A walled hilltop wine town with underground cellars, the Santa Maria de los Reyes church portal and winery visits such as Ysios by Santiago Calatrava. Book winery tours in advance.
Laguardia is a walled hilltop wine town in Alava, Spain, about 145 km south-west of San Sebastian, in the Rioja Alavesa wine region. The trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by car via the AP-1 and A-124, and a car is the most practical choice. Public transport is slow and needs a change: a coach to Vitoria-Gasteiz, then a regional service such as Alavabus to Laguardia, with schedules at alavabus.eus. Because of the distance, an early start is advisable. The town sits above vineyards with views toward the Cantabrian mountains, and its medieval centre is honeycombed with underground cellars where wine was once made and stored in family homes. A suggested day begins with a morning stroll through the walled town from the Plaza Mayor, visiting the Santa Maria de los Reyes church, known for its richly painted Gothic portal. Late morning is the usual time for a winery visit; Ysios, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a well-known example, and many wineries require tours to be booked in advance, sometimes with a tasting included. Lunch in the town centre often features local roast lamb, chops grilled over vine shoots and regional dishes, paired with Rioja wine. The afternoon can include a second winery or a walk among the vineyards, though drivers should arrange for a designated driver or a winery that provides transfers. April to June offers green vineyards and mild weather, while September and October are the harvest season, with autumn colours and a lively atmosphere. Summer can be hot. The distance, the logistics and the walking on cobbled slopes give this a moderate rating. The tourist office website laguardia-alava.com lists current visit information.
| Distance | About 145 km from San Sebastian by road |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 45 minutes by car; public transport is slow and needs a change |
| Getting there | Car is the most practical option (AP-1 then A-124). Public transport: coach to Vitoria-Gasteiz, then a regional service to Laguardia; confirm at alavabus.eus |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Plaza Mayor, 01300 Laguardia, Alava, Spain |
How to get there
- Car via AP-1 and A-124
- Coach to Vitoria-Gasteiz, then Alavabus or Cuadra to Laguardia
- Winery tour with transfers booked directly with a winery
Location
Plaza Mayor, 01300 Laguardia, Alava, Spain
42.5535, -2.5846 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the walled medieval centre from Plaza Mayor
- See the painted Gothic portal of Santa Maria de los Reyes church
- Visit an underground cellar or a winery such as Ysios
- Taste Rioja wine with local lamb and vine-shoot grilled dishes
- Look out over the vineyards from the town walls
Tips for visiting
- Drive if possible; public transport needs a change in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
- Book winery tours in advance, as many have set times.
- Arrange a designated driver or a winery transfer before tasting.
- Start early; the drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes each way.
- Check the Alavabus schedule at alavabus.eus if using transit.
When to visit
April to June and September to October, including harvest. Start early and book winery tours ahead.
Accessibility
Laguardia's historic centre is hilly with cobbled streets, and underground cellars often have steep steps. Modern wineries are generally more accessible, but visitors should confirm with each.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Laguardia be reached without a car?
Yes, but it is slow. Take a coach to Vitoria-Gasteiz, then a regional service to Laguardia.
Should winery visits be booked?
Yes, book in advance, as many wineries operate set tour times. Check directly with the winery.
When is the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October, which includes the harvest. Summer can be hot.