The smallest Autonomous Community of Spain is so big inside that it is a pit of surprises. It may have the name of wine, but the soul has it as an adventurer. And it is that La Rioja has such a rich landscape, with such a variety of possibilities, that it is impossible to visit it without making you want to jump, walk, sail or climb in any direction.

 

Mediterranean forest, alpine landscapes, green valleys ... all of them make possible the realization of many activities in nature in La Rioja. To know them, nothing better than hiking. A wide network of marked trails are integrated in La Rioja. You can walk among vineyards in the Montes Obarenes, know the glacial lakes of the Picos de Urbión, or explore the mountain ranges of La Demanda and La Cebollera.

 

In this last one you will also find the GR 93, which starts from the town of Ezcaray. And in winter, when the snow covers everything and it is difficult to walk, you will not be able to resist to cross them with the help of rackets or cross-country skis.

If you combine hiking with bird watching, there are many places for it. In the Sotos del Ebro Nature Reserve, for example, is the largest white stork colony in Europe. This type of activity is also done in nature in La Rioja Baja, where the Mirador del Buitre is located. In addition to this bird, you will be able to observe other raptors and protected species. Although the truth is that in any of the sierras of La Rioja you can enjoy the flight of these birds in freedom.

 

If it's you who wants to fly, there's no problem. One of the most exciting activities to practice in La Rioja is to go hang-gliding or paragliding over the valleys of Leza or San Millán, near Ezcaray. To enjoy a calmer flight, it is best to opt for a balloon ride over the valleys and vineyards of La Rioja Alta.

 

More adventure options are climbing (which can be practiced in the valleys of Leza, Iregua or Najerilla), mountaineering (being able to ascend, for example, to the peak of San Lorenzo, the roof of the Sierra de la Demanda) or caving (with more than 36 caves to choose from). In summer, the canyoning in the streams of Peña Muro and San Martín, and the white water of the Iregua and Najerilla rivers take the palm; demonstrating that fun and adventure go hand in hand in La Rioja.