Arnedillo – Thermal Waters, Trails and Culture

With the Pozas on the Cidacos, Arnedillo offers thermal waters, as well as trails, climbing routes and cultural and historical sites. If you are looking for a hotel in Arnedillo, you can plan your trip around whether warm pools, outdoor activities or historical sites are your priority. The different themes can be explored through specific places and activities: from the Pozas to a former railway line, a church and a rock cave.

Thermal Waters on the Cidacos

The Pozas de Arnedillo are located on the banks of the Cidacos River and are freely accessible. Check the access conditions before your trip if you are planning your visit in advance. The water reaches temperatures of between 38 and 48 °C, with the temperature gradually increasing from pool to pool. This range gives an idea of the different temperature levels, rather than stating a single value for all the pools. Arnedillo’s thermal offerings also include hydrotherapy programmes, a session with thermal mud and a swim in an outdoor thermal park. Specific programmes may vary. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between the Pozas and the other forms of thermal experiences mentioned here.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The Vía Verde del Cidacos follows a former narrow-gauge railway line that connected Calahorra and Arnedillo over 34 kilometres. A four-kilometre branch leads from Ariñano station to Préjano. The Vía Verde can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The difference between the longer route and the shorter branch is a practical point of reference when choosing a route. The Ruta de las Ermitas can also be combined with the Vía Verde, which heads towards Arnedillo. You can take this connection between the two routes into account when planning.

Climbing routes have been developed in the limestone mountains of Arnedillo since the 1970s. A public climbing itinerary can be accessed freely by users with their own climbing equipment. Check your equipment and the safety conditions before using it. The Vía Verde lists walking, cycling and horse riding as ways to use the route; for the climbing itinerary, having your own climbing equipment and observing the applicable conditions are expressly part of the planning. This makes it possible to distinguish the activities described according to their respective types.

Culture and Special Insights

The Iglesia de San Servando y San Germán dates from the early 16th century and houses a Renaissance high altar from 1560. The two dates refer to different elements: the period when the church was built and the year of the high altar. This distinction provides a concrete point of reference for understanding Arnedillo’s art history.

The Cueva del Ajedrezado is part of an early medieval hermitage complex carved into the rock. Inside, niches hollowed out from floor to ceiling form an almost perfect chessboard pattern. The cave is accessible via a 200-metre footpath; trail conditions can change, so check them before your visit. The short approach and the striking interior detail offer two different aspects of this site.

The Centro de Interpretación del Alto Valle del Cidacos comprises five themed areas: the Biosphere Reserve, water, cultural heritage, industrialisation, and festivals and traditions. The themes thus range from nature and water to history and regional customs. At El Mirador del Buitre, the indoor area has an exhibition about the griffon vulture’s life cycle. The outdoor area is for birdwatching and is equipped with telescopes and binoculars. As opening arrangements may change, check the current information before your visit.

An Annual Event in November

The Procesión del Humo takes place in Arnedillo on the last Sunday in November. If you would like to plan your trip around this tradition, its recurring date provides a concrete point of reference for planning.

Discover more destinations: Villamediana de Iregua, Abalos, Aldeanueva de Cameros, Baños de Río Tobía, Huércanos, Grávalos, Anguiano, San Román De Cameros.

For the broader travel overview: La Rioja.