Remember that we have a group trip to the Fallas of Valencia 2024 scheduled for Saturday 16 and Sunday March 17, you can see all the information and book in our official link of Fallas of Valencia 2024from Madrid.

What are the Fallas of Valencia?

The fallas have their origin in the hand of a guild of carpenters of the city and its patron saint, San José. They had the custom of burning their junk and useless things on the eve of this festivity, that is to say, on March 19, a date that continues to this day. It was not until the 18th century that this tradition, along with the things that were burned, would adopt the name Fallas (from the Latin fac[u]la, diminutive of fax, ‘torch’).

In the following years, this event would acquire a more critical tone, which caused them to be persecuted in the second half of the 19th century, along with carnivals. Because of this, a whole movement of vindication of the traditions was born, which culminated in the fact that nowadays trophies are awarded to the best Fallas monuments.

Also, UNESCOawarded the Fallas the distinction of Intangible Heritage of Humanity, due to its great popularity and importance.

When are the Fallas celebrated?

This Valencian festival, unlike others in Spain, is celebrated on the same dates every year, always between March 14 and 19 to honor St. Joseph (although from the 01st of the month there are already mascletás). All this as a prelude to spring, mixing culture, history, festivities, gastronomy and music.

What are the Fallas of Valencia?

The noise, the colors and the giant figures are part of the scenario that make up the Fallas, but above all, this festival also seeks to be a satire, this with its large constructions formed by ninots that laugh at everything and everyone. As every year, all the ninots will be burned to continue the tradition of the carpenters’ guild, however, there are always some ninots that are saved from the fire and become part of the Fallas museum.

The central night of this festival is the Cremà de las Fallas, that moment in which all the figures burn and which takes place on the night of March 19. The night before is marked by the Nit del Foc, the spectacular fireworks display that marks the beginning of the end of the festivities.

Another of the rites that make up this great festival is the offering to the Fallas, when thousands of falleras and falleros go to the Plaza de la Virgen de Valencia with bouquets of carnations to dress the Virgen de los Desamparados. The great representative of the whole celebration is the Fallera Mayor, which has been elected since 1931. They are chosen by a jury and act as ambassadors of the festival during the fallas.

All in all, we believe that you don’t need any more to motivate you to witness with your own eyes the noise, the color and the fire of the Fallas of Valencia.

Remember that we have our group outing scheduled to the Fallas of Valencia 2024 and you can check and book it on our official link.

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Cobblestone streets, stately houses with balconies full of colorful flowers, charming corners and squares and a wonderful natural environment that surrounds it, Pedraza offers a charming experience a peaceful atmosphere.

Remember that we have scheduled group departures to Segovia and Pedraza, you can see the dates and book on our official link.

The history of Pedraza dates back to the 12th century when Fernando Gómez de Albornoz was named Lord of Pedraza. Then, 200 years later in the fifteenth century the town passed into the hands of the Constables of Castile until the nineteenth century when the lordships were abolished. But it was not until the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries that Pedraza had its golden years with the construction of its houses and palaces thanks to the prosperity generated by the export of wool from its flocks of sheep.

Declared a Monumental Site in 1951, it has been the setting for more than 200 series and films and belongs to the most beautiful villages in Spain. This can be visited in an hour and we wanted to leave you some recommendations on what to do in Pedraza:

Tour the Old Town: Explore the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy the well-preserved medieval architecture. You can go into the village and walk along some of the main streets such as Calle Real, Calle Mayor or Calle de la Calzada.

Walking through Pedraza is like going back in time to the Middle Ages.

Pedraza Castle: Visit the impressive 13th century castle located on the outskirts of town, less than a 10-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor.

With a Romanesque style, Pedraza Castle was built in the thirteenth century on an ancient Arab fortress. The building has several courtyards, a keep, a wall with turrets and is surrounded by a moat. After several centuries of abandonment, in the early twentieth century it was bought by a painter named Ignacio Zuloaga who renovated it and installed a small museum.

The castle is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm. In winter it is only open from 4 to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 7 euros.

If you want to know more about this incredible Medieval Town in the Community of Castilla y León, don’t forget that we have a group outing scheduled for January 20, you can check all the information and book in our destinations section.

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Remember that we will be scheduling group outings to visit Toledo and the Mills of Consuegra, you can find all the information and see dates in our official link of Toledo and its Mills of Consuegra.

It is known as the city of the three cultures, due to the peaceful coexistence of Christians, Muslims and Jews for centuries. This greatly influenced its architectural design and its imposing historic center, whose location is as original as that of Venice or Bruges.

A city with a rich history and impressive architecture. Here are some suggestions on what to do in Toledo if you are visiting:

1 – Toledo Cathedral: Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Toledo, a Gothic masterpiece that houses an impressive collection of sacred art, including paintings by El Greco.

