A late Gothic church, several layers of local history and hiking trails at the foot of the Sierra de Moncalvillo offer different ways to explore Sotés. You can get to know the village through its art and regional traditions, or include a hike through the surrounding countryside.

Church Art and Local History

The parish church of San Martín originated as a late Gothic building dating from the early 16th century. Its remarkable portal depicts Saint Martin of Tours on horseback. Inside are a 14th-century image of the Virgin Mary, a Rococo altarpiece and 18th-century frescoes. The church’s artworks also include a Spanish Rococo work from 1678, created by Alejo de San Juan and Francisco de la Cueva.

Historic buildings also shape the village beyond the church. The restored Palacete de los Alesón is a 17th-century manor house; its surviving original features include the coat of arms of the noble family. Casa de los Dulce preserves the coat of arms of the Marqués de Castellflorite.

The village’s history extends far beyond these buildings: archaeological finds include flint tools and Roman roof tiles, while traces of settlement have been attributed to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Sotés was first mentioned in writing in 1068, in a deed of exchange involving King Sancho de Peñalén and the Monastery of Irache. For several centuries, Sotés belonged to the Villa of Navarrete. In 1747 it gained its independence and was subsequently referred to as a villa rather than a village.

Landscape and Hiking Trails

Sotés lies at the foot of the Sierra de Moncalvillo, where its north-facing slopes begin. Woodland starts a few hundred metres from the village centre and extends uphill to the south. The landscape alternates between heathland and pine, oak and beech stands. The Fuente El Colegial recreation area lies in the Barranco de las Alías, on the old road from Sotés to Hornos de Moncalvillo, next to a disused bend. The area is home to the genet, fox, Eurasian jay, blackcap and common toad.

The Marcha Moncalvillo y Santa Coloma route leaves Sotés for Monte del Horcajo, follows the access road to Moncalvillo, then descends through oak and beech forests to Santa Coloma. It returns to Sotés via Cuyavalla. The route is approximately 24.6 kilometres long. Another hiking route from Sotés heads towards Monte del Horcajo and the Nevera de Sotés. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Local Cuisine and Festivals

Recipes with a local Sotés touch, passed down through generations, include rosquillas, bollos with chinchorras and migas. Winegrowing is the village’s main agricultural activity. Tempranillo is the most widely grown grape variety; a cooperative winery turns a large share of the harvest into wine under the Rioja designation of origin. Several producers also make honey, a local speciality; the wooded surroundings favour its production.

Festivals provide further highlights throughout the year. San Isidro Labrador is celebrated on 15 May with a mass and procession. Ears of wheat or barley, broad beans and flowers symbolise the field’s first produce. The patron saint festival of San Juan Bautista on 24 June lasts three days and includes religious events, activities for all ages, traditional dancing and public tastings. San Martín is also celebrated for three days on 11 November, with a similar programme.

Holy Week includes the Maundy Thursday procession with the Nazarene, the Dolorosa and the crucifix; two choirs sing romances by Lope de Vega. On Easter Sunday, Judas is traditionally burned after mass: beforehand, the local community puts a straw effigy on trial and reads out the verdict. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the current dates and programme.

Discover more destinations: Enciso, Huércanos, Santo Domingo De La Calzada, Calahorra, Igea, Castroviejo, Grañón, Anguiano.

For the wider travel overview: La Rioja.