A walled medieval hill town above the vineyards, with underground wine cellars, the Santa Maria de los Reyes church and its polychrome portal, and wineries such as Bodegas Ysios, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Winery visits must be booked in advance.
Laguardia is a walled medieval hill town in Alava, in Spain's Basque Country, about 105 km south-east of Bilbao, and the main base for exploring the Rioja Alavesa wine area. The drive takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and a car is the practical choice because winery visits are spread across the vineyards. Public transport takes about 2 to 3 hours: Autobuses Cuadra runs a Bilbao-Logroño coach that stops at Haro and on some departures at Laguardia, and Alavabus operates Vitoria-Logroño and Logroño-Laguardia services. Times and fares were not confirmed, so check cuadrabus.com and alavabus.eus.
The town sits above the vineyards, with Plaza Mayor at its centre, narrow lanes, and the church of Santa Maria de los Reyes, known for its polychrome Gothic portal. Beneath the old houses runs a network of medieval wine cellars, some still used by family producers who offer tastings. Outside the walls, wineries such as Bodegas Ysios, designed by Santiago Calatrava, combine architecture with wine tours. Winery visits must be booked in advance, and a driver should plan for the limits on tasting.
A suggested day leaves Bilbao early, arriving in Laguardia by mid-morning for a walk around the walls, the church portal and a guided cellar visit. Lunch is typically a long affair in town, with roast lamb, grilled vegetables and Rioja wines. In the afternoon, visit one of the larger wineries by booked appointment, enjoy the vineyard views and return to Bilbao before dark. Travellers without a car can take a guided wine tour from the region, which handles transport and tasting.
April to June and September to October are the best months, with the harvest bringing activity and golden vineyards in autumn. Summer is hot, and winter can be cold and foggy, though cellars stay open. Aim to arrive before noon, because many cellars take lunch breaks and weekend slots fill quickly.
| Distance | About 105 km from Bilbao by road |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 20 minutes by car; about 2 to 3 hours by public transport |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Plaza Mayor, 01300 Laguardia, Alava, Spain |
How to get there
- Hire car from Bilbao for winery visits
- Cuadra Bilbao-Logroño coach (some trips call at Laguardia)
- Coach to Vitoria-Gasteiz, then Alavabus
Location
Plaza Mayor, 01300 Laguardia, Alava, Spain
42.5551, -2.5855 View on map
Highlights
- Walking Laguardia's medieval walls and Plaza Mayor
- Polychrome portal of Santa Maria de los Reyes church
- Underground family wine cellars and tastings
- Bodegas Ysios by Santiago Calatrava
- Vineyard views across Rioja Alavesa
Tips for visiting
- Drive or join a guided wine tour; public transport is slow and limited.
- Pre-book winery visits, especially at weekends and during the autumn harvest.
- Nominate a designated driver or use a tour if tasting.
- Check cuadrabus.com and alavabus.eus for current times before relying on buses.
- Arrive before noon, as many cellars pause for lunch.
When to visit
April to June and September to October, arriving before noon. Autumn harvest is the liveliest period.
Accessibility
Laguardia is a hilltop town with steep cobbled lanes, and many cellars are reached by stairs. Mobility is limited; confirm access with individual wineries.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Laguardia from Bilbao?
About 105 km, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes by car. Public transport takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Do wineries need to be booked?
Yes. Winery and cellar visits must be booked in advance, particularly at weekends and during the harvest.
When is the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are at their most colourful.