Navarrete: A Riojan Gem on the Camino de Santiago

Perched on a hilltop in La Rioja, Navarrete mixes history, wine, and craft. Pilgrims have walked through its streets for centuries on the Camino de Santiago. Today, visitors come for the same reasons, plus a lot more. Between medieval ruins, working potteries, and famous wineries, there’s plenty to explore. Best of all, Navarrete sits just minutes from Logroño, so it’s an easy add-on to any Rioja trip. Grab your walking shoes, because this town rewards a proper wander. Unlike some busier Rioja towns, Navarrete keeps a slower, more local pace. You’ll find friendly bars, quiet plazas, and locals happy to chat with passing pilgrims. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit.

What to see and do

Start at the heart of town with the Church of Santa María de la Asunción. Built from 1553, its tower is the tallest in La Rioja after Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Step inside to see a dazzling Baroque altarpiece covered in gold leaf. A Flemish triptych and rich silverware also sit within the sacristy. Because guided visits can be limited during festival periods, it’s worth checking opening times in advance. Even a quick peek inside is worth the short detour off the main street.

Next, walk to the Portal del Cementerio, a striking medieval gateway. This façade once belonged to the Hospital of María Ramírez, a twelfth-century church now in ruins. Locals later moved the surviving front and turned it into the cemetery entrance. Nearby, you’ll spot remnants of the town’s old defensive walls. These ruins date back to when King Sancho VI of Navarre founded Navarrete to protect the pilgrim route. The town later played a role in the Battle of Navarrete in 1367, one of the region’s most significant medieval clashes. History buffs will enjoy tracing these stories through the surviving stonework.

For something completely different, head to Bodegas Montecillo, one of Rioja’s oldest wineries. Founded over a century ago, it offers guided tours through underground barrel rooms and a small wine museum. You’ll taste three premium wines by the end of the visit, paired with local snacks. Since tours often sell out, especially at weekends, booking ahead makes sense. The visit also includes an audiovisual show that brings the winery’s history to life. Buy Tickets.

Navarrete is also a genuine pottery hub, known across Spain for its clay craftsmanship. Local kaolin gives the clay unusual quality, prized by generations of master potters. Wander through workshops in the old town, where artisans still shape and fire pieces by hand. Most welcome browsers, and many sell directly from the studio, so it’s a lovely spot to pick up a souvenir. The clay’s unusual hardness makes Navarrete pottery both durable and beautifully finished.

Finally, if you fancy a walk, climb to the ruins of the old castle above town. From here, you can see seven different Riojan villages spread across the valley. Alternatively, follow one of six local hiking routes through vineyards and past hidden chapels. Each trail takes between one and two hours, perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors. Cyclists can also tackle nearby mountain bike routes, which range widely in length and difficulty.

Local festivals and traditions

Navarrete’s biggest celebration honours the Virgin and San Roque every August. Festivities run from the 14th to the 19th, filling the streets with music and processions. Expect bullring events, live orchestras, chocolate breakfasts, and fireworks displays each evening. Locals dress in traditional costume and dance to dulzaina pipers throughout the week. Bull-running events and taverns pouring local wine add to the festive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, mid-July brings the N.A.CE. pottery and ceramics fair, celebrating the town’s craft heritage. Artisans display their work, and visitors can watch live demonstrations across the plaza. Later in September, the harvest festival of San Miguel marks the end of the grape-picking season. Since the town lies deep in wine country, this celebration carries real local pride. Throughout the year, Navarrete’s calendar reflects its deep ties to faith, craft, and the vine. Visiting during any of these events adds a real spark of local colour to your trip.

Where to stay

For the most atmospheric stay, choose a guesthouse in the old town near the church. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the pottery workshops and the medieval gateway. Streets are narrow and quiet at night, ideal if you want a peaceful, authentic base. Several small hotels also sit right along the Camino de Santiago route through town, popular with pilgrims and travellers alike. Expect simple, comfortable rooms rather than large resort-style properties here.

If you’d prefer more restaurants, shops, and nightlife, base yourself in nearby Logroño instead. It’s only a short drive away and offers a much bigger choice of hotels. From there, Navarrete makes an easy half-day or full-day trip, and you’ll still have plenty of energy for dinner back in the city. Wherever you choose, book early during the August fiestas, since rooms fill up fast. Book Accommodation.

How to get to Navarrete

The nearest airport is Logroño-Agoncillo Airport, roughly 20 minutes away by car. It offers limited routes, so many travellers instead fly into Bilbao Airport, about 90 minutes north. Bilbao has far more international connections, including regular flights from the UK. From either airport, you’ll need a taxi or hire car to reach Navarrete itself. Book flights.

By train, Logroño station offers the best connections, with regular services from Madrid and Bilbao. From there, it’s a short taxi or bus ride to Navarrete. Renfe also runs regional trains linking Logroño with other Rioja towns throughout the day. Fares stay reasonable, and trains run frequently enough to build flexibility into your itinerary. Check connections.

Driving is the easiest way to reach Navarrete, and the roads through Rioja are scenic and well kept. From Bilbao, follow the AP-68 motorway south towards Logroño, then join the N-120. From Madrid, take the A-1 and A-12 through Soria for a straightforward route. Already in Spain? Get directions. If you’re flying in, picking up a car at the airport makes exploring the region far easier. Hire a Car.

Bus travel also works well, particularly if you’re already based in Logroño. Regional buses run frequently between Logroño and Navarrete, taking around 20 minutes each way. Services are affordable and simple, making buses a solid choice for day-trippers without a car. Buy Tickets.

However you arrive, Navarrete rewards visitors with genuine charm and Riojan character. Between its pilgrim history, working potteries, and excellent wine, it’s a town well worth the detour. Take your time here, and you’ll understand why so many travellers fall for it. Even a short stop will leave you wanting to come back.