Where can you sleep?
You will find in Toledo a great variety of accommodation options where you will be able to enjoy of the many possibilities this region offers.
If you would like to stay in the capital, do not waste another second and do it as soon as you can, since it is the place with the highest demand. It is also a place that is never completely empty of tourists, and welcoming more and more visitors each year.
In the capital you will find a predominance of hotels, although if what you want is to enjoy of the peace and quiet of rural tourism, we suggest you consider the towns and villages near the city.
Here you will also be able to discover places such as El Real de San Vicente, which is one of the towns with the roughest landscape of this area. It has a population of 1,000 inhabitants, and some of the most spectacular views.
If you were imagining Toledo's iconic postcard-like windmills and golden plains, then you are picturing the town of Consuegra, one of the most beautiful ones within the Ruta de Don Quijote. Escalona is another beautiful place you should check out, embraced by the waters of the river Alberche, and its unique heritage, as the result of the relevance this small town had during the time of the Spanish Reconquest.
What to do in the area?
Toledo has been know for many centuries as the “City of the Three Cultures”, which means that it is a true gem for those tourists who would like to visit the city, which is full of unique and singular places that have kept the essence of its past.
Amongst the areas that you mustn't forget to visit is the Puerta de Bisagra, which is the door through which one enters into the city center. The Plaza de Zocodover is one of the most famous and central ones that you will find once you cross the river.
Belonging to the Arab tradition, you will within the historical center the mosque of Cristo de la Luz, a must in Toledo that paints a striking contrast with the Roman road right next to it. An exquisite mixture of cultures.
The city hall and the cathedral, both built in the Gothic style, are two other musts that shouldn't be missing from your visit to Toledo.
And, of course, you need to walk by the most traditional establishments that decorate the city center, where you will be able to indulge yourself in the local gastronomy, and try some new flavours.
What typical foods are recommended?
From the local gastronomy we can tell you about its connection with Castilla's tradition, very present in the local dishes. You will find its typical dishes follow some of the most traditional and ancient recipes you could possibly imagine. The majority of them elaborated with dry farming products harvested in this area.
The saffron from this area has PDO status, and it is the result of a long tradition of cultivating and harvesting it. It is a whole institution here in Toledo as well as in its surroundings, so much so that there there are festivities in some town in its honour, such as in Consuegra.
Some of the most typical dishes are those of humble origins, such as 'migas', 'gachas', or 'pucheros'.
Fricassée dishes, such as partridge or 'bacalao ajoarriero' are also very common in this area.
Amongst the local sweet delicacies you will see 'mazapán' is the star product in this sense. And as for the local wine, you must try the Méntrida PDO variety.
Where are the festivities?
The local festivities of each province, as it usually the case, are the best way to learn more about the culture, tradition and folklore of each region.
The local festivity of the city of Toledo is celebrated during summer, August 15 more specifically, and honour the Virgen del Sagrario. During this day, many events are organized, and it always finishes in the church's cloister, where the water, which is considered to have miraculous properties, is shared.
Another very important date in the province is the celebration of the Corpus Christi, or religious origin and accompanied with many other religious practices and events.
The Fiesta del Olivo is celebrated in Mora during the last weekend of April, gathering each year many followers, and filling the streets with street processions, horse parades and music bands.
Easter is also a special occasion widely and fervently celebrated in this province, especially in Talavera de la Reina.
