The Wonders of Logroño, Spain, and the World Padel Tour

Logroño in La Rioja is the stage for the world’s most infamous panel tour from the 6th till the 14th of April, 2019. The main stage is located in the Palacio de los Deportes, and that’s where some of the most riveting padel players unite to engage in the most exciting duels that fans from across the globe flock to.

What most people don’t realize is that, not only is the Logroño Open host to the World Padel Tour, it’s also a remarkable destination in and of itself. In this article, we’re going to explore the best sites and the most delightful things to do while you’re in town for the tournament. After doing a little exploration, you may find that you want to stay longer than a week.

Tapas

Spain is famous for tapas bars,
and Logroño boasts of some hotspots. Unlike the other places in Spain, Logroño has very particular kinds of tapas on offer. Venture into a tapas bar that specializes in mushrooms, lightly grilled and dripping in butter. Have a try of Basque pintxos. Be sure to head down Calle Laurel, in the heart of Old Town. This is where the very best tapas in Logroño can be found.

Museo de la Rioja

No trip to Logroño is complete without visiting the Museo de la Rioja. This old palace from the 18th century has various sections such as pre-history art, all the way up to modern day. Enjoy a stroll through Spanish history with tablets from the San Millan monastery, collections of spears and swords, and an assortment of Roman coins.

Iglesia de San Bartolome

The Church of San Bartolome was constructed in the 12th century and is the oldest in Logroño. Take a photo of the beautiful facade with its intricate stone carvings, and be sure to check out the bell tower built as part of the old city. Visitors boast that the church offers one of the best views of the city.

Catedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda

Here is yet another stunning piece of religious architecture that Logroño is famous for. The cathedral was constructed in the 15th century but was not even completed until the 18th century. Enjoy the striking towers, also known as ‘the twins’, which were done in the Baroque style.

Vinos El Paso

After all that exciting competition at the World Padel Tour, it’s time to enjoy some wine. Located in the Rioja region, Vinos El Paso offers fine local wines, which are considered to be some of Spain’s best. Not only is there a wonderful selection of local wines, there’s also a great variety of vermouths to choose from.

Puente de Piedra

This is one of the most recognized symbols in the city. Puente de Piedra means Stone Bridge, and it crosses the River Ebro from the Old Town. This majestic bridge dates back to 1884 and it’s the entrance to the city along the Camino de Santiago.

Bodegas Marques de Murrieta

Are you interested in becoming a wine connoisseur? Bodegas Marques de Murrieta is where it’s at. No trip to Logroño is complete without having a fine wine experience. Most of the wineries are in the countryside, but this particular one is right on the edge of the city. The winemaking techniques of Murrieta come from Bordeaux when the winery was founded in La Rioja in 1852. Today, you can take a tour of the winery and enjoy one of the many tasting rooms.

Casa de las Ciencias

The Huse of Sciences is located in an amazing white and red building next to the River Ebro. This is a great place to bring the whole family, as there are various exhibits that appeal to kids and adults alike. Enjoy the fun weekly workshops and the several interactive exhibits outside in the Garden of Sciences. These exhibits offer a mix of geology, paleontology, meteorology, and physics.

Works of Sala Amos Salvador

Sala Amos Salvador is located in an old 14th-century tobacco factory. Considered to be the cultural center of La Rioja, this remarkable space houses touring exhibits as well as live performances and concerts. Sala Amos Salvador has a wonderful website where you can see what’s on offer during the World Padel Tour.

Parque del Espolon

The famous gardens on the Paseo del Espolon are located in the heart of Old Town. Also known as Paseo del Principe de Vergara, it features a large statue of General Espartero who lived in Logroño until 1879.

Logroño Open and World Padel Tour

We saved the best for last. One of the most exciting things that Logroño has to offer this April is the sport of padel. The game was originally invented by a Spaniard named Enrique Corcuera in 1969. Although the initial invention took place in Mexico, the sport was then brought to Marbella, Spain, which is where the World Padel Tour now begins. Padel is a sport that requires a great deal of stamina, skill, and athleticism. If you’re in Logroño this April, this event is going to be something that you’ll never forget.