The best road cycling routes around Manzanares

You absolutely must visit this unique and striking castle. I recommend climbing to the top to enjoy the views from its privileged elevated position and imagining the times when such thick walls were necessary.

The King's Lagoon, one of the most emblematic lagoons in the Ruidera Lakes Natural Park: It is located within the municipality of Ruidera (Ciudad Real), at the main entrance to the natural park. It is one of the first lagoons you see when traveling through the park by road, very close to the town of Ruidera. It stands out for the turquoise color of its waters, which in some places are reminiscent of the Caribbean. It is photogenic and easily accessible, ideal for those looking for a place to relax or take a swim. The bottom is clearly visible thanks to the water's transparency.

Laguna del Rey is one of the most emblematic lagoons in the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, located within the municipality of Ruidera (Ciudad Real). It lies just outside the town of Ruidera, and is one of the first lagoons encountered when traveling through the park by road. It is easily accessible by car, although parking near the water can be difficult during peak season.

What to see in Membrilla Church of Santiago el Mayor A 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic church, meticulously restored. Highlights include its imposing tower, chapels, and decoration with plant and geometric motifs. Hermitage of Cristo del Espino A place of devotion surrounded by nature, ideal for a peaceful stroll and enjoying panoramic views. Historic Center and Plaza del Sitio Cobblestone streets, traditional La Mancha architecture, and a lively square where you can experience local life. Ethnographic Museum and Municipal Art Gallery Perfect for learning about local history and culture.

The Valdepeñas Ornamental Fountain is located in the Plaza de España, the historic heart of the town. It is one of the city's most emblematic features and stands out for its design and symbolism: Design: A very beautiful ornamental fountain, considered a visual symbol of the square. Setting: Surrounded by historic buildings such as the Church of the Assumption and the neoclassical Town Hall. The square is characterized by traditional white and indigo arcades. In 2017, the flowerbeds were redesigned, and a permeable fixed aggregate was installed to preserve the design and reduce maintenance.

It is located on 1º de Julio Avenue, near the Plaza del Convento and the San Juan Bautista de la Concepción Church. The work reflects Don Quixote's utopian idealism, his struggle for justice and human values in the face of a dehumanized society. It is considered a mature work by the artist, laden with symbolism.

This is where we find an equestrian statue of the Hidalgo, a tribute to Don Quixote. This work, more than 6 meters tall, was erected in 2006 in memoriam of Alberto Ramírez López.

A magnificent example of a montane castle, meaning one whose shape adapts exactly to the hill on which it stands. Its most beautiful feature is the main gate, opening into a bend in the wall and built as a reentrant in its uniform circular path. The magnificent ashlar work with which it was built is worth a visit alone, as is the pointed arch between its two strong towers. Erected by a Muslim garrison in the mid-12th century, it was continually conquered and recaptured, and Christians and Arabs alternated possession many times. It came to belong to the Order of Santiago in 1214, a possession confirmed by a papal bull. When the Alhambra district was divided between the Orders of Calatrava and Saint John, it lost its strategic importance and was gradually abandoned. The most curious thing about the castle is that, being mountainous, it never had an external enclosure or barbican, but rather a covered or protected path in its last section by a small wall, which allowed access under protected conditions.