La Atalaya de Haro

The most beautiful way to get to the watchtower is up the mythical Herradura street, from which you have to head up the stairs on the left side of the church. One you’re up, it’s just a matter of walking down the residential homes on Toloño street until you get to the clearing where the houses end and you see the giant letters spelling Villa Jarrera.

It’s strange, but going to Haro from the north (from the Basqueland, for example), you can see the letters perfectly from the highway, announcing that you’re entering Haro.

Well, from here you have great views, but it’s worthwhile to head up the path (only 2 minutes) to another clearing, one that has railing and a wooden pergola. This is the “Atalaya de Haro” and from here all that’s left to do is soak in the great views of western Haro, the Obarenes mountains in the distance, the Barrio de la Estacion (where all the bodegas are), and the panorama of the Riscos de Bilbao and Las Conchas, the strategic pass from the Basqueland to La Rioja. Off to the right, you’ll find the foothills of the Cantabrian Range with the Mt. Toloño in the distance.

By heading up by the Iglesia de Santo Tomás, you can get to this viewpoint. It’s ideal for seeing the region and, above all, the Barrio de la Estacion and its wineries. I’d recommend heading up in the afternoon to catch the sunset.