From the desert to wine

A road trip through the Bardenas Reales and Rioja

April 14, 2026: We set off early to explore the Bardenas Reales. The plan? Hike and marvel.

Bardenas Reales, Spain | 4/14/2026

The Bardenas Reales are simply breathtaking! This desert landscape, these rock formations...wow!

Bardenas Reales, Spain | 4/14/2026

At Castildetierra, the most famous formation of the Bardenas Reales, we set off on a short hike. Not along the paths, but down into the dry riverbed and following the course. Once across the landscape.

Bardenas Reales, Spain | 4/14/2026

We continued with the route, the landscape was simply beautiful!
Then we went on to Valdegovía / Gaubea!

Valdegovía / Gaubea, Spain | 4/14/2026

Next, we drove past Valtierra. Things got a little "special" here. The roads here are secured to protect them from bulls. Interesting...and we had just missed the last bull run, the FIESTAS DE LA JUVENTUD - kind of a shame too!!!!

Valtierra, Spain | *4/

Then it was on to the Rioja region. Vineyards as far as the eye can see. What an idyll!

Elvillar / Bilar, Spain | 4/14/2026

And best of all: we not only saw the wine, we also tasted it. Tasting at its finest!

Elvillar / Bilar, Spain | 4/14/2026

And as it should be for a successful day, we ended up at a very, very, very nice place in the countryside. With a sauna and bar for Markus. While Bettina, unfortunately "battered and totally knocked out", needed a break.

Valdegovía / Gaubea, Spain | 4/14/2026