🇪🇸 Spain's Rioja 🍷 - The Stunning Town of Laguardia

Laguardia, a medieval town with 1,000 years of history, was the biggest surprise of my Spain trip—a true hidden gem 🌟! Strolling through its streets, I barely heard any English, as most visitors were from other parts of Spain. Why Laguardia is Special 🏞️ Breathtaking Views: Endless vineyards and rolling mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. 🏘️ Timeless Charm: The well-preserved architecture feels like stepping into the past—and many locals still call this place home! An elderly woman even waved at us from her window 👋 (so heartwarming—grandparents here seem thrilled to see young visitors 😂). 🍷 Must-Visit: Ysios Winery (Pic 4️⃣) Just a 5-minute drive from Laguardia, this futuristic winery looks like it jumped out of Minecraft! Its wavy facade contrasts (yet harmonizes) with the mountain backdrop—so surreal. We didn’t tour inside (too late), but their wine bar & terrace are perfect for a spontaneous glass of Rioja! 🍽️ The Food Scene… or Lack Thereof 🌵😅 Coming from food heaven San Sebastián, La Rioja felt like a culinary desert 🙃. So on our last day, we treated ourselves to fine dining at: 📍 Nublo (1-Michelin Star) in Haro One of Rioja’s few high-end restaurants, blending local and Basque cuisine. Small & intimate—only 4-5 tables per night (ours wasn’t full). Honest review? More hype than flavor—in San Sebastián, this might not keep its star. Highlights: 🐟 Seabass: Crispy skin, tender flesh, with pil pil sauce (very Basque!). 🍫 Desserts: The chocolate sandwich was so good, I cleaned my plate despite being stuffed! 📜 Handwritten menu as a souvenir (cute touch). Silver Lining? The sommelier was brilliant—his Rioja wine expertise saved the meal! We discovered an amazing dry white 🥂. Final Thoughts? Laguardia = ✨ MAGIC. Rioja’s food? …Bring snacks. 😂 #Spain #LaRioja #HiddenGems #WineLovers #TravelDiaries 🍷🗺️