Free walking tours in Arnedillo and what to see

Must-sees

Arnedillo is tucked into the canyon of the river Cidacos, in La Rioja Baja, and is known above all for its hot springs. On the riverbank are natural pools of hot water, free and open-air, where people bathe at any time of year. Next to them is the spa, which has kept the village alive for generations. The village is small and pleasant, with the church of San Servando y San Germán, dedicated to its patron saints.

Above the village are the keep and a stretch of wall of the castle, once the summer residence of the bishops of Calahorra. The landscape is what impresses most: limestone walls with a climbing school and a large colony of griffon vultures, easily watched from the Buitre viewpoint, past the tunnel on the Cidacos Greenway. This greenway, laid on an old railway line, links Arnedillo with Arnedo and makes an easy walk or bike ride.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Arnedillo. It is a village to explore on your own: the pools, the castle and the viewpoint are close and well signposted. The guided activities you will find are nature-based, such as climbing or routes around the area, and trips usually combine it with Enciso and its dinosaur footprints, a few kilometres upriver. From Logroño, driving is the most practical option.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for a dip in the pools and a stroll around the village. If you add the Buitre viewpoint and a stretch of the greenway, allow a whole day. With two days you can spend one at the spa and another in Enciso or exploring the Cidacos valley. The pools fill up at weekends, so on weekdays or early in the morning it will be quieter.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to sleep in the centre of Arnedillo, near the river and the pools, so you can bathe at nightfall or early without needing the car. The spa has many of the beds, and the village also has rural houses and apartments. Places sell out quickly at weekends and on long weekends. If you cannot find a room, Arnedo, a few minutes away, has more accommodation and services.