region’s take on the humble ‘tapas’ , quite simply haute cuisine in miniature which you will find on display in many bars. You'll also find several restaurants run by some of the standard-bearers of the new Basque cuisine like Martín Berasategui, a chef who currently holds 12 michelin stars across his worldwide collection of restaurants of which his most famous, the 3-star restaurant that bears his name, is to be found on the outskirts of San Sebastián, a city also known for its annual film festival. Lying directly south of the Basque country and along the banks of the Ebro are the fertile lands of La Rioja. This area of Spain has over 500 wineries and is internationally famous for the quality of its wines. As well as wine tasting, a visit to this region also offers a range of activities which take place in and around the extensive vineyards, including horse-riding and off-road 4x4 routes. Ride a hot air balloon early in the morning for an inspirational birds eye view over the chequered tapestry of the winelands below. This region is also closely linked to the famous Way of Saint James pilgrim route, and has many cultural attractions. Apart from its capital, Logroño, you'll be able to explore other places such as Santo Domingo de la Calzada and its cathedral, San Millán de la Cogolla, site of the Suso and Yuso monasteries, declaredWorld Heritage Sites by the UNESCO, and known for being the birthplace of the first written words in the Spanish language. Culture and wine together make an unbeatable combination. When you add to that some amazing natural contrasts fromMediterranean forests, high-mountain areas and even lunar landscapes in places like the Sierra de Cebollera Nature Reserve or the Arnedillo Biosphere Reserve, then you will really appreciate that La Rioja is very much more than just wine country! And finally, we come to Navarra, lying eastwards. This is a land that also has a fine wine heritage in the Ribera, an area also renowned for its meats and vegetables. Do not be surprised if a main course consists of an exquisitely prepared onion - the only tears you will shed will be those of gastronomic joy. Navarre was one of the historic kingdoms of Spain and one of the key towns was Olite, where you will find the Palace of the Kings of Navarre, an imposingly medieval castle together with a pair of delightfully Romanesque churches – the Santa Maria Real Church and San Pedro Apostol Church. Turning north brings you to the region’s main town of Pamplona, famous for the Running of the Bulls, but when not full to bursting with runners and spectators, it is also a town with plenty of inviting tapas bars dotted among its old town spread of 12th century churches and charming plazas. The Running of the Bulls occurs every July 7th-14th in Pamplona, Spain. 6 Spanish fighting bulls, along with 6 steers, run from the Corrales de Santo Domingo to Pamplona’s Plaza de Toros (bullfight arena.) Over 1 million spectators watch thousands of runners over the 8 days of the San Fermín Festival. Every morning adrenaline-junkies line the bull run route, ready to sprint alongside and, occasionally in front of, enormous bulls weighing upwards of 1300 pounds. Running of the bulls Pintxos on display in San Sebastian Hot air ballooning in La Rioja Palace of the Kings of Navarre, Olite shutterstock.com/lakishabeecham 18
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