Hidden Gem: La Mancha in Spain

Have you ever heard of the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain? Picturesque mountain villages, white windmills, and unspoiled nature parks are as much a part of the landscape here as historically significant buildings. Join me on a journey through the homeland of the literary hero Don Quixote, which is also known as the largest wine-growing region in Europe.

When one thinks of a vacation in Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, or simply La Mancha, probably doesn't come to mind first. This is not surprising, as this charming region in central Spain is still considered a hidden gem. Once the historical region of New Castile, which even extended to the Spanish capital Madrid, it was declared an autonomous community in 1982. Today, this Spanish community attracts visitors particularly with its monumental capital Toledo, which was even the capital of Spain until 1561. But there is much more that makes a stay here special, so read on and be surprised!

Unfortunately, Castilla-La Mancha does not have its own airport, so the best way to get there is via the Spanish capital, Madrid. Flights to Madrid can often be found for as low as $100 round trip. From here, you can easily reach the autonomous community by rental car or alternatively by train. Both options will take you about an hour. However, if you want to be flexible on-site, I can confidently recommend the rental car option. This way, you can reach the key attractions and many small mountain villages in a short time and spontaneously take trips.

As you approach this roughly 79,400 km² large community in the heart of Spain, specifically in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, it is mainly the exceptionally beautiful landscapes that catch the eye. Charming little farming villages alternate with white windmills, and gorgeous nature parks like Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera, Parque Natural de La Serrania de Cuenca, or the National Park Las Tablas de Daimiel invite nature lovers on an exciting expedition.

Moreover, the highest elevation of La Mancha, the Montes de Toledo, along with the mountains Las Villuercas and Rocigalgo, shapes the image of the region, with the meandering rivers Rajo, Guadiana, and Júcar adding to its idyllic landscape. Additionally, the magnificent vineyards, wheat fields, and olive groves create an excellent environment for nature lovers!

Those who come to La Mancha will not only want to enjoy the tranquility and charm of this Spanish region but also visit exciting attractions, especially in the capital Toledo. The historic old town of Toledo, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986, is well worth a visit. It is characterized by the famous Alcázar fortress of Toledo, built on a rock in the 16th century, as well as the impressive Santa Maria Cathedral and numerous other churches and museums. The best way is to simply stroll through the city streets, cross the famous Alcantara Bridge, which once served as the main access to the city, and admire the many fascinating buildings. If you have time and are wondering what else to see during your visit to Toledo, I can highly recommend the following attractions:

About 130 kilometers south of Toledo lies another noteworthy place - Ciudad Real, the capital of the same province and the main location of the University of Castilla-La Mancha. Here, the House of Hernán Pérez de Pulgar, the Casa Real de Caridad, and the Santiago Apóstol Church are particularly worth seeing. If you head east instead of south from Toledo, you will reach Cuenca, an impressive medieval town perched on a rocky plateau between the Júcar and Huécar rivers. Once quite uninhabited during Roman times, more and more buildings emerged over time. The famous hanging houses are definitely a highlight, along with the imposing cathedral of Cuenca. Two other popular cities, one to the northeast and the other to the southeast of Toledo, are Guadalajara and Albacete.

But what about Don Quixote? Why do all tourists talk about this literary figure whenever Castilla-La Mancha is mentioned? The answer is simple: In the famous novel 'The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha' by Miguel de Cervantes, published in 1605, Don Quixote fights against the windmills of La Mancha, mistaking them for dangerous giants in his delusion. Although this episode plays a minor role in the story, it has become the most famous episode in the entire novel. Therefore, it is no wonder that the approximately 2,500-kilometer route of Don Quixote, which passes through places mentioned in the novel, is one of the most popular tourist routes in all of La Mancha.

Another popular and certainly worthwhile tourist route is the Route of the Black Villages, 'Ruta de los Pueblos Negros,' which leads visitors to the most remote and probably most beautiful villages in the region - villages that are almost entirely made of black slate. Additionally, there are the Route of the Castles, the Route tracing the footsteps of Saint Teresa of Jesús, and the Saffron Fields Route. Each of these routes offers visitors some unique highlights, that's for sure.

If you feel like taking a break along the way, sit down in one of the cozy restaurants to enjoy traditional La Mancha cuisine. Typical dishes include game and various homemade stews. Of course, a glass of regional wine is a must, as the region around La Mancha accounts for about 35% of Spain's wine production. La Mancha is particularly known for its many delicious white wines and the famous red wine from Valdepeñas, which was served to Emperor Charles V in the 16th century.

So, are there any of you feeling like taking a trip to the beautiful Castilla-La Mancha? If you happen to be in Madrid someday and have enough time, I recommend that you definitely take a detour to this region located south of the Spanish capital. It will be worth it!