La Mancha in Central Spain
Still a real insider tip!
The Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha, in short La Mancha, is only known by few Spain visitors. This region is still a real insider tip in Spain! However, La Mancha has a lot to offer in terms of landscape, food and culture.
Even if there are no beaches or sea, there is a lot to see and to discover. In particular, off the beaten tracks there are still hidden treasures. Castile-La Mancha is famous for Don Quijote, the windmills that characterize the idyllic landscape, as well as the wine produced here, which makes La Mancha the largest winegrowing region in the world. But there is much more.
La Mancha´s landscape is characterized by the beautiful olive groves and vast vineyards, beautiful natural parks such as the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera or the Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park. The home of Don Quixote is home to Toledo, with its historic old town, which has been a World Heritage Site since 1986, and many beautiful and sleepy villages and medieval towns with exciting attractions such as Almagro, Villanueva de los Infantes, Alcaráz or the castle of Calatrava La Nueva.
These highlights are supplemented by the traditional cuisine of La Mancha, where game dishes and various homemade stews are characteristic and lots of culinary specialities. The most famous product of this exciting region, however, is the regional wine. In the largest wine region of Spain, Valdepeñas many excellent white wines of the grape varieties Airen and Macabeo and first class red wines (Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon) are produced.
In addition, you can find the delicious Manchego cheese, which is obtained exclusively from the raw or pasteurized milk of sheeps of the breed Manchega, and which is protected under the designation of origin D.O. Queso Manchego since 1991. It is available in different age levels, which differ greatly in taste. Besides wine and cheese, La Mancha is also rich in excellent olive oil. The number of local producers producing top-quality olive oils has risen sharply in recent years.
When is the best time to visit La Mancha?
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Best time to travel
La Mancha is a worthwhile destination throughout the year, as each season has its own characteristics. However, the best travel time is in the spring and autumn. In March and April the temperatures are on average at 16-18° C and in May even at 23° C. The usually very dry region flourishes and shines in a sunny green and invites to outdoor activities such as extensive hiking tours.
The months of June-August are the warmest in La Mancha with average temperatures of 30-34° C. At this time it rarely rains and the nights are still long and pleasantly warm. In August the harvest season begins in the region, first with the grape harvest and then from October also the olive harvest. The latter extends into March. This time is particularly exciting, as you can be present at the harvest and the elaboration of these products. Also, there are numerous festivals taking place in the region, especially the Valdepeñas Wine Festival. The temperatures in September are still on average at 28° C and in October still at 22° C. The winters in La Mancha are cold, but usually sunny and the temperatures between November and February are still at an average of 11-15 ° C. The famous Manchego cheese is produced throughout the year, so a visit to a Manchego cheese manufactory is always possible.
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Individual travelers and small groups
If you are in Madrid, take a short trip to La Mancha to explore a largely undiscovered landmark and get to know its warm-hearted people and fascinating culture.
