Free walking tours in Escalona and what to see

Must-sees

Escalona is in the north of Toledo province, on a cliff dropping to the Alberche river. Its great monument is the castle, built by Álvaro de Luna in the 15th century on an earlier fortification. It's huge and keeps moats, walls, towers and wall-walks, with a parade ground and a palatial residence. For decades it was privately owned; the town council recently bought it and has opened it to visitors.

The rest of the town is worth a stroll. The Plaza Mayor has arcades along much of its perimeter, and the streets keep traditional houses with balconies and remains of the wall that once surrounded the town. The convent of La Encarnación dates from the 16th century. Below, the long bridge over the Alberche and the river beaches are where everyone goes in summer. Escalona is mentioned in the classic novel Lazarillo de Tormes.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Escalona. Since the castle became municipal property, guided visits to the fortress have been organised, and they're the best way to understand its parts and history. Check with the town council about access before you go. For the rest of the town, wandering on your own is enough, and from Madrid or Toledo it's easy to drive here and combine it with Maqueda.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for the castle, the Plaza Mayor and a walk to the bridge. If you're going in summer and want to swim in the Alberche, allow the whole day. With two days you can add nearby Maqueda castle or continue to the Sierra de San Vicente and its villages.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Escalona is limited: a few rural houses and apartments in the old town and the estates near the river, which fill up in summer. Staying in the centre puts you a step from the castle and the square. If you can't find a room, Toledo is less than an hour away with many more options, and Madrid is also within reasonable reach for a day visit.