Welcome to SENDITUR.COM · paths · routes · tourism
Difficulty-Low
1:30 h.
5.5 km.
Difficulty-Low
1:30 h.
5.5 km.
In Alfaro, La Rioja is the Natural Reserve of the Groves of Alfaro, a spectacular environment formed by the whimsical layout of the river Ebro as it passes through this alluvial plain, where is the path of the Groves from Alfaro. An oasis of biodiversity formed partly by the riverside woods and the vegetation associated with these ecosystems, which are the habitual habitat of various species, among which the white stork stands out.
The route gives us the chance to get to know the town centre of this beautiful town with its large and unique tourist attractions, and to immerse ourselves in the meanders, groves and "mothers" formed by the Ebro throughout its usual cycle. This 5.5-kilometre-long itinerary begins in the Spain Square, next to the Groves of Alfaro interpretation centre, at the foot of the Collegiate Church of San Miguel, a 16th and 17th century church built in solid brick and declared a national historic-artistic monument. From here we will walk through its streets passing through part of the route of the Way of Saint James of the Ebro that arrives from Zaragoza following in great measure the route of the spectacular GR-99 or Natural Path of the Ebro.
We will leave Alfaro crossing the Alhama river and the train track to fully introduce ourselves into this privileged environment that welcomes us between farms and poplar groves. Following the path that will take us to the arboretum, where we will be able to discover the flood channels and the "mothers" along with the flora and fauna that inhabit them. Following the course of the river by the Mazon, an artificial barrier that protects the area from flooding, or descending the path of the Chorro of the Nava and going through the chaotic vegetation of the place that serves as a perfect ecosystem, we reach the viewpoint, from where we can contemplate some of the 8 groves that make up this Natural Reserve, to approach if we want to know the Grove of the Estajao or return passing by the old sugar factory in search of our steps that will take us back again to Alfaro.
The N-232 links Alfaro on one side with Calahorra, Logroño and on the other with Tudela and Zaragoza among other towns. If you take the LR-287 road towards Corella, you can also access the AP-68 motorway. The LR-288 connects it with the nearby town of Castejón de Ebro. Alfaro has a bus station and regular bus services that connect it with Logroño and Calahorra, as well as with nearby towns. There is also a railway station on the Logroño-Zaragoza line. Once in Alfaro we will go in the direction of the urban centre, there are signs that indicate us towards the interpretation centre and the Spain Square where the Collegiate Church of San Miguel is located. We can park our vehicle in Paseo Florida, near the beginning of the route.
Good route for our friends, by the urban helmet and dirt roads in very good conditions.
In the car park and in Alfaro we have water fountains, in the rest of the route we will not find more water points.
We pass through an area of farms and orchards where we find some dog, usually within the fenced enclosures. Remember that you are in a Nature Reserve, a protected area of special ecological value, find out about the regulations of the reserve on pets. Try not to leave the signposted paths, without altering this space or disturbing its inhabitants.
This tour starts at the Spain Square (0h 00min), where the interpretation centre and the town hall are located.
From this square the Argelillo street starts first and San Antón street later, where we will descend straight leaving to left and right the streets that we find ourselves, to go out to the Paseo Florida, where a stork's nest in the top of a post receives us. When leaving to this walk we found a crossing with several streets, in front of us we will see the bridge that crosses the river Alhama by where we will continue.
As soon as you cross the bridge, continue along the street towards the train station, leaving on your left a path that runs parallel to the river, until a pedestrian crossing helps you to turn left and continue along the Ebro street, abandoning the one that leads to the station.
The street of the Ebro will accompany us until crossing the bridge that crosses the railroad tracks, the itinerary continues by the asphalted way passing of long to our left a first way just after crossing the bridge and a second, where a sign in the wall of the house that borders with the way, something hidden for those who arrive from Alfaro, indicates to us that we must continue straight and not turn to the Left. The itinerary continues along the asphalted road parallel to the wall, passing by a cooperage and after finishing it, reaching the height of the Detour (0h 20min).
Some signs indicate the direction we have to follow, at this point we continue along the path that starts on our left and borders the cooperage, bidding farewell to the asphalted road that goes straight on towards the Grove of the Estajao and where we will return.
The well signposted dirt track will lead us straight between farms, ignoring any paths we cross, until we reach the arboretum where we go to the track that runs through the Mazon. In this fork our itinerary turns to the right, in direction towards the viewpoint, having the possibility of descending to the Path of the Chorro of the Nava (0h 40min), to continue for her or to continue for the path on the Mazon, both continue parallel following the course of the river until returning to meet in the Viewpoint of the Grove of the Nava (0h 45min).
From the viewpoint start several paths, the first continues along the course of the Ebro heading towards the Grove of the Estajao, the second by which we follow takes us to the car park next to the old sugar mill, the third gives access to various farms that are located in the vicinity.
We continue towards the car park, finding the path that descends in search of the recreational area and the Grove of the Estajao, leaving behind this path we arrive at the car park, once in it we meet again with the asphalted road that will lead us towards the cooperage, continuing along it, bordering the old sugar mill, we will arrive at the entrance to it, where the path turns sharply to the left.
