Nájera

Founded in the 11th century, this monastery is one of the most important religious buildings in La Rioja. The Royal Pantheon inside contains the tombs of the Kings and Queens of Navarra, Leon, and Castilla. The late Gothic cloister, known as the Claustro de los Caballeros (Cloister of the Knights), is exceptional. Allow at least an hour.

Behind the monastery, carved into the red sandstone cliff, is a small cave church where the original statue of the Virgin was said to have been found by a king while hunting. The cave is atmospheric and dimly lit, with a sense of ancient reverence that predates the monastery above it.

The river runs through the centre of town, with the red sandstone cliffs rising dramatically on one side and the old town on the other. Walk along the riverbank in the evening light when the cliffs glow. Simple and beautiful.

Najera sits at the heart of Rioja wine country. The bars along the main street serve excellent local wine by the glass along with simple tapas. Try the patatas a la riojana (potatoes braised with chorizo and peppers), a classic Riojan dish that is cheap, filling, and perfect after a long walk.

Approximately 18 km south of Najera, the twin UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Suso and Yuso are considered the birthplace of the Spanish language. The earliest written words in both Spanish and Basque were found here. A taxi from Najera costs around 20 euros each way, or there is a bus service. Worth the detour if you have a rest day.