2 – Alcazar of Toledo: Explore the Alcazar, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. It also houses the Army Museum, which tells the military history of Spain.

3 – Old Town: Stroll through the narrow streets of Toledo’s old town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Discover its charming squares and historic buildings.

4 – San Martin Bridge: Cross the Tagus River over the San Martin Bridge, a medieval bridge that offers spectacular views of the city.

5 – Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca: Visit this ancient synagogue, which is an excellent example of Mudejar architecture.

6 – Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes: Explore this Gothic monastery built by the Catholic Monarchs. Its cloister and church are particularly outstanding.

7 – El Greco Museum: Toledo is known for being the adopted city of El Greco, and this museum is dedicated to his work. It contains an impressive collection of his paintings.

8 – Paintings by El Greco in situ: In addition to the museum, look for paintings by El Greco in the city, such as “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” in the church of Santo Tomé.

9 – Gastronomy: Enjoy the delicious gastronomy of Toledo. Try dishes such as roast lamb, carcamusas and marzipan, which are specialties of the region.

10 – Themed routes: Participate in themed routes, such as the El Greco route, to follow in the footsteps of the famous painter, or the route of legends, which will take you to places with mysterious stories.

Remember that these are just a few suggestions, and Toledo offers much more to discover. Join us on our next trip to the City of 3 Cultures and learn even more about its incredible history.

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Remember that we organize group outings to Avila to visit its most important points and learn more about this incredible city. You can find out the departure dates and make reservations on our official website.

Here are 10 things you shouldn’t miss if you visit the walled city

1.Walls of Avila: Visiting the walls is an unmissable experience. These medieval walls are a World Heritage Site and offer panoramic views of the city. You can walk over them and enjoy the architecture and history.

2. Cathedral of Avila: The Cathedral of Avila is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and is another must-see. Explore its interior, admire its stained glass windows and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.

3. Basilica of San Vicente: This Romanesque church is another architectural treasure of Avila. Its facade is impressive and the interior houses important works of art.

4. Convent of Santa Teresa: Avila is the birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus, an important figure in the history of the Catholic Church. Visit the Convent of Santa Teresa to learn more about her life and legacy.

5. Plaza del Mercado Chico: Enjoy the local life strolling around this central square. Here you will find several bars and restaurants where you can sample the local gastronomy.

6. Church of San Pedro: Another notable church in Avila with a mixture of architectural styles. Its tower offers a panoramic view of the city.

7. Museum of Avila: If you are interested in the history of the city, the Museum of Avila is the ideal place to learn more about its past.

8. Gastronomy: Try the local cuisine. Avila is known for its chuletones, its beans from El Barco, and its yemas, typical sweets.

9. Hiking trails: If you like nature, there are hiking trails in the surroundings of Avila that will allow you to enjoy the scenery.

10. Cultural events: Check for cultural events, festivals or special activities during your visit.

These are just a few suggestions, but Avila has much more to offer. Explore its cobblestone streets, immerse yourself in its history and enjoy the beauty of this charming city.

Don’t forget to visit our destinations section to find out the dates of our next departures to Avila and many other incredible places.

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Zaragoza, the epicenter of these festivities year after year, is a city with 670,000 inhabitants located in the region that bears its name and is the fifth most populated city in Spain.

The origin of the Fiestas del Pilar dates back to 1807 with the concession of Pope Pius VII for the feast of the Virgen del Pilar, although some years earlier celebrations with bulls, parades and processions were already taking place.

Throughout the years, more activities were added to these festivities, many of these acquiring the category of tradition, such as the Official Jota Contestthe Fruit Offering or the Flower Offeringas well as the procession of the Crystal Rosary or the Lanterns. These festivities were declared of National Tourist Interest in 1965.

Currently, the Fiestas del Pilar range from the Pregón, which kicks off the festivities, through the various fairs that are held throughout the city. Of all these activities, 3 are the most characteristic of these festivities; The Flower Offering which is celebrated on October 12, the day of the patron saint and the day of the Hispanic community. Fruit Offering on the morning of the 13th, and finally one of the most unknown, but at the same time one of the most amazing, is the Crystal Rosary which is held on the evening of October 13.

In addition to all these events, the festivities in honor of the Virgen del Pilar are celebrated with multiple concerts, theater and bullfighting fairs.

In addition to the events, you should not miss the Basilica del Pilar (the one you can see in most photos of Zaragoza), the Aljaferia Palace or the Pablo Gargallo Museum.

Remember that we have scheduled a group outing to the Fiestas del Pilar this 2023, you can sign up on this official link and do not miss one of the biggest festivals in Spain.

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In a few days we are going to start our Hiking season, where we do different hiking routes to incredible places very close to Madrid; mountains, rivers, waterfalls and forests. You can have more information at this official link.

