Paseo del Espolón

Paseo del Espolón is the most iconic park and promenade in the heart of Logroño, the capital of La Rioja in northern Spain. Its official name is Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara, though locals and guidebooks alike almost always refer to it simply as "el Espolón" — the name you'll want to use when asking for directions or looking it up on a map.

How do you get there?

The Espolón sits right in the middle of the old town, so reaching it is straightforward from anywhere in the city. It's a walk of roughly ten to fifteen minutes from Logroño's train station and about the same from the bus station. If you're arriving by car, the easiest approach is to park in one of the central car parks and continue on foot — Logroño's historic center is compact and best explored on foot rather than by car. The park sits at approximately 42.46477, -2.44543, which makes it easy to locate with any navigation app.

What will you see?

The site's history stretches back to the 18th century. The first public promenade was laid out here in 1757, just outside the walls that once enclosed the city. In 1809 the grounds were expanded onto land that had belonged to the local seminary's orchards. Over the following decades the gardens matured into the leafy, formal green space that visitors still enjoy today, one of the most important pockets of greenery in downtown Logroño.

One of the most memorable features of the Espolón is its bandstand history. A music kiosk was inaugurated here on August 7, 1892, and served for decades as a venue for open-air concerts. In 1954 it was replaced by a new structure on the same spot: a round auditorium known as "La Concha" (The Shell), designed by architect Luis Barrón. Its shape was inspired by an outdoor stage design seen in San Francisco, in the United States, and its distinctive decorative details are the work of sculptor Lucarini. La Concha still hosts concerts and cultural events today, and has at times also served as a tourist information point.

The park itself is a spacious, well-tended green area right in the city center — an easy place for a relaxed stroll, a rest on a bench beneath the trees, or simply watching everyday life in Logroño unfold. It also functions as a natural gathering point during local festivals and celebrations, and its central location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the rest of the old town, including the famous Calle Laurel, well known for its tapas bars.

When should you visit?

The Espolón can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for a longer walk through the gardens. Summer afternoons can get quite hot, so it's worth taking advantage of the shade from the mature trees or planning your visit for the morning or evening. It's also worth checking the local events calendar before you go — La Concha regularly hosts concerts and open-air events, particularly during the warmer months.

Frequently asked questions

Is Paseo del Espolón the same place as Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara? Yes, they are exactly the same place — Espolón is simply the popular, everyday name for the officially titled Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara.

What is La Concha at the Espolón? It's a round auditorium built in 1954 on the site of the original 1892 music kiosk. It's used as a concert stage and venue for cultural events in the center of Logroño.

Is it free to visit the park? Yes, the Espolón is a public city park, open to everyone free of charge at any time of day.

How much time should you set aside? Walking through the park itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but it pairs naturally with a stroll through Logroño's adjoining old town, so plan for closer to half a day if you want to see both properly.