An often-underrated holiday destination, Castile-La Mancha is a land of historic towns and cities set amongst fertile plains and high plateaux studded with windmills. Immortalised in Cervantes’ Don Quixote, it’s a beautiful region and easily accessible from Madrid for long weekends or as part of a road trip through central Spain. Accommodation options are tremendously wide-ranging, with everything from old town guesthouses to magical restored convents and country house hotels catering to an array of tastes and budgets. Most of the best places to stay in Castile-La Mancha are characterful and historic, reflecting the region’s ample charm.

Ciudad Real, the regional capital, promises towers, Gothic churches, a 16th-century cathedral and the Don Quixote Museum, all surrounded by four kilometres of protective walls. The area’s bucolic plains are home to vineyards and family-owned farms producing game and cheeses. Enjoy tours and tastings at the wineries themselves, or at cellar doors on and around the city’s lively Plaza Major.

Fortified Toledo, once Spain’s capital, is undoubtedly Castile-La Mancha’s most famous destination. Brimming with religious and cultural landmarks, it’s a favourite amongst those looking to delve into the area’s rich and turbulent history. Evenings in Toledo are particularly special, when the day-trippers have left and the light is dazzling. Those interested in history of architecture should also venture across to Cuenca, with its striking old town and astonishing hanging houses built onto the surrounding cliffs.

Head into the countryside for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, or to experience the wonders of the region’s spectacular national parks. Some of the best places to stay in Castile-La Mancha are tranquil rural escapes, perfect for outdoorsy adventurers.

The Best Places to Stay in Castile-La Mancha

FOR Old Town Charm

• La Casa del Rector in Almagro has three categories of rooms, ranging from ultra-modern to very traditional. Contemporary rooms feel swish and stylish; the best have whirlpool tubs for long soaks after days of exploring. A converted 17th-century townhouse, the hotel also has an acclaimed restaurant, plunge pool and spa.
• Casa de Cisneros in Toledo dates back more than 500 years, and its cosy, antique-filled rooms ooze character. Very affordable, with a great little restaurant specialising in regional dishes, it's the perfect choice for those looking to step back in time and immerse themselves in the charm of medieval Toledo.
• Palacio de la Serna has been transformed from an 18th-century private residence to a 30-bedroom boutique hotel with a focus on contemporary art. Generously proportioned rooms feature modern art pieces and bold hues offering a striking contrast to the original exposed stonework and impresssively high ceilings. Feast in the elegant dining room or unwind in the gardens.
• Antidoto Rooms has ten simple yet stylish, white-on-white guestooms in the heart of Toledo's old town. Enjoy big breakfasts before heading out to explore, and return to your private terrace to soak up the sunshine in the evenings.
• Posada de San José is an enchanting old monastery on the edge of Cuenca's old town. Exposed beams and uneven floors add to the sense of timeless charm. Expect beautiful views across the Huecar Gorge, a lively tapas restaurant and very reasonable pricing. Ideal for on-foot wanderers.

For Families or Groups

• Hotel Boutique Pinar, just outside Cuenca, offers a selection of chic bungalows — some with space for families — in a secluded natural setting. Elegant spaces are arranged around a refreshing saltwater pool, and there's plenty of scope for horse riding, cycling, canoeing and walking in the surrounding countryside. A family favourite.
• La Casita de Cabrejas has romantic rooms and spacious suites — some sleeping 4-5 people — on a working farm. Interiors are rustic and airy, with pastel colours and four-poster beds. Unwind in the swimming pool after big days of adventure — the owners have their own activity company, so energetic travellers of all ages are in the right place!
• Hotel Salinas de Imón dates back to 1750, having been owned by Carlos III and later used as a barracks during the Spanish Civil War. Family rooms offer space for little ones, and there's a pool for cooling dips after hikes in the surrounding Sierra Norte de Guadalajara Nature Reserve. A well-priced mountain escape for families or groups.

For Romantic Luxury

• Parador de Alarcon is a stunning hotel, set inside a castle with a 1300-year history. Expect four-poster beds, exposed stone walls, antique furnishings and sumptuous textiles. Gourmet cuisine and fabulous views complete the picture at this romantic luxury retreat.
• Valdepalacios promises a five-star experience in the verdant fields which lie between Madrid and Toledo. A spectacular country house with 29 classic rooms and suites, the hotel boasts a soothing spa as well as an acclaimed gastronomic restaurant, headed by Chef David Muñoz. Warm and romantic.
• Parador de Toledo sits high on the Cerro del Emperador, overlooking the walled city of Toledo. A charming country house with wooden beams and antique pieces, it's a relaxed yet luxurious retreat with generous rooms, a swimming pool and an excellent regional restaurant. The views are spectacular.
• Molino de Alcuneza offers 17 gorgeous rooms and suites in a converted flour mill just outside the medieval town of Sigüenza. Foodies will adore savouring Chef Samuel Moreno's tasting menus at the Michelin-starred restaurant after laid-back afternoons by the pool or at the spa. A gem.
• Parador de Almagro, once a 16th-century convent, now offers marvellous rooms and suites with original beams, exposed brickwork and tiles, connected by a series of courtyards. A beautiful wedding venue or romantic retreat in Almagro, it also has a fabulous restaurant.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly into Madrid Barajas Airport and travel into Castile-La Mancha by train, bus or taxi from there. Many hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• Castile-La Mancha is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect warm and sunny summers, with temperatures averaging at around 28°C - 35°C between June and August. Do be aware that this is peak holiday season, but cooler spring and autumn temperatures may be more appealing for exploring. You'll also find fewer crowds in April, May or late September.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Ciudad Real.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Castile-Léon.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Castile-La Mancha