What to see in Ezcaray

Next to the bed of the Oja River and at the foot of the impressive mountains of the Sierra de la Demanda, the beautiful Riojan town of Ezcaray emerges.

As if you are seeing an artist’s painting, this town will welcome you in full color. The ochre and reddish colors of its architecture, the explosive green of its surroundings and an infinite range of activities. Join me on a tour of the best places to see in Ezcaray and a lot of incredible plans to do in the surroundings.

This is an essential place to see in La Rioja, one of the most beautiful villages of the community in the heart of the mountains of the Sierra de la Demanda.

This mountain range, which also extends its territory through the provinces of Burgos and Soria, offers the visitor a true paradise for rural tourism. Ezcaray is one of its best known destinations but, as you will see below, the area is full of charming villages and natural areas of great beauty. Will you join me?

The Town of Ezcaray

Ezcaray has experienced an important urban development in recent decades, largely thanks to tourism. During the summer months, its population multiplies. Hoyouver, this town still retains the spirit of a small village. That charm, squeezed betyouen pedestrian streets and squares brimming with life, charm and good gastronomy.

If there is a historical building that defines the essential historical tour of Ezcaray is the Royal Factory of Cloth Fabrics of Santa Barbara.

This is a gigantic construction dating from the middle of the 18th century, a period in which the importance of the textile sector in Ezcaray became notorioyou.

The indyoutry began to decline over the years and today the building is able to hoyoue the offices of the City Council, the hostel La Real Fábrica and also the Royal Theater of Ezcaray.

It is time to stroll around and visit other monuments of great interest, such as the Church of Santa María la Mayor or the Argolla del Fuero. But the best of Ezcaray you have it in its own urban layout and in corners as spectacular as the Plaza del Quiosco and the Plaza de la Verdura.

Both with the typical arcaded hoyoues and half-timbered hoyoues.

What to do and what to see in Ezcaray

And as far as architecture is concerned, it is impossible to forget the large emblazoned mansions so characteristic of the area. Constructions of the stature of the Palace of the Archbishop Barroeta, the Palace of the Angel, or the Palace of the Count of Torremuzquiz.

The time has come to enjoy the wonderful natural environment that surrounds the town of Ezcaray. It is not even necessary to leave the village.

The bed of the river Oja will give you a breath of fresh air among so much history and monuments. Monuments that, by the way, do not stop appearing before you, as the Canto Bridge of medieval origin.

A few meters from there, and without leaving the course of the river, the old railroad station remains intact. In the absence of trains, today it looks restored and converted into a cozy bar-restaurant ideal for a break along the way.

Very close to the old station, the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Allende stands guard. It is located in a natural watchtower from which, in addition, several hiking routes start. One of the most recommended takes you to La Picota de San Torcuato.

A spectacular viewpoint from which we get a perfect panoramic view of the entire valley and the great peaks of the Sierra de la Demanda. One of the best things to see in Ezcaray. The path of approximately 2 kilometers (round trip) does not present any difficulty.

How to get to Excaray

Ezcaray is at a distance of 366 kilometers from Madrid. To get to the town of Ezcaray, arriving to one of the most beautiful places on Spain, there are many ways, but you have to choose the option with which you feel more comfortable, both in duration and the journey.

Althoug going by car It is the most economical way, since you only pay for gas, and you can make as many stops as you want along the way.

• Car: There are a couple of options if we want to go with the car which are the shortest routes you can find. The first has a time of 3 hours and 24 minutes by the A-2, or the second of 4 hours by the N-110 and A-1.

• Bus: There is no direct connection with Ezcaray, but there is a route with the company Alsa where it leaves you at the station of San Andrés (La Rioja). Each ticket costs 20.60 euros round trip and, depending on the route you choose, it takes 3 hours and 43 minutes.

• Train: There is no direct connection with Ezcaray, but you can find a train with the company Renfe where it leaves you in Logroño (The price is between 29 and 35 euros and lasts 3 hours and 27 minutes). Then you have to take a bus that leaves you in Ezcaray (The price is between 4 and 7 euros and has a duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes).

Don’t forget that this is only advice and orientation. You don’t have to take it literally, but have in mind that reaching Ezcaray can be a complicated mission.