A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Campo de Criptana: The Heart of La Mancha and Don Quixote's Windmills

Located in the province of Ciudad Real, in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, Campo de Criptana is a charming municipality known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and above all, its iconic windmills, which inspired Miguel de Cervantes to write his famous work "Don Quixote of La Mancha".

The Windmills

The main tourist attraction of Campo de Criptana is undoubtedly its windmills. These giants of La Mancha, as Cervantes called them, stand majestically on the Sierra de los Molinos and the Cerro de la Paz. Of the 34 original mills, 10 have been carefully restored and three of them, Infante, Sardinero and Burleta, have been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument of cultural interest.

The Old Town

The old town of Campo de Criptana, known as "El Albaicín", is another attraction of this municipality. Its narrow and steep streets, whitewashed houses and colorful doors and windows, transport the visitor to another era. Among its most notable buildings are the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Royal Granary and Dulcinea's House.

The Route of Don Quixote

For literature lovers, Campo de Criptana offers the opportunity to follow the Route of Don Quixote, a tourist itinerary that follows the steps of the famous knight errant through La Mancha. The route includes a visit to the windmills, as well as other places mentioned in the novel, such as the cave of Montesinos and the castle of Rochafrida.

Gastronomy

The gastronomy of Campo de Criptana is another of its great attractions. The typical dishes of the region, such as pisto manchego, migas, manchego cheese and wines from the Denomination of Origin La Mancha, are a delight for the palate. In addition, you cannot miss the delicious manchego porridge and the typical sweets, such as the Miguelitos de La Roda and the manchego flowers.

Festivals and Events

The festivals and events of Campo de Criptana are another reason to visit this charming municipality. Highlights include Holy Week, declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, and the Pisto Festival, in which the inhabitants of the municipality cook this typical dish in large pans in the town square. In addition, the International Chamber Music Festival is held every year, attracting musicians from all over the world.

Gastronomic Products from Campo de Criptana

• Manchego Cheese

  Campo de Criptana is located in the region of La Mancha, famous for its Manchego cheese. This cheese is made with sheep's milk from the Manchega breed and has a firm texture and an intense and slightly spicy flavor. It is a protected product with a designation of origin, which guarantees its quality and authenticity.

• Wine from La Mancha

  The region of La Mancha is one of the main wine-growing areas of Spain and Campo de Criptana is at its heart. The wines of La Mancha are known for their quality and variety, from fresh and fruity whites to robust and complex reds. The region also produces excellent rosé and sparkling wines.

• Manchego Migas

  Manchego migas is a traditional dish from the region made with stale bread, garlic, olive oil, and paprika. Other ingredients such as chorizo, bacon or grapes are often added. It is a humble but delicious dish that reflects the rich culinary history of La Mancha.

• Traditional Sweets

  Campo de Criptana is famous for its traditional sweets, such as mantecados, marzipans, and Manchega flowers. These sweets are made by hand following recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. They are the perfect complement to a coffee or a sweet wine from the region.

Sporting Activities in Campo de Criptana (Ciudad Real)

Hiking

With routes that cross the famous windmills, Campo de Criptana is an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts. You can explore the Route of the Windmills and enjoy the impressive views of La Mancha.

Bomstar Mosquetón con cierre de resorte de 10 piezas.
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Cycling

The flat terrain of La Mancha makes Campo de Criptana a perfect place for cycling. You can rent a bicycle and travel the rural roads, enjoying the tranquility of the landscape.

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Water Sports

The Almoguera reservoir, located a few kilometers from Campo de Criptana, is an ideal place to practice water sports such as canoeing or sailing.

Climbing

For the more adventurous, the Sierras de los Molinos and the Sierra de la Paz offer opportunities for climbing. Don't forget your gear and enjoy the thrill of climbing these rock formations.

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Places near Campo de Criptana

If you are in Campo de Criptana and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Alcazar de San Juan, in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha, is a tourist destination rich in history and culture, famous for its windmills and exquisite cuisine, highlighting dishes such as migas manchegas and manchego cheese.

Consuegra, in Spain, is famous for its historic windmills and medieval castle. Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, highlighting saffron and Manchego cheese, and participate in the traditional Saffron Rose Festival.

Tomelloso, in the wine region of La Mancha, Spain, is famous for its wine and brandy. Visitors can enjoy underground cellars, the Osborne distillery, and the delicious Manchegan cuisine in its numerous restaurants and taverns.