Remolino: GR 99 and the Ebro Gorge

Remolino is an abandoned settlement. Three themes stand out for a trip to Remolino: the GR 99 through the settlement, the Desfiladero de los Hocinos gorge on the Ebro, and historic sites in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether to focus your stay on hiking, observing nature or cultural history.

The GR 99 and Rioseco Monastery

The GR 99, also known as the Camino Natural del Ebro, passes through Remolino and then reaches a bridge over the Ebro. The bridge leads to Rioseco Monastery. The settlement, river crossing and monastery are therefore connected by a specific route. The GR 99 was created as infrastructure for leisure, sustainable tourism, sport and education. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider the trail as either a sporting focus or part of a leisure- or education-oriented stay.

Gorge scenery and wildlife watching

Near Remolino, the Ebro has carved the Desfiladero de los Hocinos gorge between the Tudanca and La Tesla mountain ranges. The gorge is part of a natural area shared by Remolino and the neighboring Valle de Valdivielso. This connects the striking river landscape with a natural area that extends beyond Remolino.

The route through the gorge uses cantilevered walkways and prepared paths to make the passage easier. Along the route in the gorge area, you can watch birds of prey and swifts; you may also spot otters or traces of their presence. This natural area thus offers two different perspectives: the landscape shaped by the Ebro and the chance to observe animals or their tracks along the way.

Monastery and early medieval rock-cut church

Rioseco Monastery is a Cistercian monastery. A local initiative saved it from falling into complete disrepair and being abandoned. Its history connects the route across the Ebro bridge with efforts to preserve the monastery.

The hermitage of San Pedro de Argés lies in the wider area around Remolino. It is considered one of Spain’s most interesting early medieval rock-cut churches. The two cultural sites offer different points of interest: at Rioseco, the focus is on its affiliation with the Cistercian Order and the local initiative; at San Pedro de Argés, on its early medieval origins and its type as a rock-cut church.

Choose the focus of your trip

The different locations and route connections are useful when planning your trip. The GR 99 passes through Remolino and crosses the bridge to the monastery. Wildlife watching relates to the route in the gorge area, while San Pedro de Argés lies in the wider surrounding area. This lets you decide whether the route, wildlife watching or the history of early medieval rock-cut churches will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Hedeso, Villanueva de Argaño, Ibeas de Juarros, La Puebla De Arganzón, Castrillo de la Vega, Pesquera De Ebro, Belorado, Milagros.

For the broader travel overview: Burgos.