Pueblos
WHAT TO VISIT
TOWNS
CHINCHILLA
Visiting Chinchilla is like stepping back in time and discovering one of Spain's most charming villages, declared a site of tourist interest. Chinchilla is a castle and wall, palaces, Arab baths, temples and convents. Its centre is the Plaza de la Mancha, where many of its numerous monuments are located. The two magnificent façades of the Town Hall are worthy of admiration. Continuing on your way, you can delight in contemplating the Archpriestal Church of Santa María Del Salvador, full of Gothic elements. The Ceramics Museum is interesting, with a large display of provincial pottery. Its castle is fascinating, protected by a crenellated wall and thirteen towers, with an imposing entrance featuring a drawbridge.
JORQUERA
From a cultural point of view, Jorquera offers an interesting tourist route, consisting of its main monuments and the remains of the ancient cultures that have left their mark on the municipality. Moving between the Gothic and Renaissance periods, we come across the Church of Santa María de la Asunción, which houses interesting works such as a 16th-century processional cross and a painting of the contemplation of the body of Saint Francis. Among other places of interest, we can stop to contemplate the remains of the ancient wall of Jorquera, an Almohad construction from the 12th century.
ALCALÁ DEL JÚCAR
Spectacular, picturesque, exceptional... There are many adjectives that can be used to describe the municipality of Alcalá del Júcar. As soon as it appears before our eyes, its beauty compels us to stop and pay homage to it. Among the must-see sights are its castle, consisting of a pentagonal tower and two circular turrets; the parish church, with a single nave in the shape of a Latin cross; and the Roman bridge, an obligatory crossing point on the Camino Real de Castilla a Levante, whose great importance led to it becoming a dry port or customs house.
RIÓPAR
Riópar comprises a historical and cultural centre made up of Old Riópar and modern-day Riópar. It is probably one of the most beautiful places in the province. Among other things, it is home to: The source of the Mundo River. After a route through the Calares del Río Mundo y de la Sima Natural Park, we enter a valley of enormous vegetation, where the Mundo River originates. But there is much more. The Cueva de los Chorros is where the river truly originates. To reach it, you must request permission to climb with an authorised guide.
ALCARAZ
Alcaraz, nestled in the mountains, with its main square flanked by the Towers of La Trinidad and El Tardón, the Corregidor Market, the Church of La Santísima Trinidad, the Monastery of María Magdalena with countless priceless images, the Portada del Ahorí with its arched entrance framed by columns, the Casa de los Galianos, and the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Cortes.
BOGARRA
Nestled in the mountains, it also offers various points of interest such as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, located in the heart of the old town. The Torre de Haches, a watchtower. The beautiful Batán Waterfalls. In the heart of the mountains, you can enjoy contemplating the source of the Bogarra River. The charming bullring, carved into the rock like a Roman amphitheatre.
AYNA
Ayna, also known as “La Suiza manchega” (La Mancha's Switzerland), is nestled in the Sierra Del Segura mountains of Albacete, in the narrow canyon of the Mundo River. Of particular interest is a visit to “El Mirador Del Diablo” (The Devil's Viewpoint), which featured in the film “Amanece que no es poco” (Dawn Breaks, Which Is No Small Thing). Also worth visiting are the Mirador de Ayna and Mirador De Los Infiernos, the latter located on the edge of a cliff. The Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Hermitage. El Semillero de Hombres. Santa María de lo Alto Church, a temple built on the remains of a castle. El Balcón de los Mayos, which seems to hang from the mountain and offers incredible views of the village.
ELCHE DE LA SIERRA
A municipality located in the southeast of the province of Albacete and belonging to the Association of Municipalities of the Sierra Del Segura. You can visit the Parish Church of Santa Quiteria, with its neoclassical influence. La Poza, the most famous place and yet the least known, even to the people of Elche. La Balsa Del Pilar, a meeting place for the locals, with its four spouts pouring crystal-clear water. Parque De La Concordia, the most visited green area, which boasts important native flora. The Municipal Washhouse, which, curiously, is still in use. El Alamillo, an emblematic fountain from which fresh, high-quality water flows. Los Canales, an aqueduct that is still in use. La Longuera, a lush plain bathed by the Segura River.
YESTE
At the junction of the Segura, Alcaraz and La Sagra mountain ranges, the town of Yeste stands as a testament to the reigns of Murcia, Castile and Granada, notable for its wealth of monuments and thermal baths. You will discover the Islamic castle, the Gothic-style Church of the Assumption, the Franciscan convent and its chapels. Within the municipality of Yeste, the Tus Spa stands out. It is located in the heart of the mountains, in a mountainous area of picturesque valleys, endowed with lush vegetation through which abundant streams flow and crystal-clear springs gush. It is surrounded by the Calares del Rio Mundo Natural Park. An enclave for relaxation and rest.
LAGUNAS DE RUIDERA
Bordering the provinces of Albacete and Ciudad Real, almost without warning, we discover an impressive oasis of water and vegetation: the Ruidera Lakes Park. Lakes that give rise to waterfalls and streams, lush and colourful vegetation, teeming with water birds. This natural park consists of a complex lagoon system made up of fifteen lagoons, which stretch for 30 kilometres along the Alto Guadiana valley and, at its highest point, form the source of the Guadiana River. The fifteen lagoons overflow and flood into each other, forming waterfalls and rapids due to geological formations such as travertine barriers.
ALMANSA
Located 79 km east of the capital on the N-430, an enormous fortification crowns the municipality of Almansa. There we can discover its majestic castle, but also the beautiful Parish Church of La Asunción, the Palace of the Counts of Cirat or Casa Grande, the Convent of Las Agustinas and that of San Francisco. A few kilometres from Almansa is the Sanctuary of Belén, with its simple Baroque chapel. In addition to other buildings, Almansa is a pleasant enclave with a great architectural heritage.
