Parque del Espolón, Logroño

Park in Logroño

View of Paseo del Principe de Vergara in Logrono

CC BY-SA 3.0 / jynus

Parque del Espolón, officially known as Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara, is the green salon of Logroño-a formal promenade of trees, lawns, and monuments where the city comes to stroll, sit, and people-watch. Set on the edge of the Old Town, it takes its popular name from its resemblance to the famous Paseo del Espolón in Burgos, with symmetrical walkways, shaded benches, and carefully tended garden beds. This is where families meet for an evening paseo, children play around fountains, and locals rest between errands or tapas rounds on nearby streets.

Among the lawns and flowerbeds stands the Monument to General Espartero, the 19th-century general and statesman who spent his final years in Logroño and died here in 1879. Around him, paths radiate through well-kept greenery, seasonal plantings, and a diverse collection of trees and shrubs that bring colour and shade throughout the year. It's an easy place to fall into step with the local rhythm of life, and a great place to visit on a walking tour of Logroño when you want a breather from churches and wine bars without leaving the historic centre.

History and Significance of Parque del Espolón
Things to See and Do in Parque del Espolón
How to Get to Parque del Espolón
Practical Tips on Visiting Parque del Espolón
Where to Stay close to Parque del Espolón
Is Parque del Espolón Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Parque del Espolón
Nearby Attractions to Parque del Espolón

History and Significance of Parque del Espolón

The Paseo del Espolón grew out of a 19th-century taste for formal urban promenades-broad, tree-lined spaces where citizens could see and be seen. Inspired by the celebrated walk in Burgos, Logroño developed its own version at the edge of the Old Town, creating a leafy buffer between the historic streets and the expanding modern city. Over time, the park became the setting for civic events, public celebrations, and the daily ritual of the evening stroll.

Its most prominent historical feature is the Monument to General Espartero, one of the key political and military figures of 19th-century Spain. After his turbulent career, Espartero settled in Logroño, and the city later honoured him with a commanding statue in the centre of the gardens. The monument anchors the space and gives the park a distinctly historical flavour-this is not just a patch of grass, but a place where national and local memory intersect.

As Logroño has grown into a lively regional capital, Parque del Espolón has remained a reference point. Festivals, parades, and public gatherings often pass along or around the paseo, while quieter days see it used simply as a pleasant shortcut, a reading spot, or a meeting place. The combination of monuments, mature trees, and central location makes it one of the must-see places in Logroño for anyone who wants to understand how the city moves and breathes.

Things to See and Do in Parque del Espolón

The main pleasure of Parque del Espolón is slow, unhurried wandering. Start at one corner and follow the broad central path beneath the trees, noticing how the neat lawns and flowerbeds frame views of the surrounding façades. Benches line the walkways, inviting you to sit for a while and watch life unfold-children cycling past, friends greeting each other, and older residents following their daily route with quiet familiarity.

Make your way to the Monument to General Espartero and take a closer look at its sculptural details and base. From here, you can see how the statue acts as a focal point, with paths radiating outward and sightlines leading toward the Old Town and nearby streets. Depending on the season, the gardens around the monument may be bright with flowers or shaded by dense foliage, changing the park’s character from month to month.

Take time to explore the smaller paths that loop around the edges of the park. These side routes often feel more intimate, with tucked-away benches and pockets of greenery where you can read, sip a takeaway coffee, or simply enjoy a few minutes of calm. In the evenings and on weekends, the atmosphere becomes livelier as locals use the park as a link between the Old Town and newer neighbourhoods, or as a starting point for tapas and wine nearby. Even a brief visit can give you a strong sense of Logroño’s everyday charm.

How to Get to Parque del Espolón

Parque del Espolón is located in the heart of Logroño, right on the edge of the Old Town, so once you are in the city it is very easy to reach on foot. From the cathedral or Calle Laurel, it's just a short stroll along central streets, with the trees and open space of the paseo clearly visible as you approach.

If you are arriving by air, you may fly into Logroño-Agoncillo Airport or, more commonly, into larger airports such as Bilbao or Zaragoza before travelling on to Logroño by road or public transport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Logroño on Booking.com. From central Logroño, most hotels in or near the Old Town are within a comfortable walking distance of Parque del Espolón.

By train, you will arrive at Logroño's main railway station, which has regular connections to cities like Madrid and Zaragoza.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the station, it typically takes 15-20 minutes to walk to the park, or you can take a short bus or taxi ride to the city centre and then continue on foot.

