Ezcaray combines trails through a varied natural landscape with a townscape shaped by arcades, old streets and significant religious buildings. When planning, it makes a difference whether you want to focus on marked valley trails, named routes or mountain biking trails. The town’s architecture and history also offer a focus of their own.
Forests, meadows and outdoor activities
The municipality includes beech forests, extensive pine forests, oak forests and meadows. Numerous mushroom species can be found in these habitats. Local walking trails and routes pass through a diverse plant landscape that includes fruit trees, poplars, alders, beech forests and pines. If you plan to pick mushrooms, be sure to follow the regional rules.
There are numerous tracks, trails and descents for mountain biking in Ezcaray. On foot, you can choose from seven marked short hiking trails through the valley. Their routes, distances and difficulty levels vary, so you can compare the trails using these specific details rather than assuming one is like another.
Hiking trails and routes in Ezcaray
Two named GR routes also pass through Ezcaray: the GR-93 (Sierras Riojanas) and the GR-190 (Altos Valles IbĂ©ricos). The developed section of the VĂa Verde del Oja follows the former railway line from Ezcaray to Casalarreina. The Ruta Verde del Ciloria connects Ezcaray with ZorraquĂn and Valgañón; there are rest areas along the route.
The Camino de la Herradura has clearly defined endpoints: it starts in Ezcaray, ends in Posadas and passes through the Oja Valley. The trail is considered easy and is more than 10 kilometres each way. These details give you a clear idea of this route’s course, difficulty rating and length. When choosing, consider which of the marked trails or named routes best suits your plans for the day.
Arcades, churches and local history
Ezcaray retains a network of old streets lined with heraldic palaces and manor houses. The town centre is notable for its well-preserved architecture and covered arcades. These buildings add an urban dimension to the natural setting: along with the trails, the streetscape and architecture are part of the destination’s character.
The Church of Santa MarĂa la Mayor dates from the 12th to 14th centuries and is classified as a historical-artistic monument. Its Aragonese Gothic style is unique in La Rioja. The Ermita de la Virgen de Allende houses a 14th-century Gothic image of the Virgen de Allende, the town’s patron saint.
Another historical landmark is the Real Fábrica de Santa Bárbara, founded in 1752. Jazz festivals are also held in Ezcaray. If you would like to include a festival in your travel plans, check the event dates before you go.
Practical information for your stay
The municipal tourist information office provides tourist, cultural and gastronomic information about Ezcaray and La Rioja. As opening hours may change, check them before visiting. When planning your stay, you can consider nature trails, the townscape and cultural events as separate points of focus without needing to make them part of a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations
Navarrete, Ojacastro, Fuenmayor, Zaldierna, Villalobar De Rioja, Gallinero De Cameros, Cuzcurrita De RĂo TirĂłn, Anguiano
Go to the main travel guide: La Rioja.
