Hikes in Logroño

It’s especially important to carry enough water on this stage; the trail stretches on for quite a while, particularly between Torres del Río and Viana, and there are no places to refill your water supply. Otherwise, this is a fairly noisy stage, especially as you pass through the greater Viana area and Logroño itself.> From Los Arcos 01, the trail climbs uphill at a pleasantly gentle gradient. At the top, we see a substation to the left of the trail and, in the distance to the left-front, Sansol. Walking through the fields with no shade, it takes a while before we turn right onto the Camino through olive groves and, after some time, come to the NA-7205. Following this road for about 1.5 km takes us directly to Sansol 02. With fresh water in our packs, we descend to the picturesque Torres del Río 03, located just 0.8 km below Sansol. From here, the path repeatedly climbs and descends steeply for a while, which takes its toll on our energy. We also come to a road and soon reach a shady pine grove—first briefly to the left, then to the right. Passing a rock garden built by pilgrims, we can take a short break at the Ermita del Poyo 04. Then, heading downhill and switching to the left side of the road (caution!), we turn right onto the path after the curve and the guardrail. On a clear day, we can make out the distinctive church tower of Viana in the distance. From the plain, the Camino leads relatively quickly downhill along switchbacks that are quite steep in places. Along the way, we repeatedly come across small “emergency shelters”—a sort of “igloo” made of stones where you can seek shelter from the sun and rain; however, not all of them are in the best condition anymore. We stay on the marked main trail, which soon veers left toward the road. Passing a small snack bar—open only in the summer—we stay below the road and, after a few minutes, reach a rest area at the end of a vineyard. After climbing a small incline, we cross to the other side of the road and face one last steep ascent. From here on, the Camino alternates between a gravel path and the shoulder of the heavily trafficked NA-1110. So be careful—our pedestrian path isn’t very wide! The last stretch to Viana drags on quite a bit, and we don’t cross the road until we reach the town sign to make our way up into the city. Through Viana’s beautiful and historic old town 05, we head downhill again along back roads, passing a school. We come to a country road, cross it to the left, and then go under the NA-1110. For now, we leave the noise behind and walk along gravel and farm roads. After about three-quarters of an hour, we reach the Virgen de Cuevas 06. From there, we head toward the main road, which we cross via a pedestrian bridge through a small pine grove. After walking 1.5 km along it, we cross the provincial border into La Rioja—and reach our destination for the stage—as we enter the metropolitan area. We then pass under both the N-111 and the highway and walk uphill on the red asphalt. The last 3 km or so to the Río Ebro drag on once again. Passing vineyards, the path soon descends into the suburbs. Seen from above, Logroño doesn’t look like much, but as soon as we reach the bridge, we’re treated to beautiful views of the old town. Beyond the bridge, a sign on the right points us toward one of the hostels or the city center, home to Logroño’s impressive cathedral 07.

At first, it’s relatively difficult to find the right way out of the city, as the trail markers get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. With the exception of the area around Navarrete, however, the trail becomes all the more charming.> We begin this stage at Logroño’s central square, 01, near the Catedral Santa María de Palacio, and take Calle Portales straight ahead toward the west. Before taking the second left at the roundabout, we pass the tourist information office. We follow Calle Marqués de Murrieta for a while and, at the next (palm-tree-lined) roundabout, cross the street to the left, then keep to the right and arrive at the large Palacio de Justicia de la Rioja via the street, which still bears the same name. At the third roundabout, the arrows become more frequent again. So we follow them across the street and then turn left. Passing the police station, we soon turn right over a bridge into a large park, which we cross entirely. At another roundabout, we turn left into another park and eventually pass under the approaching highway. We made it! Now the Camino leads us for a good 2 km along a long tree-lined avenue that leaves the urban landscape behind in favor of more nature. Ultimately, it leads into the inviting Parque de la Grajera y la Barranca 02—Logroño’s oasis of tranquility. Large playgrounds, barbecue and rest areas, as well as a beautiful lake, round out the grounds. At the lake, we turn right, then left, as the arrows guide us safely through the extensive network of paths. Once the park is behind us, we hike uphill through the vineyards of La Rioja. The trail alternates between asphalt and gravel and offers beautiful views from above. Winding toward the road, we soon reach it, and the tranquility comes to an end for the next 3 km. We walk almost exclusively alongside the road all the way to Navarrete. At the Alto de la Grajera 03 pass, the trail descends past ruins and abandoned buildings. Behind the region’s “landmark”—the large bull—we cross the road as soon as the trail ends. Caution! We hike along the paved road for 100 m until we’re directed to the right through more vineyards, and Navarrete lies ahead of us. We cross the highway bridge and immediately pass the remains of an old pilgrim’s hostel. As you make your way up into this small, charming town, it’s worth taking a look inside Navarrete’s large, magnificent 16th-century church (Iglesia de la Asunción). Behind the church, a path leads up the hill, offering an excellent panoramic view. Otherwise, we follow the trail markers, which lead along the old town and soon exit the town to the left. For about another 600 m, we follow the road on the left until we reach a cemetery (with a Roman gate) and turn onto the path next to it. Imperceptibly but steadily, we leave the paved road behind and walk leisurely uphill through the characteristic vineyards. Eventually, however, the Camino leads us back to the road, which we must cross—despite some conflicting arrows. Straight ahead to the highway, then left, and for a good 1.5 km straight ahead under the bridge, the Camino takes us left toward Ventosa 05.Passing along the “1 km of Art” project—initiated by pilgrims and residents—we arrive at a hostel (open only in summer), the obligatory bar/restaurant, and the church with its fountain in the center of the village of Ventosa 06, which offers plenty of peace and quiet as well as beautiful views.Coming from the bar or the church, we turn left onto the next road, following the unpaved main path that eventually leads us to the Alto de Poyo Pass 07. The final few meters uphill are somewhat arduous, as the trail is badly eroded and very muddy when wet. From there on to Nájera, we follow the downward slope, walking under the approaching country road and alongside it. About 3.5 km before our destination for the day, there’s an ideal rest area with a domed shelter 08. Continuing past the factory, across a small river, and under the large highway bridge, you’ll find a rest area on the left. Passing it and continuing straight ahead, we quickly reach our destination. There, we walk along the main road toward the bridge and the Rio Nájerillo. There are already several hostels along the way. Next to the bridge itself is the Nájera Tourist Information Office 09.

During this journey, you can enjoy the best cuisine of La Rioja.

Chemin de StJean Pied de Port à santiago de Compostella

Tappa 6. Pay attention. After Viana you will see Logrono, but you are still far from the city! Under the sun is quite heavy!