Rioja

Rioja is a peaceful locality in the province of Almería, located in the fertile valley of the Andarax River. For the pilgrim who walks along the Mozárabe Route, it represents one of the first stops after leaving the capital, offering a rural and quiet environment. The landscape is dominated by citrus crops, creating a green oasis that contrasts with the drier areas of the province. The town, with white houses, offers basic services for a restorative break. It's an stage that allows the hiker to acclimate to the route's rhythm, enjoy the calm of the countryside and prepare for the journeys that will take him into the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Alpujarra Almeriense mountains.