Free walking tours in Briones and what to see

Must-sees

Briones is a town in Rioja Alta set on a hill that drops almost vertically to the Ebro. Its historic centre, a protected historic-artistic site, keeps cobbled streets, noble mansions and many façades with coats of arms. On the main square stands the church of La Asunción, and around it you will find palaces such as that of the Marqués de San Nicolás and the Quincoces palace. From the top of the town there are fine views over the Ebro valley and its vineyards.

In a Baroque palace next to the church, an ethnographic museum recreates a traditional local house. On the outskirts is the chapel of the Santo Cristo de los Remedios. The great wine attraction is the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, at the foot of the town, which traces the history of wine through archaeological pieces, art and tools. Briones is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain association.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Briones. The usual plan is to explore the historic centre on your own and combine it with the Vivanco Museum and a local winery, many of which offer guided tours with tastings. If you are staying in Haro or Logroño, several wine routes through Rioja Alta include Briones among their stops.

How long to spend

A couple of hours is enough to walk round the historic centre, go into the church and take in the viewpoints. Add the Vivanco Museum and it becomes half a day, and a full day with a winery visit and a leisurely lunch. With two days you can combine Briones with Haro, a few kilometres away, and other nearby wine villages such as San Vicente de la Sonsierra.

Where to stay

Briones has a few rural houses and small places to stay within the historic centre, ideal for enjoying the town in silence once the visitors have gone. Choice is limited, so book ahead. Haro, very close, has more hotels and a lively atmosphere around its wineries quarter, and Logroño is the best base if you want to get around the whole of La Rioja.