Shortly after, the path reaches the height of the Detour (1h 10min), of the post with the signs and of the cooperage, from where we will return following our steps towards Alfaro, until the Spain Square (1h 30min), where the route ends.
Distance. 5.5KmThe starting point will mark the final distance of the course.
Time. 1:30hThis time includes the round trip, if we also approach the Grove of the Estajo we must add about 60 minutes more, without crossing the rest of the meander.
Time of yearWe must bear in mind that the groves are undoubted areas, so in times of flooding it is advisable to inquire in advance at the interpretation center.
Required equipmentFootwear and sportswear according to the time of year and the weather. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.
Difficulty. LowPhysical
A route with no physical demands, practically flat, except for the short ramps of the streets that descend towards Paseo Florida, with the possibility of accessing the car park next to the old sugar factory in our vehicle, avoiding the journey from Alfaro.
Severity of the environment
No difficulty, although if being an undoubted zone in certain occasions we can find some muddy or flooded zone, for that reason in time of floods it is advisable to be informed before the state and the forecasts.
Orientation
The paths and paths are in good condition, well defined and signposted, on the asphalted road after crossing the bridge over the railway it is possible to get lost, since at the crossroads we find the sign indicating the groves, this sign is on the wall of the house and is not easily seen coming from Alfaro.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 1-Spain Square | 0:00h | 305m | 0Km | 30T 603278 4670340 |
| 2-Detour | 0:20h | 282m | 1.3Km | 30T 603436 4671418 |
| 3-Path of Chorro of the Nava | 0:40h | 269m | 2.4Km | 30T 603747 4672328 |
| 4-Viewpoint of Grove of the Nava | 0:45h | 268m | 2.7Km | 30T 604131 4672124 |
| 5-Detour | 1:10h | 282m | 4.2Km | 30T 603436 4671418 |
| 6-Spain Square | 1:30h | 305m | 5.5Km | 30T 603278 4670340 |
Coordinates UTM Datum WGS84
Slope: 96m
Slope +: 48m
Slope -: 48m
Maximum altitude: 305m
Minimum altitude: 265m
This sketch of the route is not made to scale nor does it contain all the information relating to the area, it is merely indicative.
This schematic with the path is approximate and has been created from the derived cartographic base © Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Cuadrante 244-3 1:25.000".
Senditur has manipulated the tracks to correct the aberrant points that may exist, caused by problems with the reception of the GPS signal. In any case the tracks are always approximate. SENDITUR encourages you to use the new technologies within your reach, using them as support and consultation in your activity, not basing the realization and orientation of the same only and exclusively on them, since they may see their functioning altered by very diverse causes, not functioning correctly and their indications may not be precise.
Una ruta preciosa, perfecta para ver a las aves del lugar.
First Cistercian monastery to be established in Spain
First Museum in La Rioja de Pasos de Semana Santa
Jewel of Ujué, ordered to be constructed by kings
¿Did you know that...
In Alfaro and more specifically in the vicinity of the Collegiate Church of San Miguel sits the largest known urban colony of white storks in the world, with more than 100 pairs, which adding their offspring their census can exceed 500 storks.
Don't miss out...
The viewpoint of the storks, which will allow us to enjoy a magnificent view of the Collegiate Church of San Miguel and the storks that inhabit its roof.
From the commitment of SENDITUR with Nature and the respect to the balance of the environment, SENDITUR urges you to travel in a responsible way, with low environmental impact and respecting at all times the Natural, Cultural and Social environment wherever you go.
Besides sharing with all of us your experience on the route we would be grateful if you could write to us to inform us of any erroneous or outdated information you may have found, or simply to let us know what you think at Thank you.
This route has been carried out in the field by SENDITUR on 03-03-2015. The route may vary greatly depending on the time of year, weather conditions and terrain, as well as the actions of third parties and the evolution suffered in the natural environment where it is located. All opinions, advice and/or assessments made by SENDITUR in their descriptions are for guidance only and are subject to and/or refer to the specific conditions of the specific day of the route, referring to that specific day, taken from trained people, with the appropriate experience and with a high level of physical and technical preparation as a reference, as well as correctly equipped.
All the times are approximate and take an orientative character, the stops have not been taken into account, no matter how small they are. All the information related to the route, texts, images, videos, maps, diagrams, tracks, towns, and places of tourist interest are published as a guide, and may not coincide with the current state of each place. Before undertaking any activity, assess your technical knowledge, your physical condition, find out about the weather and the variations that the route may undergo, equip yourself correctly, be prudent and responsible at all times, and do not exceed your capabilities. SENDITUR is not responsible for any misuse or inappropriate use of the comprehensive guides of its routes and/or publications as well as its electronic guides, nor for any variations in their descriptions for the aforementioned reasons, and recommends that everyone be responsible and prudent in carrying out the activity. We also encourage you to read books and specialised guides to complement the information described above.
Continue watching …
.jpg "Go to Contrebia Leucade")
