The best MTB trails around Montiel

After the walk, what better way to end the visit to Villanueva de los Infantes than with some Coca-Colas, some cold beers and some tapas in a typical local bar right in the Plaza Mayor, as its name suggests.

On one side is the Church of Santo Domingo, built in the 17th century following the principles of the Counter-Reformation. Highlights include the main altar with its Baroque altarpiece featuring Solomonic columns. Above it are interesting frescoes depicting Saint Dominic. Among the side chapels, the Chapel of Souls, founded by the Ballesteros family, the Chapel of Ecce Homo, commissioned by the Duke of San Fernando, and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, commissioned by the Bustos family, are particularly noteworthy. However, the most visited site is the convent, or rather, the cell where Francisco de Quevedo died in 1645. Quevedo's cell, open to the public, is the exact spot where the writer passed away shortly after arriving in Villanueva, already very ill. Following the confiscation of church property in 1844, the convent was closed, and today part of the building houses cultural events and a hotel. The opening hours and admission prices are as follows: Opening Hours: Monday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission: €2 (Reduced: €1).

The Plaza Mayor is Neoclassical in style and a key element of the urban design, housing the main political and religious institutions. The Church of San Andrés is notable for its Neoclassical façade, featuring a deep semicircular arch, an image of Saint Andrew, and the coat of arms of the Habsburgs. Inside, the Chapel of the Busts is preserved, in whose crypt Francisco de Quevedo was buried. Visiting hours and prices are: Hours: Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Admission: General €2 (Reduced €1).

The Ossero Ford is located in the Ruidera Lakes Natural Park, within the municipality of Ossa de Montiel (Albacete), on the border with Villahermosa (Ciudad Real). It is a natural area that forms part of the Ossero Trail, an easy interpretive route (5.3 km one way) that skirts the Tomilla and Conceja lagoons, connecting with the Laguna Blanca.

Montiel Castle, also known as the Star Castle, is one of the most important historical sites in Castile-La Mancha. Built by the Arabs in the 9th century, under the name of Munt-Yil, it was part of the defense of the Islamic territory against the Christian advance. It was conquered by the Christians in 1227, after a long siege, and passed into the hands of the Order of Santiago, who made it the center of the Commandery of Campo de Montiel. The Tragedy of Montiel (1369) occurred here, where King Peter I of Castile was assassinated by his brother Henry of Trastámara, with Bertrand Duguesclin famously saying: "I neither remove nor appoint a king, but I help my lord." It is currently in a state of partial ruin, but excavations and guided tours are taking place.

The Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, located between the provinces of Ciudad Real and Albacete, is one of the most spectacular natural areas in Castilla-La Mancha. It consists of 15 terraced lagoons connected by waterfalls, streams, and springs, forming a unique landscape of turquoise and sapphire-green waters.

It is located in La Carrasca, about 14 km north of Villahermosa. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd named Juan Cortés on top of an oak tree, from which the name of the sanctuary comes. A hermitage was built on the site of the apparition, which over time became the current sanctuary.

Alcubillas is located next to the right bank of the Jabalón River, 82 kilometers from Ciudad Real, capital of the province to which it belongs, and 11 from Villanueva de los Infantes.