Laguardia Travel Guide

Uncover the hidden treasures of Rioja's medieval gem - a guide to the enchanting town of Laguardia

Laguardia is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval villages in Spain. It is also located in Rioja wine country and is the perfect base for your wine tour of Spain’s most well-known red wine region. Laguardia is a medieval hill hamlet (called “villa” in Spanish) reminiscent of Tuscan hilltop villages. An ancient wall surrounds the town and has a delightful jumble of cobble-stoned streets lined with “Tabernas,” wine shops, palaces, and cafes. Laguardia was founded in 1164 by King Sancho Abarca, and the spectacularly preserved wall dates back to the 15th century. The entire village became protected as Patrimony of Spain in 1964. The name “Laguardia” originates from “La Guardia de Navarra,” the “Guard” of Navarra, referring to its strategic importance in the kingdom of Navarre.

Before the medieval village was built (as we can see today), deep tunnels were carved out in the hill, and the town of Laguardia was underground. The tunnels were used as a defense tactic, but they came to be used to store wine and eventually even make wine over the centuries. In 1486, Laguardia was incorporated into the Kingdom of the Catholic Monarchs (Isabel and Ferdinand), who would unite Castille and Aragon’s kingdoms in 1492 to form what is now “Spain,” and the town was built on top of the existing town. The medieval wall was erected, as were many aristocratic palaces, many restored and still standing. In the 19th century, much of the medieval wall was destroyed during the “Carlista” wars and the War of Independence.

These days, Laguardia is a wealthy hamlet full of gourmet restaurants, charming small hotels, beautiful views over vines, and the fantastic backdrop of the Cantabrian Mountains. Whether you visit Laguardia with Cellar Tours or on your own, the important thing is that you come to spend a few days and eat and drink well. A visit to Laguardia is like stepping back in time, and the village is simply one of the loveliest places you could hope to visit in Spain. We hope to show you Laguardia soon!

  • Roast peppers
    Roast peppers

    Gastronomy & Wine

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Highlights

  • La Plaza Mayor de Laguardia

    The main square of this village has a pretty arcaded Town Hall (which dates back to the 15th century) with a Royal Coat of arms dedicated to Carlos V and a very unusual clock with dancing hands (called the “Reloj de Carillon”). The square has a beautiful wine shop with fantastic wines such as Ramirez de Ganuza, Artadi, and Finca Valpiedra at very competitive prices. The main square is the center of village life, and during the local festivals and fiestas, it comes alive. There is an unusual Bagpipe festival in Laguardia in May, an event that originated in the middle ages. The villagers make a parade with bagpipe musicians, jugglers, and entertainers.

  • La Muralla- the Medieval Wall

    The fortification of Laguardia is the most impressive aspect of the pretty village. The wall wraps clear around the hamlet, and in the fall, the locals hang peppers out on the wall to dry in the sun. There are four main vaulted entrances into the village through the Muralla, and various turrets and towers. The storks, so typical in La Rioja, have claimed the towers and church tops of Laguardia as their home, and you can see the beautiful birds flying overhead daily.

  • El Poblado de la Hoya

    In 1935, the Hoya archaeological site was discovered by a villager from Laguardia. What the archaeologists discovered was breathtaking- a Bronze Age settlement dating back 3,500 years!

     

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  • La Rioja WIne Tour

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More information

If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.

Cellar Tours Private Luxury Food & Wine Tours

Cellar Tours

Welcome to Cellar Tours, the premier Luxury Travel Specialist since 2003. Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate food and wine vacation experience, with exclusive Mercedes chauffeured tours that showcase the best of local cuisine and wines.

Our team specializes in crafting bespoke, custom-designed vacations, events, and incentives tailored to your unique tastes and preferences. Travel is not just about seeing new places - it's about creating unforgettable memories and indulging in the finer things in life.

As members of Slow Food, OTAVA (Travel Agency Association in Spain), and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals), we promote sustainable tourism and support local communities. We work closely with top-rated hotels, restaurants, and wineries to provide you with the highest level of service and attention to detail.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, let Cellar Tours be your guide. With our passion for food and wine, extensive knowledge of local culture, and dedication to exceptional customer service, we're confident we can exceed your expectations.

Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation – we can't wait to hear from you!

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