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Ezcaray

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City
—°5
Ezcaray (Spain)
ℹ️

Practical info — Ezcaray

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • It's best to park on the outskirts of the village, as the streets in the historic center are very narrow and parking is limited.
  • Visit in autumn during mushroom season. The surrounding forests are famous for their variety of edible fungi.
  • For a scenic walk, follow the 'Vía Verde del Oja', a trail built on an old railway line that winds along the river.
  • Plan for your main meal at lunchtime. Many restaurants offer a 'Menú del Día', a great-value set lunch menu that's an excellent way to experience the local gastronomy.
  • Take a look at the Church of Santa María la Mayor in the evening. Its Gothic-style facade is beautifully illuminated at night.

🍽 Food

🍽
Caparrones de Ezcaray

Try this hearty red bean stew, the village's most typical dish. Look for a traditional restaurant serving 'comida casera' (home-style food).

🍽
Vegetables from the Oja Valley

Enjoy dishes made with locally grown vegetables like peppers and borage. The best restaurants source their produce directly from the riverside farms.

🍽
Rioja Wine

No meal is complete without a local Rioja wine. Ask for a recommendation for a 'vino de la casa' (house wine) or a 'Crianza' at any bar or restaurant.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Mantas Ezcaray

Visit the Mantas Ezcaray workshop and store to see the famous mohair and wool blankets that have been made here since 1930. A high-quality, authentic souvenir.

🛍
Local Delicacies

Look for local products like jarred peppers, beans ('caparrones'), or artisanal sausages in small grocery shops ('ultramarinos') to take home with you.

🧘
River Oja Banks

Take a quiet stroll along the River Oja which flows right through the village. There are several small bridges and benches where you can stop and relax.

🧘
Tenorio Park

A small, shady park in the centre of the village, excellent for taking a break from exploring the streets.

🧘
Sierra de la Demanda Hiking Trails

Escape into the mountains on one of the many marked hiking trails that start from Ezcaray. The routes vary in length and difficulty, offering silence and memorable views.

Ezcaray, set at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda, is one of the most appealing villages in the La Rioja region and was the first town in the area to be declared a 'Tourist Villa'. The village impresses with its well-kept architecture featuring stone houses and wooden balconies grouped around cozy squares like Plaza del Quiosco. Ezcaray has managed to preserve its traditions, which is particularly evident in the Royal Blanket Factory (Fábrica de Mantas). The high-quality mohair and wool blankets produced here are known worldwide and are still made today using centuries-old methods. For active travelers, Ezcaray is the gateway to the Valdezcaray ski resort on Mount San Lorenzo, the highest peak in Rioja. In summer, the region transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and mushroom foragers, as the surrounding forests are among the most biodiverse in Northern Spain. The town is also a culinary hotspot; with the two-Michelin-starred 'El Portal de Echaurren', it houses one of the best restaurants in the country, elevating traditional Riojan cuisine to a modern level. Culturally, the town gives the renowned Ezcaray Jazz Festival in July, attracting musicians from around the world. A walk along the Oja River provides relaxation and wonderful photo opportunities. Ezcaray is the convenient place for travelers seeking nature, high-quality craftsmanship, and excellent food in an authentic village setting. The journey from Logroño takes about an hour through the beautiful landscape of the Oja Valley.

Geography

Population
2,109
Coordinates
42.32667, -3.01333

Facts

  • Gateway to Sierra de la Demanda
  • Traditional wool blanket factory
  • Two-Michelin-starred restaurant
  • Near Valdezcaray ski resort
  • Picturesque Plaza del Quiosco
  • Founded in the 10th century
  • Jazz Festival every July
  • Located on the upper Oja river

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ezcaray (5)

Piscina de Usarena🎡 recreation

A swimming pool in Ezcaray offering bathing fun for residents and visitors to the region.

Ermita San Quilez🏺 historical

Romanesque hermitage on a hilltop overlooking the Oja valley.

Ermita de Santa Barbara⛪ religious

A hilltop hermitage overlooking the Oja valley near Ezcaray.

Los hornos de cal🏺 historical

Los hornos de cal features historical ruins found in Ezcaray.

Nevera🏺 historical

An interesting historical site in Ezcaray, preserving the traditional methods of ice storage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous product from Ezcaray?
Handcrafted mohair and wool blankets and scarves from the Mantas Ezcaray factory.
Is there a ski resort nearby?
Yes, Valdezcaray is just 15 km away, good for a winter day trip.
What can you do in Ezcaray in summer?
Hiking in the Oja Valley, cycling on the Vía Verde, and visiting the Jazz Festival in July.
Is Ezcaray known for its gastronomy?
Yes, it is home to the famous El Portal de Echaurren, the first Michelin-starred restaurant in La Rioja.
When is Ezcaray most beautiful?
In autumn for the colorful forests, or in winter as a cozy retreat after skiing.
Ezcaray: where is it located?
Ezcaray is located in Galicia, Spain.
Ezcaray: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piscina de Usarena, Ermita San Quilez, Ermita de Santa Barbara.
Ezcaray: why is it worth visiting?
Ezcaray, set at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda, is one of the most appealing villages in the La Rioja region and was the first town in the area to be declared a 'Tourist Villa'.
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