads surrounded by vineyards.
As we move forward we come across the village of Briones. In this village is the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, which offers a fascinating insight into the history, culture and science of wine.
Continuing north, we reach the small hilltop village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. This village has a medieval castle that offers spectacular views of the Ebro valley. Here you can rest and enjoy the tranquility, as well as taste some local wines in the nearby wineries.
On your return we recommend the López de Heredia winery in Haro. This winery is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the Haro area. Its impressive architecture and commitment to traditional winemaking techniques make it an unforgettable visit. They offer guided tours and tastings that will allow you to discover the winemaking process of their historic wines.
If you are going on this route, some of our tips are to explore the surrounding area. In addition to the wineries, Haro has a lively Plaza Mayor with tapas bars and stores selling local products.
If you are not a regular cyclist, we recommend taking regular breaks. The route has some moderate slopes, so it is advisable to rest to fully enjoy each section. Finally, we recommend that you do the route in spring or autumn. In summer the temperatures are high; if you are going to do it at this time, bring enough water and sun protection.
Ebro Route
Some of the general data of this route are:
- Distance: 50 km
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 4-5 hours
This route runs along the longest river in Spain, the Ebro, and combines the natural beauty of the water with the serenity of the vineyards that stretch along both sides of the river.
The starting point is Logroño. This city is the capital of the autonomous community of La Rioja and is known for the Calle Laurel, where there are tapas bars and a festive atmosphere.
From Logroño, you will follow the course of the river to the west, passing through villages such as Fuenmayor and Cenicero. This stretch is ideal to enjoy relaxed cycling, with gentle slopes and constant views of the river and adjacent vineyards.
First, you will arrive in Fuenmayor. There you can take a break to explore family wineries and enjoy a wine tasting in a more intimate, rural setting.
Then you will reach Cenicero. Here you will find the Marqués de Cáceres wineryknown for its high quality wines. The visit to this winery offers an opportunity to learn about wine production and enjoy a tasting in a quiet and sophisticated environment. This modern winery has a great winemaking tradition with some of the best wines in the area. In addition, it offers guided tours that include an in-depth look at its vineyards and winemaking processes, as well as tastings of its acclaimed wines.
To begin or end the route, we recommend the Stone Bridge of Logroño, which offers views of both the Ebro River and the city.
Tips for this route: do not miss the opportunity to enjoy tapas in Calle Laurel, especially if you plan to start or end the route in Logroño.
The scenery along the river is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, so bring your camera to capture memorable moments.
As the route is around the river, it is advisable to check the water level, especially if it has rained recently, as some areas may be flooded or slippery.
Route of the Sierra de Cantabria
The data on this route are:
- Distance: 60 km
- Difficulty: High
- Duration: 5-6 hours
This route is for more experienced cyclists looking for a challenge. It starts in Laguardia (a fortified medieval village with cobblestone streets and subway cellars) and climbs through rocky terrain with spectacular views of terraced vineyards and the Ebro valley.
It is true that the climb up the mountain range can be demanding, but the panoramic views along the way are worth it.
Along the route we pass through Samaniego and Labastida. These two villages have a rural charm and an ancient winemaking tradition.
In Labastida you can see the ruins of an ancient castle that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and vineyards.
In the town of Laguardia the route passes through the winery Ysios. This winery is known for its excellent wines, but also for its spectacular modern architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava. During the visit to the winery you will enjoy a wine tasting in this impressive modern winery.
Some of the advice we can offer is that this route, unlike the others, requires physical preparation. Make sure you are well hydrated and carry energy food for the most demanding sections. In addition, it is advisable to carry a bicycle repair kit. Finally, being a route in the mountains, the weather is unpredictable, so dress in layers and be prepared for temperature changes.
General tips for your Ebike adventure
Finally, here are some tips for when you go on an ebike route.
First of all, it is essential to plan your route. Before setting out, research the route you are going to follow. Knowing the distance, terrain profile and points of interest will help you better plan your day and avoid surprises with your bike's autonomy. Avoid running out of charge or schedule recharging points.
It is also very important to wear appropriate clothing for cycling and the weather. A helmet is essential for your safety. Also, make sure your ebike battery is fully charged before you leave.
If you want to visit a winery or eat at a restaurant, book in advance. To make your experience complete, take the opportunity to sample Riojan cuisine in local restaurants. Traditional dishes, such as Rioja-style potatoes and vine-sawn chops, are a perfect complement to your wine adventure.
Another perfect complement is the wine. Each winery has its own history and winemaking techniques. Take advantage of guided tours to learn more about the winemaking process and how it influences the taste and quality of the wine.
Finally, but very importantly, always respect the environment. The beauty of La Rioja lies in its nature and its carefully tended wine-growing environment. Respect the vineyards, do not leave litter and follow the indications of the wineries and local authorities.
We hope this article has made you want to explore the vineyards of La Rioja by ebike. Each route offers a unique perspective of the region, from rolling hills to challenging mountain trails, all surrounded by the charm of wine tourism. In case you don't have an ebike and would like to rent one, from Grape Adventure We have an ebike rental service, but we also do ebike routes in La Rioja. Come with us and discover La Rioja in a different way.
