Laguardia Celebrates a Decade as One of Spain’s Most Beautiful Villages

The medieval gem of Rioja Alavesa, the only town in the Basque Country in the association, marks ten years of representing the excellence of Basque rural heritage

Madrid, March 26, 2026

In 2026, the association Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España celebrates the tenth anniversary of Laguardia (Álava)’s inclusion in its network. Since joining in 2016, this medieval town nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa has held a unique distinction: it is the only municipality in the Basque Country to be part of the association, a distinction that reflects its exceptional heritage value and the dedication of its residents to preserving a legacy spanning more than ten centuries of history.

Founded in 2010, the association Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España was inspired by the French model Les Plus Beaux Villages de France with the aim of identifying, recognizing, and promoting those small Spanish towns that possess a first-rate architectural, cultural, and scenic heritage. Today, it is an active member of the International Federation Les Plus Beaux Villages de la Terre, an organization that brings together networks of charming villages from France, Italy, Belgium, Japan, Spain, and Switzerland, among other countries.

A journey through time: the urban and architectural richness of Laguardia

Strolling through Laguardia is like stepping back in time. Its perfectly preserved historic center retains its medieval layout intact: three main streets run through the town from north to south, connected by narrow alleys and squares that invite you to wander without haste. A 13th-century walled belt encircles the town, accessible through five historic gates that still serve as thresholds between the present and a glorious past.

Perched on a hill overlooking the vineyard-dotted landscape, Laguardia commands a view of the Rioja Alavesa valley from its privileged vantage point, with the imposing Sierra de Cantabria serving as a backdrop. The town, with a population of just over 1,500, boasts a dazzling architectural heritage: Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical buildings line its cobblestone streets.

Among its architectural gems, the church of Santa María de los Reyes stands out, with construction having begun in the 12th century. Its polychrome Gothic portico, carved in stone in the late 14th century and painted between 1696 and 1700, is one of the most extraordinary works of Spanish medieval art.

Laguardia and wine: a story written underground

As the capital of Rioja Alavesa, the town maintains an intimate and centuries-old relationship with viticulture. Beneath its streets—which are entirely pedestrian—lies a network of more than 300 caves and excavated tunnels that form practically another underground city. For centuries, these galleries served as family cellars, shelters, and even military barracks, and today they represent one of the main attractions of wine tourism in Spain.

Architecturally cutting-edge wineries like Bodega Ysios, designed by Santiago Calatrava, coexist with centuries-old cellars, creating a unique dialogue between tradition and innovation.

A region with millennia-old roots

The area around Laguardia boasts remarkable archaeological wealth: the La Hoya Settlement (c. 1200 B.C.), one of Spain’s finest examples of an Iron Age settlement; the La Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen, a Neolithic megalithic monument over 5,000 years old; and the Celtiberian Pond of La Barbacana (3rd century BC). A region inhabited, cherished, and preserved from prehistory to the present day.

Ten Years of Excellence: An Anniversary to Celebrate

Laguardia’s tenth anniversary is not just a milestone: it is a recognition of the work of generations of Laguardia residents who have known how to value and preserve their extraordinary legacy. Laguardia demonstrates that a small municipality of just over 1,500 inhabitants can be a giant in heritage, culture, and quality of life. Its presence as the sole Basque representative in the network reaffirms the uniqueness of a town that, like few others, combines medieval history, winemaking tradition, archaeological richness, and unparalleled scenic beauty.

Discover Laguardia on our website

About the Association

The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain, which now includes 126 unique towns, was born from the conviction and need to make the wonderful villages scattered across Spain known to the world. The brand is a benchmark of prestige and quality both nationally and internationally, based on the French model Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, and is part of the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages of the World.

Media Contact

Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain

+34 93 713 33 66

prensa@lospueblosmasbonitosdeespana.org