If you are driving, major roads and motorways link Logroño with other towns and cities in northern Spain.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Park in one of the public car parks near the centre, then walk into the Old Town area; the park’s central, open layout makes it easy to find as you explore.

Practical Tips on Visiting Parque del Espolón

Suggested tips: Use the park as a “reset” point between sightseeing stops-sit on a bench, people-watch, and then head back into the Old Town refreshed.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon and early evening are especially atmospheric, when locals come out for a paseo and the light softens over the gardens.
Entrance fee: Free – Parque del Espolón is a public space open to all visitors.
Opening hours: Generally accessible at all times, though the liveliest atmosphere is during daylight and early evening hours.
Official website: https://www.spain.info/es/lugares-interes/paseo-espolon-logrono/
How long to spend: Allow 20-40 minutes for a relaxed stroll or a sit-down break; longer if you enjoy reading or lingering in green spaces.
Accessibility: Paths are mostly level and paved, making the park suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some surfaces may be slightly uneven in places.
Facilities: Benches, shaded areas, and nearby cafés and bars provide plenty of options for rest; public restrooms may be available in the surrounding streets or nearby venues.
Photography tip: Frame the Monument to Espartero with trees and flowerbeds in the foreground, or capture the length of the paseo to show its symmetry and lively atmosphere.
Guided tours: Some city tours pass through or by the park, using it as a pleasant route between other landmarks; even on your own, info panels and maps can help you place it in the city’s layout.
Nearby food options: The streets around the park are full of cafés, bakeries, and bars, and it's only a short walk to Calle Laurel and other pinchos areas for classic Logroño food and wine.

Where to Stay close to Parque del Espolón

Staying near Parque del Espolón puts you within easy reach of both the Old Town and the newer parts of Logroño, with a peaceful green space on your doorstep. For a stylish, historic base in the centre, Hotel Calle Mayor offers boutique comfort within a short walk of the park and the cathedral. If you prefer a modern hotel with good access to shopping streets and the main avenues, NH Logroño Herencia Rioja is a convenient option not far from the paseo. For a practical, central stay close to many of Logroño’s main sights, Hotel Condes de Haro makes it easy to reach Parque del Espolón, the Old Town, and the riverfront on foot.

Is Parque del Espolón Worth Visiting?

Parque del Espolón is definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience Logroño beyond its wine bars and churches. It may not be a “sight” in the grand, monumental sense, but it is where the city's everyday life flows most naturally-through kids playing, older couples strolling, and friends pausing on benches under the trees. The combination of well-tended gardens, the Espartero monument, and its central location makes it an ideal spot to slow down, take stock of your day, and enjoy a quieter side of the city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,036)

Parque del Ebro in Logroño is a peaceful riverside park with wooded areas, two bridges and remnants of industrial structures; visitors recommend it for walking, jogging, running or dog walking, and as a pleasant spot for picnics or just relaxing, though it has limited play facilities for younger children.

Fabien Heinen

2 months ago

"Fairly clean and large enough for a run."

Mason. R

2 months ago

"Peaceful, good spot for a late night hangout or good workout or run. Just not many activities for younger children"

Fungai Jonga

2 years ago

"It's a good area to have a picnic and just relax"

FAQs for Visiting Parque del Espolón

Yes, it is a public park and completely free to access at any time.

It sits right on the edge of the Old Town, just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral and main pinchos streets.

Absolutely-children can enjoy the open paths and green spaces, though parents should supervise near busy streets around the perimeter.

Yes, the park is accessible after dark and is usually well lit, making an evening stroll safe and pleasantly atmospheric.

There are plenty of benches throughout the park, many shaded by trees, ideal for resting, reading, or people-watching.

Nearby Attractions to Parque del Espolón

Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda - Logroño's co-cathedral with its iconic twin Baroque towers, a short walk away in the Old Town.
Museo de La Rioja - Regional museum housed in the Palacio de Espartero, tracing La Rioja's history from prehistory to the 19th century.
Calle Laurel - Famous pinchos street, packed with tapas bars and Rioja wine, just a few minutes' walk from the park.
Puente de Piedra - Historic stone bridge over the River Ebro and symbolic Camino de Santiago entrance to the city.
Plaza del Mercado - Central square beside the cathedral, a lively spot for terraces, markets, and soaking up Logroño's local atmosphere.

The Parque del Espolón appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Logroño!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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