In addition, hiking has many advantages for the body and mind, and in this post we want to list some of them:

1. Digital Rest: Say goodbye to screens and embrace the real world. Hiking is a perfect escape from digital life that will help you clear your mind and enjoy nature.

2. Natural Socialization: Share special moments with new people and make new friends. Conversations flow better in the middle of nature!

3. Stress Reduction: Forget about daily worries while you inhale fresh air. Nature has a powerful calming effect on your mind.

4. Cultural Exploration: Discover trails that tell stories and cultures. Each route, mountain and forest is a journey through time.

5. Personal Adventure: Overcome challenges and reach new heights. Each summit conquered is an achievement that fills you with confidence. Setting new goals and achieving them progressively will help you feel greater personal fulfillment.

6. Connection with Nature: Immerse yourself in the beauty of landscapes that will leave you breathless. Every step is an opportunity to connect with Mother Nature!

7. Mental Strengthening: Learn to navigate changing terrain, improving your problem-solving skills and mental focus.

8. Enriching exercise: Keep your body moving while you burn calories and strengthen your muscles. Your body will thank you for physical activity and it will become stronger and more resistant.

9. Visual Inspiration: Prepare for panoramic views that will inspire your creativity and remind you of the greatness of the world.

10. Instant Gratification: Every step brings you closer to a reward: a spectacular view, a bubbling stream, or a magical clearing.

With all this, we hope you can join one of our Hiking outings that we have scheduled for the coming weeks. Get to know incredible corners of Madrid while you exercise your body and soul, and make new friends.

See you in the mountains!

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This phenomenon occurs when the moon is in its closest orbit to Earth, which makes it visibly larger and brighter. These types of phenomena usually occur about four times a year.

Regarding the term “blue moon” it is a term that is used when it comes to the second full moon that takes place in the same month, something that usually happens every 2 or 3 years. In this case we find 2 phenomena that will happen at the same time, the supermoon and the blue moon, and that will take place tomorrow, Thursday, August 31.

The Super Blue Moon will begin to be observable from the night of August 30, however, its maximum point will be in the early morning of August 31, more specifically at 03:36 hours in peninsular time.

Although all of Spain will witness this incredible phenomenon, if you are in Madrid, there are certain points in the city where you will be able to see the moon more clearly and without light pollution. Here are some recommendations

• Mirador del Alto del Hilo. En la Sierra del Guadarrama.
• Cerro del Tío Pío. Situado en la zona de Puente de Vallecas.
• Mirador de las Vistillas. En el barrio de la Latina, Madrid ciudad.
• Silla del Felipe II. En el término municipal de San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
• Casa de Campo. Se encuentra ubicado en Madrid ciudad.
• Templo de Debod. Situado en la zona centro de Madrid.
• Juan Carlos I Park. A public park located northeast of Madrid, in the Corralejos neighborhood.

We hope you can witness this Super Blue Moon that will not occur again until 2037.

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However, as the summer is coming to an end, the pools already have a closing date that marks the end of the season.

We must also remember that this 2023, and due to the high temperatures that we have experienced since May, The Community of Madrid approved the early opening of the swimming pools as a strategy to face the heat, they opened a month earlier than usual, last May 13.

Regarding the closing date, this is largely determined by the dates set by the regional government and aligned with the start of the new school year in the Madrid Community, officially marking the end of the summer season.

That said, all the summer municipal swimming pools managed by the Madrid City Council will close next Sunday, September 10, while the swimming pools managed by the Community are scheduled to close one day before, on Saturday, September 9.

Therefore, visitors and people from Madrid have just over two weeks to make use of the 22 facilities that offer these services.

We hope you can enjoy what’s left of summer and take a last dip in one of Madrid’s pools.

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They have been declared a Wetland of International Importance and a Site of Community Importance.

These lagoons are formed by the waters of the aquifer 24 of the Montiel field, giving rise to the birth of the Pinilla River. It is the rain that is in charge of dissolving the limestone rock in the area, leaving the water laden with carbonates that form the tuffaceous barriers.

In a stricter sense, these would not be lagoons, but rather a stagnant stream of water that is created by collapses of the riverbed.. They are a succession of sinkholes that extend 18 kilometers. The Tobáceas barriers are the link between the lagoons, forming cascades and waterfalls.

Before starting with the list, remember that we have scheduled trips to the Ruidera Lagoons on different dates, traveling in a group, making new friends and with the possibility of kayaking. You can see all the information about this trip in our official link.

Now we will show you which would be the essential things to see in Ruidera Lagoons:

Peñarroya Castle

This castle was originally built by the Muslims, but with the Christian conquests it became the domain of the Order of San Juan. Peñarroya Castle houses the Chapel of Our Lady of Peñarroya, which is the patron saint of Argamasilla de Alba and La Solana.

It is currently used for pilgrimages, a place of worship and is freely accessible to tourists.

