Opting for a different weekend where you can visit such iconic places as Alcázar de San Juan, El Toboso, Tomelloso or Madridejos, among others, is incomparable to anywhere else. Indeed, Castilla-La Mancha hides corners worthy of being visited at least once in a lifetime.
During the two days of this journey, we suggest you forget your daily routine and immerse yourself in the landscapes that brought to life the adventures and misadventures of the ingenious gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha.
To speak about each would be too lengthy and unfair, as visitors will come to know them all equally, with a wide range of activities to choose from: from discovering La Mancha's natural landscapes to the diversity of monuments and artworks proposed along this fascinating route.
For this reason, here we provide some general information about Castilla-La Mancha:
- Geographical location. This itinerary crosses several provinces of Castilla-La Mancha, one of Spain's largest autonomous communities. With an area of 79,461 square kilometres and 918 municipalities, it covers nearly the entire Southern Plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. Its strategic position in the heart of Iberia, south of the central mountain range, has made it one of the main inland tourist destinations chosen by Spaniards.
- Climate. You can enjoy a continental climate year-round, typical of so-called "dry Spain". Average temperatures have been rising, with maintained significant differences between highs and lows.
- Gastronomy. The variety of local products has given rise to the famous Castilian-Manchegan cuisine, based on regional produce. Some most characteristic items include: Manchego cheese, made traditionally from local sheep's milk; garlic and saffron; olive oil, produced in La Alcarria, the Tagus Valley, Montes de Toledo, Serranía de Cuenca, Mora, Campo de Montiel and Sierra de Alcaraz; honey; and of course, wines, with vineyards covering 70,000 hectares. We recommend an enotourism route in Ciudad Real.
- Crafts. The great skill of Castilian artisans is evident in various products. Examples include Almagro's bobbin lace, Albacete and Santa Cruz cutlery, Talavera de la Reina, Puente del Arzobispo and Hita ceramics, Toledo sword-making or Cuenca carpets.
During our two days there, we enjoyed this and much more, as beyond spectacular landscapes you can practice active tourism activities like kayaking. An instructor showed us how to use the paddles, as you need to master basics like turning and stopping.
After this, we boarded the vessels in pairs and began paddling. Honestly, it's one of the most fun experiences you'll find, as coordination with your partner is essential - but until you achieve it, there's guaranteed laughter.
Otherwise, you can take the opportunity to practice other adventure sports like hiking, paragliding, 4x4 routes, scuba diving... Don't wait any longer to plan your trip to Lagunas de Ruidera with friends, your partner or family - you'll certainly enjoy it immensely.
