La Rioja
La Rioja is the least populated and the third smallest autonomous community in Spain. It is situated in Northern Spain, between the Basque Country, Navarre, Aragon and Castile and Leon. The landscape, which is quite mountainous and crossed by the rivers Ebro and Oja, has given name to the region. An abundance of oak forests makes the area a preferred destination for day trips and walking tours. La Rioja boasts a few spa towns with healing water and a salubrious climate, most famous of which is Arnedillo. The arable area is intensively used for agriculture, while the mountainous pastures create excellent conditions for sheep breeding. Another renowned product of this region is Rioja wine. Tourists shouldn't miss the variety of monasteries and Christian temples in some of the smaller towns, such as the monastery of Santa Maria la Real in Najera or the picturesquely located monasteries of San Millan, listed by UNESCO. The capital, Logrono, is a typical provincial town, famed for its textile and furniture industries and its superb wine. It also is a major financial and shopping centre with regional importance.