Alcalá del Júcar

Alcalá del Júcar, part of the Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España network

In the heart of Alcalá del Júcar

Alcalá del Júcar is one of the most spectacular and picturesque villages in the province of Albacete. Its setting and the exceptional landscape of the Júcar gorge make you want to stop the moment it appears before you, just to take in its full grandeur.

That is why it is considered, both nationally and across Europe, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its surroundings and its corners are unique in the country and make it a must-see. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1982 and, in 1986, received the third prize —after the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Mosque of Istanbul— for the best artistic lighting.

Where is it?

Alcalá del Júcar lies in the northwest of the province of Albacete, within the La Manchuela district. Coordinates: 39.191356, -1.427453.

Get to know Alcalá del Júcar a little better

Its history

In 1211, an expedition by King Alfonso VIII took the strongholds of Garadén, Jorquera and Alcalá from the Muslims. The victory over the Almohads at Las Navas de Tolosa (1212) and Alcaraz (1213) broke the Arab defence and opened all of La Mancha to resettlement, with colonists arriving from Alarcón.

Alcalá was at first a hamlet of Jorquera, until on 18 April 1364 King Pedro I of Castile granted it town status and separated it from Jorquera. It belonged to the lordship of Villena until 1475 and, later, to the Kingdom of Murcia within the Crown of Castile, until the territorial reorganisation of the 19th century.

Houses of Alcalá del Júcar climbing the rock

A unique place

Alcalá del Júcar clings to a rock above a meander of the Júcar. Its vernacular houses climb the rock or are dug into it, rising up to the castle, which presides over the view, the village and the river. The canyon is cut out below in sheets of limestone. The castle, Arab in origin —to which it owes part of its name, al-Qa`la—, keeps little of its Andalusian root after centuries of alterations.

The walk goes on through the maze of streets to the church of San Andrés, a single, very long nave built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Further down, the fine bridge over the Júcar. And the caves, famous for their many uses: of special interest are those of Masagó and the Devil. The Hermitage of San Lorenzo, documented since the 16th century, is another place worth discovering.

The church and houses of Alcalá del Júcar

The area and places to visit

Caves of the Devil

In the heart of the old town, two caves with centuries of history sit together. The older one, Garadén —about 750 years old—, was a watchpost and a customs house: anyone coming from Castile bound for the Levante passed through here and paid a toll. Right below is the Devil’s Cave; today the two are walked as one.

Caves of Masagó

Hand-carved into the heart of the mountain and Almohad in origin, it keeps its original carving intact and several rooms: the wine cellar or jaraíz where the grapes were pressed, a fossil museum with over 600 pieces —some more than 400 million years old—, a coin museum and the Casa Alcalaña, which recreates a typical village home.

Castle of Alcalá

Almohad in origin (12th century), on a hill earlier occupied by Iberians and Romans as a lookout and defence point. A pentagonal keep and two small round towers set over three levels, with remains of the old wall surrounding the fortress.

Church of San Andrés

One of the village’s most significant buildings, raised between the 16th and 18th centuries. A single, very long nave with a late Gothic ribbed vault; towards the head, a transept crowned by a dome bearing an inscription from 1767.

Bridge over the Júcar

On the old royal road that linked Toledo with the Levante, it was vital for moving goods between the centre and the east of Spain. It crosses the Júcar in the heart of La Manchuela, right on the border with the Valencian Community.

Hermitage of San Lorenzo

This small hermitage, documented since the late 16th century, is part of Alcalá del Júcar’s heritage. It stands beside the AB-209 road, and its exterior is freely accessible. A quiet stop to discover another side of the village.

What can you do in Alcalá del Júcar?

Hiking trails

The village sits in one of the Júcar’s gorges; its surroundings are full of paths and viewpoints to discover on foot.

Horse riding

Explore the area on horseback, as a couple, with family or friends, and see it all from a different angle.

Guided tours

To get to know the village and its most characteristic corners in depth, with someone who knows how to tell their story.

Patron saint festivities

From 7 to 15 August. If you are in the area on those days, the atmosphere and the events are well worth a stop.

Local food

Food of the land, local and provincial. Don’t leave without trying Alcalá’s typical dishes and the recipes of always.

Adventure sports

Rafting, climbing, karts, paintball, bungee jumping, canoeing, zip line, aquatic canyoning… with Turiaventura, part of the group.

Rural lodging

In the village and across its whole area, country houses fitted out for coming with friends or family.

Romantic weekend

A quiet village with a thousand things to see: the perfect place for a couple’s getaway.

Alcalá by night

In summer the village transforms: it takes on a different charm and fills with life, without robbing anyone of their sleep.

A swim in the river

The Júcar runs gently by here and leaves bathing spots. The best known is the “beach” formed by one of the river’s bends.

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