Best-kept secret small towns of la Rioja

La Rioja is full of small charming sun-baked villages that will make you feel like you are the only one left on earth. Below is a list of our favorite hide aways in this beautiful wine country.

Abalos: This small village is very peaceful and quiet. All houses are made of limestone, adding to the tranquility of the setting. There is a beautiful small private palace, Palacio Marques de Legarda. We are excitedly waiting for the day it will turn into a hotel so that we can enjoy its lush gardens. Hotel Rural Villa de Abalos is a good spot in the small village plaza to sip some wine under the warming rays of sun. While there, you can also try and visit Bodegas Puelles and Bodegas Real Divisa.

Samaniego: This charming town is home to Bodega Fernando Remirez de Ganuza and the adjacent Palacio Samaniego, a 17th century palace turned into one of the most private and beautiful places to stay in la Rioja. Its narrow streets and yellow houses date back to the 15th century. You must also visit the church of Asuncion, which was originally a medieval fortress.

San Vicente de la Sonsierra: This is another beautiful town on the skirts of Sierra Cantabria Mountains and it is full of Bodegas. Its Plaza Mayor is a must-see with its beautiful fountain in the middle. You can drive to Mirador de la Sonsierra to enjoy the best views in Rioja. From here, you can also drive to little towns like Meano and Lapoblacion, where the scenery changes and mountain forests start.

Villabuena de Álava: On the way to the little town of Villabuena de Álava, you will come across a medieval bridge over the Rio Ebro.  Right by the bridge, there is a great picnic spot with a few stone tables and desks. You can buy jamon serrano, idiazabal cheese, some local bread and a bottle of a great Rioja red and make your own unforgettable picnic here!