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 Batana Lagoon Viewpoint is one of the most highly recommended spots within the Ruidera Lakes Natural Park. It's located in the municipality of Ossa de Montiel (Albacete), in the area where Batana Lagoon flows into the Colgada Lagoon, forming natural waterfalls. Surrounded by pine trees and open spaces, it's a perfect place to relax and admire the scenery.

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.

La Laguna del Rey is one of the most outstanding lagoons in the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, located in Castilla-La Mancha. This lagoon is known for being one of the largest and deepest in the lagoon complex. La Laguna del Rey is ideal for water sports such as canoeing and paddle surfing. Its natural surroundings and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

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.

Laguna de Batanas is a picturesque place located in the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, near the town of Ruidera in Albacete, Spain. This circular hiking route covers approximately 7.9 kilometers and is generally considered moderate in difficulty. On average, it takes around 1 hour and 56 minutes to complete. I hope you enjoy your adventure in nature! 🌿🏞️