Arnedillo offers several clear options for a stay: thermal waters on the Cidacos, the Vía Verde del Cidacos along a former railway line, and cultural sites with different historical themes. When planning your visit, it is worth deciding first whether you want to spend most of your time enjoying the water, following a route or exploring cultural history. The following places and activities each have their own focus.

Thermal waters on the Cidacos

The Pozas de Arnedillo are on the banks of the Cidacos River and are freely accessible. The water temperature ranges from 38 to 48 °C, rising gradually from pool to pool. This means you can choose between different temperature ranges within the Pozas. Even so, check the current access conditions before your trip.

Thermal offerings in Arnedillo also include hydrotherapy programs, a thermal mud session and a soak in an outdoor thermal park. These offerings differ in format from a visit to the Pozas. As specific programs may vary, it is a good idea to check which offerings are available during your travel dates before making plans.

On the Vía Verde and other routes

The Vía Verde del Cidacos follows a former narrow-gauge railway line. It connected Calahorra and Arnedillo over 34 kilometers, with an additional four-kilometer branch from Ariñano station to Préjano. The railway’s history explains the route’s course, which can now be traveled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.

The Ruta de las Ermitas can also be combined with the Vía Verde, which heads toward Arnedillo. This provides a named connection between two routes, while the former railway line can also be enjoyed on its own. If you are weighing up different route options, you can choose between a route shaped by railway history and the connection with the Ruta de las Ermitas.

Birdwatching and climbing

El Mirador del Buitre brings together two different focuses: inside, an exhibition covers the griffon vulture’s life cycle. Outside, there is a birdwatching area with telescopes and binoculars. The exhibition and outdoor area thus offer two perspectives: information about the bird and the chance to observe it. As opening arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

Climbing routes in the limestone mountains of Arnedillo have been developed since the 1970s. There is also a public climbing itinerary that visitors with their own climbing equipment can access freely. Check your equipment and safety conditions before using it. The climbing routes and the public itinerary should be considered separate aspects of the climbing offering.

Church, cultural heritage and festivals

The Iglesia de San Servando y San Germán dates from the early 16th century. The church contains a Renaissance main altarpiece from 1560. These two dates highlight different periods: the first places the church’s origins in context, while the second dates the main altarpiece. This is a specific point of reference for anyone interested in cultural history, architecture and art.

The Centro de Interpretación del Alto Valle del Cidacos has five themed areas: biosphere reserve, water, cultural heritage, industrialization, and festivals and traditions. The topics range from nature and water to history and living traditions. The Procesión del Humo takes place in Arnedillo on the last Sunday in November. The Fiesta del Humo was recognized as a festival of regional tourist interest in 2013.

The Cueva del Ajedrezado

A 200-meter footpath leads to the Cueva del Ajedrezado; as trail conditions may change, it is worth checking them before your visit. The cave is part of an early medieval complex of hermit dwellings carved into the rock. Inside, niches hollowed out from floor to ceiling form an almost perfect checkerboard pattern. The short walk to the site thus leads to a distinctive architectural feature inside the cave.

For the broader travel overview: La Rioja.