Free walking tours in Tomelloso and what to see

Must-sees

Tomelloso is a La Mancha town tied to wine, and you notice it everywhere. Beneath its streets are hundreds of caves dug out to make and store wine, some open to visitors. On Plaza de España are the church of La Asunción and the Posada de los Portales, an old arcaded inn that now holds exhibitions. It is a good place to start.

The Antonio López Torres museum is worth a visit, devoted to the local painter, uncle of the famous Antonio López, who was also born here. The Museum of the Cart and Farming Tools explains the area’s agricultural life and includes a bombo, the typical dry-stone hut dotting the surrounding fields. Crime fiction readers will recognise the town of Plinio, Francisco García Pavón’s detective.

Free tours and guided visits

There are usually no pay-what-you-wish free tours in Tomelloso. The usual format is guided visits to caves and wineries, often with a tasting, and tours of the museums. Trips are easy to arrange from here. The Lagunas de Ruidera, a short distance away, are a natural park of linked lagoons with turquoise water, ideal for walking or swimming in summer. Argamasilla de Alba, very close, is associated with Cervantes and the origins of Don Quixote.

How long to spend

Five or six hours are enough for the town, the caves and a couple of museums. If you want to add an unhurried winery visit and an afternoon at the Lagunas de Ruidera, give it a weekend. An easy plan is to keep the morning for the town and the afternoon for nature, or the other way round if it is hot.

Where to stay

The best choice is to stay near Plaza de España or in the central streets. That way the museums, the Posada de los Portales and the bars are at hand. The town is flat and easy to walk. If you plan to spend more time at the Lagunas de Ruidera, you can also sleep there and come to Tomelloso by day.