When most people picture Spain, they think of flamenco in Seville or beaches along the Costa del Sol. But some of the best memories are made far from the big cities, like in Logroño, the lively capital of Spain’s Rioja wine region.

One word of warning if you are like me and prefer white wine — your options are limited here for now. This region is famous for its reds, but if you’re a fan of Rioja, you’ll be in your happy place.

Our evening in Logroño turned into one of those spontaneous-feeling nights that remind you why you travel. The city’s old town is famous for its tapas bars, all packed along just a few streets. The unspoken rule is simple: head into a bar, order its signature tapas and a drink, enjoy, and move on. Lather, rinse, repeat.

We started at Blanco y Negro, where we both had a bruschetta-style bite topped with strawberry jam, cream cheese, and ham. It was sweet, creamy, and salty all at once. I paired mine with a glass of txakoli, a lightly sparkling white wine from the Basque Country that’s crisp, dry, and perfect with tapas.

From there, we wandered to Ribera, where I couldn’t resist the classic mushroom caps brushed with garlic oil and stacked around a shrimp. Andrew wanted no part of mushrooms or shrimp, so he popped next door to Bar Donosti for a cojonudo which is bread topped with spicy sausage, roasted red pepper, and a quail egg. We have since made these at home as well!

At Bar Sebas, I went for a traditional Spanish omelette, while Andrew tried a stuffed pepper. Finally, we ended the night at La Anjana, sharing a hearty pork sandwich with cheese and peppers.

The whole experience took place within just a few streets that hold somewhere between 50 and 80 tapas bars and restaurants, all full of life, laughter, and the smell of grilled peppers and garlic. The food was incredible, but it’s the atmosphere that makes it unforgettable — the chatter spilling into the streets, the clink of glasses, and locals sharing space like old friends.

Four streets, five bars, and countless flavours later, we walked back through the narrow lanes feeling full and happy. Even if tapas aren’t normally your thing, a tapas crawl through Logroño is one of the best ways to experience Spain’s food culture up close.