Routes

Through the low-lying hills and narrow valleys, surrounded by Oak Groves and thickets the graceful figure of the deer can be seen, absolute master of the Montes de Toledo, lands that abruptly rise from the Manchego plateau. Region forged by shepherds, beekeepers and hunters alike, its villages dot the valleys, hillsides and thickets of the Mediterranean forests, bathed by the waters of the Tajo River and its tributaries. Nature
completely surrounds the traveler, who sees how the ruins of ancient Visigoth Castles, Monasteries and mountain villages arise from amongst the Chestnut Groves, Holm Oak Groves and Cork Oak Groves.

And if this region opens up a myriad of possibilities for lovers of hiking, the region represents a true paradise for hunters, making this land famous with the hunting treasures it conceals. This is the land where hunting of deer, boar, rabbit,
hare or the red partridge acquires its maximum expression. Far removed from this battle, many other species also cohabit in the area: lynx, fox, weasel and even bearded vultures are all to be found.

The Visigoth heritage is captured in the Santa María de Melque Chapel, found in San Martín de Montalbán, and Medieval times in the splendid Castle located in Malpica de Tajo, right on the banks of the river, which serves it as a natural moat.

If we advance somewhat further south, between the provinces of Toledo and Ciudad Real, we encounter the National Park of Cabañeros, one of the thirteen natural parks to be found in Spain. Cabañeros is currently one of the most valuable protected corners of the Montes de Toledo, refuge to numerous species in danger of extinction. The great birds of prey such as the eagle and vulture are to be highlighted; apart from black storks, mammals such as deer, roe deer or boar and in general, a rich flora with a tremendous variety of trees and shrubs.

Quite aware of the importance of belonging to such a privileged place, the locations bordering on Cabañeros, such as Retuerta del Bullaque and Horcajo de los Montes offer lovers of nature absolutely anything they can image: routes on horseback or donkey crossing through valleys and across streams; archery immersed in spectacular panoramic views; fishing in the crystal clear waters of the reservoirs; and stays in many of the rural houses along the way, in which peace and well-being soon become second nature to us.

Visiting the Visigoth Chapel found in Santa María de Melque, the San Martín de Montalbán Castle, the Museum of Popular Art and Customs and the Armor Forge located in Guadamur, the natural site and thermal waters of the town of San Pablo de los Montes, the Malpica de Tajo Castle and the Cabañeros Museum of Fauna in Retuerta.

Trying the game meat, deer and boar in sauce or marinated, along with the chorizos de monte, spicy and delicious; the fisherman’s stew, consisting in carps and barbells seasoned with river water, and for desert never forget to try those of Moorish tradition such as the marzipans, pisquiños and cortadillos.