Hotels in Campo de Criptana

El Albaicín and the Sierra de los Molinos

The white streets of El Albaicín, with their blue-painted skirting, climb straight up to the windmills. If you stay here, you can go up the ridge at dawn or stay until sunset and walk down to dinner. The tourist office is inside one of the windmills, so you have information on your doorstep.

There are rural houses and apartments in traditional whitewashed homes. The streets are narrow and steep, and some barely fit a car, so ask about parking before you arrive.

Centre and Plaza Mayor

In the flat part, around the Plaza Mayor, the church of La Asunción and the Pósito Real granary, is the town's daily life: bars, terraces, shops and restaurants where you can try migas, pisto or Manchego cheese. It suits families and older travellers, as it's all flatter and the windmills are an uphill stroll away. It's also the liveliest part at night.

Around the station

Campo de Criptana has its own station, with regional trains stopping in the town. Staying around it or near the road exits makes it easy to arrive without a car, or to park with room to spare if you're touring the area. From here you can walk to the centre easily, and it's a good option for short weekend breaks from Madrid without relying on a car. The streets are newer and wider, with less charm but more convenience.

Alcázar de San Juan

The neighbouring town is a major railway junction in La Mancha, with more hotels and services. It has its own historic centre, with the Torreón de Don Juan de Austria and the church of Santa María. It suits you if you're touring several towns on the Don Quixote route and prefer a base with more choice, more trains and more places to eat at any hour.