We reached Logroño quite late so we jumped into the car for another 27 km till a small city called Najera. The city has a very special charm, it gives you the feeling of a very cozy place. It looks to be very typical for the mornings to go at the nearby bar for "un troce de tortilla" and a coffee.
First, it is famous in Spain for the Fiestas of Anguiano, where some crazy guys go down a steep road dancing on a sort of wooden sticks (you can see the sticks in the picture above). These guys are called Los Danzadores de Anguiano and it is totally impressive to watch.
And second, the beautiful nature with the cliffs and the river that make the place quite popular especially for people that enjoy sports like climbing, abseiling and canyoning.
Next day we woke up quite early as there was a very special place my friend wanted to show me before going back to Madrid. For this we had to pass in the Basque Country, at the entrance we were welcomed in Euskera: Ongi etorria...aka welcome. Interesting cultural experience. Btw.. if interested in finding out more about the basques, the book "The world History of the World" by Mark Kurlansky gives quite a good and detailed overview.
We left back to Logroño as we had to catch the bus later on in the afternoon. Before leaving La Rioja we went to eat something on the street called Calle La Laurel. This street is quite special as it is the "home" of 102 tapas bars". It is a great experience...just take care .. as most of the people end up drunk at the end of the street ;) Finishing eating we went to the train station got the bus and went back to Madrid.