Grávalos can be explored through several themes: the town’s thermal history, almond groves and viewpoints, and buildings that reflect different historical periods. The town lies at the northeastern edge of the Sierra de Cameros, in a hollow between the Sierra de Yerga and the Sierra de Peñalosa. When planning your trip, you can choose between exploring the town, walking trails in the surrounding area and taking a longer regional route.

Thermal Traditions and Sulphur Water

The sulphur water spring has been in use since at least the 16th century; it has been used as a spa since at least 1843. At the Balneario de Grávalos, a Roman-Irish circuit offers a view of the olive grove. Water can also be collected there.

After closing for six years, the Hotel Balneario de Grávalos initially reopened for three months in August 2026. Check opening dates and current offerings before your trip, as the reopening was initially planned for this period only.

Almond Groves, Viewpoints and Trails

From the Mirador de los Almendros, you can look out over more than 300 hectares of almond trees. They usually blossom in February, although the timing may vary depending on the weather. The “Campos de almendros de Grávalos” are listed as a special landscape in La Rioja’s landscape catalogue. Another viewpoint, the Mirador de Peña Herrera, offers views of the surrounding landscapes.

You can walk from the Mirador de los Almendros to the Mirador de Peña Redonda. This is separate from the signposted tourist route through the natural surroundings of Grávalos: it is 10 kilometres long and can be followed on foot or by vehicle along unpaved tracks. Check the details locally, as trail conditions may change.

For a longer perspective, the approximately 50-kilometre Alhama-Linares route starts at kilometre 0 in Grávalos. Along the road from Grávalos, it passes one of La Rioja’s largest truffle oak plantations. This means a local route and a regional route description offer different scales of exploration.

Buildings and Local History

The municipal Nevera is an ice house believed to date from the early 19th century. Its original stone arches supported the weight of the dome. The Nevera was restored in 2008, and its surroundings were developed as a recreational area. An unpaved track leads there, either on foot or by vehicle. Check the track conditions before setting out by vehicle.

The Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María de la Antigua was built in the early 16th century from rubble and ashlar masonry. In the 18th century, it was extensively remodelled into a three-nave church. It houses the 13th-century image of Our Lady of Antigua, considered a transitional form of Romanesque art. The Ermita del Humilladero houses a small, restored altarpiece with a life-size Pietà; the ensemble appears to be an 18th-century work in the Baroque style.

The Ermita de Santa Bárbara is a ruin. Historically, it was the town’s first parish church and stood where the villa’s first settlers lived, in what is now Barrio Bodegas. A Roman funerary inscription from the 2nd century is mounted on the town hall façade. The Lavadero de Fonsorda, built between 1911 and 1914, has been preserved as a former social meeting place and has been restored.

Wine Cellars and Festive Traditions

Barrio de las Bodegas comprises 128 private wine cellars dug into the ground. Each resident made or makes their own wine there. The Christmas Fiesta de los Brindis lasts eight days and features gaita and tamboril music. On New Year’s Day, the brotherhood’s Mayordomo performs a good-luck dance.

Discover More Destinations

Munilla, Arrúbal, Navalsaz, Villamediana de Iregua, Zaldierna, Bergasa, Castroviejo, El Rasillo de Cameros

For the main travel overview: La Rioja.