Top Castilla-La Mancha hotels
The region of The Manchuela (Little Stain) is full of photogenic corners sculpted by thousands of years of erosion by the elements and, in particular, by the river Júcar, the lord of this land. Alcalá del Júcar is the main town in the area and certainly is, for its astonishing location, one of the most picturesque in the whole of Castille-the Stain.You can see many other pictures of this most interesting town in my Alcalá del Júcar page.
Even if the church of the Saviour, as several other buildings in The Wheel, is of high interest, I would be lying if I said that I keep coming to this little town for the sightseeing. The true reason that draws me here again and again are the delicious local pastries known as "miguelitos": a puffy cake filled with custard cream and covered with glacé sugar. Maybe not to die for, but certainly to drive for!!
In the border between the provinces of Albacete and Royal City a rosary of lagoons form a dreamy landscape that does not seem to fit in the barren surrounding landscape.The lagoons, filled with the purest turquise waters, are situated in different levels and connected by waterfalls. The lagoons are named after the noise generated by these waterfalls during the rainy season.
Two almost identical Renaissance towers defy each other in Alcaraz's Main Square: the "Tardón" tower, annexed to the Saint Domenic Market Hall, stands for the secular power and faces the Trinity tower, annexed to the town's main church. They are a perfect symbol of the struggle between church and state for controlling the Old Regime spanish society.As it can be seen, no winners or losers here in Alcaraz. The result is simply one of the most eye-catching squares in Castille-the Stain.
The source of the river World is one of the most popular excursions in Southern Albacete.As soon as the river World springs from a cavity, it drops from a horizontal wall into two consecutive waterfalls popularly known as the Chorros del Mundo or Jets of the World.This is really an unusual and refreshing site in a land we tend to associate with drought rather than with waterfalls.
In the southern part of the province of Albacete the landscape changes dramatically: the Stainan plains give way to rough sierras where picturesque villages seem to hang from the slopes of the hills.Ayna is one of the best known mountain towns in the South of Albacete.
Petrola is a rather unknown location that treasures one of the ecological jewels of the province of Albacete: the Petrola Lagoon.It is the largest salty water water lagoon in the province and provides shelter for a large number of waterbirds during the winter months, when the water shows an almost surreal azur colour.
The huge fortress of Almansa is visible from a distance of many kilometres. It was built by the Moors and then prospered as a bastion in the defense of the border between the kingdoms of Castille and Valencia.
Not far away from the provincial capital, Chinchilla is a typical hill-top town with a good preserved Medieval castle. Centuries ago, it was a much more important place than Albacete, as it could take advantage of its strategic location on a hill that dominated the area. When this was no longer an asset, Albacete profitted of the comfort and the expansion possibilities of the plains, whereas Chinchilla remained has kept its ancient face to our days.
Castille-the Stain shares the Iberian central plateau with its Northern twin sister, Castille and Lion. Plains are also here the dominant feature, where the Mediterranean trio (vineyards, cereals and olive trees) thrives, specially in the region of The Stain. The aboundant sierras, fluvial canyons, flooding plains, seasonal lagoons and Mediterranean forests provide some of the best preserved ecosystems in Iberia and good opportunities for wildlife watching.Castille-The Stain is administratively organised in five provinces which all bear the name of their respective capital city: Albacete, Royal City, Cuenca, Guadalajara and Toledo.
Parador de Toledo Toledo
4 Reviews and 172 Opinions We did not stay, but later found out that the government run paradors have many deals and usually...
Parador de Cuenca Cuenca
6 Reviews and 128 Opinions This location turned out to be not the best of choices for us. Not because we had a smallish room...
Rusticae La Casa Del Rector Almagro
51 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Castilla-La Mancha attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Castilla-La Mancha sightseeing.
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