Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia draw the lion’s share of visitors, and in peak season the queues, cruise-ship groups and packed old towns can test even the most patient traveller.
Recently, The Mirror highlighted a lesser-known Spanish city as a smart alternative to Barcelona, noting its similar atmosphere, historic streets, and strong food culture, but without the intensity of mass tourism.
Spain’s most underrated city and a quieter alternative to Barcelona
Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, has around 152,000 residents and feels very much like the region’s heartbeat. Set in northern Spain amid vineyards and gentle countryside, it’s compact enough to explore easily on foot.
There are no beaches or Gaudí showpieces here. Instead, you’ll find a handsome old town, elegant churches, broad plazas and a food scene that comfortably holds its own, all without the intensity of Barcelona’s crowds.
A walkable historic centre
The historic centre clusters around Calle Portales and the cathedral, with narrow streets lined by traditional bars, small shops and stone façades that glow honey-coloured at sunset.
Architectural highlights include:
- Concatedral de Santa María de la Redonda, with its twin towers dominating the skyline
- The Church of San Bartolomé, Logroño’s oldest church
- Remnants of the old city walls and gateways
A serious wine capital
La Rioja is synonymous with top-quality Spanish wine, and Logroño sits right in the middle of it.
Wineries mentioned by The Mirror, such as Bodegas Campo Viejo, Bodega Viña Ijalba and Arizcuren Bodega & Viñedos, are all within easy reach. Many offer tastings and tours that explain the ageing process of Rioja wines, including the difference between crianza, reserva and gran reserva.
A decent glass of Rioja in a local bar can still cost around €2.50 to €3.50, which feels refreshingly reasonable compared to Barcelona’s central districts.
Things to do in Logroño: pintxos, pilgrims and local culture
Logroño isn’t about ticking off blockbuster attractions. It’s about settling into the rhythm of the place.
Get stuck into pintxos culture
The city is especially proud of its pintxos – small bites usually served on bread and secured with a stick. Think of them as cousins to tapas, but with their own northern flair.
Traditional dishes highlighted by The Mirror include:
- Patatas a la riojana (potatoes cooked with chorizo and paprika)
- Patorrillo (a more rustic offal-based stew)
- Fardalejos (a sweet pastry filled with almond paste)
Follow the Camino de Santiago
Logroño lies on the Camino Francés route of the Camino de Santiago, the historic pilgrimage that ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
Pilgrims pass through daily, especially in spring and early autumn. Even a short walk along the route just outside the centre gives a sense of the landscape and history tied to this centuries-old path.
Explore museums and green spaces
For a city its size, Logroño has a decent cultural offering:
- The Museum of La Rioja, which gives context to the region’s history
- Casa de las Ciencias, a science centre set in a former slaughterhouse
- Sala Amós Salvador, focused on contemporary art
Parque del Ebro runs alongside the river and is ideal for a slow wander, especially in the early evening when locals come out for a stroll.
Why Logroño works as a Barcelona alternative
The comparison isn’t about copying Barcelona’s architecture or coastal setting. It’s more about lifestyle.
Both cities share:
- Strong regional identity
- A social culture centred on food and drink
- Attractive historic cores
- Streets that encourage walking rather than rushing
The key difference is scale. Logroño doesn’t receive the same volume of international tourism. As The Mirror points out, many travellers are now actively seeking destinations where they can avoid overcrowded streets and long queues. And Logroño feels like a functioning Spanish city first, a visitor destination second.
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