Laguardia is a charming walled town located in the Rioja Alavesa region, in the province of Álava (Basque Country). Famous for having preserved its medieval layout intact, with cobbled streets and ancient walls, it is above all the beating heart of high-quality wine production. Its most surprising feature is the underground cellars (calados), which extend beneath the entire town, essential for the preservation of the prized Rioja Alavesa wine.

What Our Local Guides Recommend: Walls, History, and Wines

• City Walls and Main Gate – Take a full tour of the walls to admire the breathtaking panorama over the surrounding Rioja vineyards.
• Main Square (Plaza Mayor) – The nerve center of city life, where you can observe the mechanism of the animated clock, with moving figures that emerge every hour.
• Underground Cellars (Calados) – Real Experience: It is essential to participate in a guided tour of one of the historic calados to understand the importance of the subsoil for wine temperature, often concluding with a tasting of Tempranillo.
• Church of San Juan Bautista and Church of Santa María de los Reyes – The latter is famous for its magnificent 14th-century polychrome portico, unmissable.

Gastronomy and Typical Products

• Rioja Alavesa DOC – Red wine, in particular, is the star, with its notes of fruit and oak aging.
• Patatas a la Riojana – Traditional stew of potatoes and chorizo, a hearty dish perfect after a day spent among the vineyards.
• Chuleta de Vaca – High-quality beef chop, typical of Basque-Riojan cuisine.
• Idiazabal Cheese – Smoked sheep cheese, often served with walnuts and honey.

Excursions and Recommended Activities

• Rioja Alavesa Wine Route (Ruta del Vino de Rioja Alavesa) – Laguardia is the ideal starting point for visiting the most modern and historic wineries in the region, such as the famous Bodega Ysios, an architectural masterpiece by Santiago Calatrava.
• Laguardia Lagoons (Laguardia Lagunas) – A protected natural area, perfect for birdwatching and a quiet walk.
• Dolmen de la Hoya – An important prehistoric archaeological site a few kilometers from the center.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Laguardia
• Official Website of the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route

Top 3 Recommended Accommodations by Our Travel Designers

• Hotel Viura (Villabuena de Álava, nearby) – Modern design and luxury amidst the vineyards, a true boutique hotel.
• Hotel Eguren Ugarte (Páganos, nearby) – Accommodation in one of the most prestigious wineries, for total immersion in the world of wine.
• Sercotel Villa de Laguardia – Hotel with spa and complete services, a short distance from the walls.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants (Starred N/A)

• El Collado – Traditional Basque and Riojan cuisine with an excellent wine selection, located inside the town.
• Amelibia – Known for its creative cuisine using local seasonal products.
• Restaurante Biazteri – Ideal for Chuletas and quality home cooking.