Low Lagoons

It must be taken into account that the various lagoons that make up all this heritage have different divisions. We begin with the Lagunas Bajas, named for their shallow depth and abundant marsh vegetation..

Those that make up Las Lagunas Bajas are Laguna Cenagosa, Laguna Coladilla and Laguna Cueva Morenilla.

Ruidera

The name of these lagoons is due to the fact that the town of Ruidera is located in the heart of them..

In this small town, the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha highlights its Church of Santa María la Blanca, the Casa del Rey or its old Gunpowder Factory. However, what is most striking is its spot known as El Hundimiento, a waterfall that serves as a separation between the lower and middle lagoons.

Medium Lagoons

From the so-called Laguna del Rey to the Laguna de San Pedro, the Lagunas Medias are located. These are the best for swimming and water activities These are surrounded by hotels, camping and restaurants.

They are the ones that usually stand out on visits due to their clear waters, greater depth and limited vegetation on their edges. The so-called Laguna Colgada is the one that marks the separation between Ciudad Real and Albacete.

Then we have the Batana Lagoon, Santos Morcillos Lagoon and Salvadora Lagoon, which are quite close together. Finally, you will find in the Median Lagoons the Lengua Lagoon, the Redondilla Lagoon, the smallest of all, and the San Pedro Lagoon.

High Lagoons

Similar to the Lower Lagoons, these present marshy beds, ideal for the habitat of birds and amphibians. The names of the lagoons that make up this group are Laguna Tinaja, Laguna Tomilla, Laguna Concejo and Laguna Blanca.

One of the most beautiful formations in the entire park is called Plaza de Toros, which is located between the Tinaja Lagoon and the Tomilla Lagoon, with great greenish water.

Now that you know what you can see on your visit to Las Lagunas de Ruidera, we will tell you a little about what you can do on your way through this natural beauty.

Walking and hiking routes

Although it is possible to access each part of the lagoons by road, we recommend that you take a walk through its entire ecosystem and discover the beauty it has to offer. Here we leave you some of the official routes in the area

• Path of the Cave of Montesinos, begins at the Hermitage of San Pedro and stretches 800 meters to the famous cave of Don Quixote.
• Rochafrida Castle Path strong , circular path of 4.30 kilometers and low difficulty.
• Peñarroya Castle Route, a linear route of 21 kilometers and medium difficulty.
• Left Route of the Lagoons, linear path of 2.80 kilometers and low difficulty.
• Ossero Route, linear route of 5.30 kilometers and low difficulty.
• Route of the Laguna Blanca, linear route of 8 kilometers and medium difficulty.
• Senda del Pie de Enmedio, circular interpretive path of 6 kilometers and low difficulty.
• Senda del Castillo de Peñarroya, circular route of 1.80 kilometers around the fortress.

Swimming in the Ruidera Lagoons

Yes, it is possible to swimm in this paradise of transparent waters, however, we want to tell you which are the best ones to bathe in so you can get through the summer heat.

Those that have bathing areas are Laguna del Rey, Colgada, Santo Morcillo, Salvadora Redondilla and San Pedro. All these are duly signposted and with enabled accesses to be able to bathe in them.

Water activities

In addition to being able to swim in the Ruidera Lagoons, it is also possible to do water activities such as kayaking, paddle surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, diving and sailing.

The only water activities that are not allowed in the lagoons are those that are motor boats or that may disturb the fauna.

Remember that we have scheduled outings to the Ruidera Lagoons, in groups and with the possibility of doing activities such as Kayak or Paddle Surf. You can reserve your place at this link.

We hope you enjoy this beautiful natural landscape and make the most of your summer days.

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Located a few kilometers from Consuegra, these 12 mills offer one of the most amazing and traditional images of the Castilla-La Mancha region.

Its construction dates from between the 16th and 19th centuries, being located in the highest part of Cerro Calderico to take advantage of the force of the wind in this area and thus help to grind the cereals. In these same hills, we must also highlight the Castillo de la Muela, being one of the best preserved buildings in the area. This construction began in the middle of the 10th century, at the time of the splendor of the Caliphate of Córdoba, finishing its works in the middle of the 13th century by the Knights of the Order of San Juan de Jerusalén.

Although it is not known exactly if these mills were part of the inspiration for Miguel de Cervantes to write the adventures of Don Quixote de la Mancha, these, in their last remodeling, were baptized with the name of this famous novel; El Bolero, el Rucio o el Sancho are some of these names.

Contemplating these windmills in the evening light is one of the most beautiful images of this area of ​​Castilla-La Mancha. To access them, it can be done from the town of Consuegra, located in the province of Toledo.

Remember that we have scheduled visits to the Windmills of Consuegra and a visit to Toledo, so that you can live the experience of “Fighting the Giants of Don Quixote”, you can find all the information and itinerary in our official link.

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