While much of Spain battles high temperatures in the summer of 2025, the region of La Rioja offers a corner of natural coolness. This is the town of Ezcaray, located at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda mountains. Thanks to its location, even on the hottest summer days, the nights here remain fresh, making it an appealing destination for those seeking refuge from the heat.
Ezcaray, recognized as the first tourist town in La Rioja, has preserved its historic charm. Its center is a maze of cobbled streets, arcaded galleries, and old stone houses. The architectural landscape of the town is shaped by both traditional buildings and 18th-century noble mansions and palaces, notably the Palacio del Ángel and the homes of distinguished families. A stroll through its streets is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the past and escape the summer sun under the shade of ancient porticoes.
The main architectural symbol of Ezcaray is the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor. Built on the foundation of a 12th-century Romanesque chapel, it was enriched over the centuries with elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Hispano-Flemish styles. Not far from the town is the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Allende, renowned for its unique collection of angel arquebusier images brought from the Viceroyalty of Peru.
The natural surroundings of Ezcaray are among its main attractions. Numerous hiking trails begin here, including a path leading to a 450-year-old beech tree. In addition, the town is traversed by the Vía Verde del Oja — a route laid out along a former railway line. It is accessible to walkers, cyclists, and people with reduced mobility, offering views of riverside forests, fields, and vineyards.
In winter, the Valdezcaray ski resort, located at the foot of Pico San Lorenzo, attracts winter sports enthusiasts. In summer, its slopes become a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. The mountains offer dense deciduous forests, scenic viewpoints, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Ezcaray is also a renowned gastronomic center. It is home to El Portal de Echaurren, the first restaurant in La Rioja to receive a Michelin star and currently holding two. Alongside it operates Echaurren Tradición, preserving traditional local recipes. The gastronomic scene is complemented by numerous bars and restaurants, where visitors can sample both sophisticated tasting menus and simpler dishes such as croquettes, stuffed peppers, and local sausages, always accompanied by Rioja wines.
Its proximity to other notable sites makes Ezcaray a convenient base for exploring the region. Nearby are the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and the Yuso and Suso Monasteries (Monasterios de Yuso y Suso) in San Millán de la Cogolla, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thus, Ezcaray offers a comprehensive experience that combines a cool climate, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and exceptional cuisine.
