Walking through the city of Campo de Criptana feels like stepping into a living piece of history. Nestled in the heart of La Mancha, this charming town is best known for its iconic windmills, which rise majestically against the landscape.

In Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, one of the most iconic scenes involves Don Quixote mistaking windmills for giants. This famous episode takes place in the plains of La Mancha, specifically in the region of Campo de Criptana, where numerous windmills stand today.

As we explored the narrow streets, whitewashed houses with their colourful doors and windows.

It created a beautiful contrast against the bright blue sky.

In the old quarter of Campo de Criptana it was like stepping back in time. This historic part of the city, known as the Barrio del Albaicín, is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses, some with blue-painted accents that reflect the town’s Moorish past.

As we wandered through this picturesque area, we encountered some charming plazas, and centuries-old buildings.

The atmosphere was tranquil, with a slower pace of life, inviting us to pause and take in the views of the iconic windmills perched on the nearby hills.

We walked to the top of the hill in Campo de Criptana to see the windmills.  As we ascended, the view of the town unfolded below, with its maze of whitewashed houses, vineyards, and the vast plains of La Mancha stretching to the horizon.

On the top of the hill there was a panoramic views of the vast plains, dotted with vineyards and olive groves.

Every corner seemed to whisper tales of Cervantes’ legendary Don Quixote, making Campo de Criptana a place where literature and reality seamlessly blended together. It was an amazing day and adventure.

“abraza la belleza de la aventura y los viajes”