Villanueva de San Carlos: Routes, History and Festivals

Villanueva de San Carlos combines hiking opportunities and a mountain bike route with historic buildings, recurring festivals and traditional cuisine. The route names, architectural features and dates offer different ways to plan your trip. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether routes, the town’s history or a particular festival should be the focus of your stay.

Routes and Landscape

A section of the Ruta del Quijote runs from Villanueva de San Carlos to Castillo de Calzada and back. This named destination distinguishes the route from the two options specifically designated as hiking trails, “La Cibeles–puente roto río” and “Ruta sierra Villanueva de San Carlos.” If you want to hike, you can choose between these two specific route names; another option for an active holiday is the mountain bike route. It passes through Argamasilla de Calatrava, Villanueva de San Carlos and Puertollano. Conditions may change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Access to the Microrreserva Túneles de Ojailén is via Villanueva de San Carlos; however, entry into the tunnels is prohibited, especially during the bats’ hibernation period. The landscape around the tunnels includes quartzite ridges, Mediterranean woodland and riverside vegetation along the Ojailén River. Follow the local signs when visiting.

Buildings and History

The municipality was founded in 1773: Villanueva de San Carlos was established by a Royal Charter issued by Charles III. The Caserón de los Calatravos is a two-storey building constructed in the Toledo masonry style. Its architectural features include a gabled roof, wooden-beam ceilings and several adjoining courtyards. During the summer months, it served as a summer residence for Franciscan monks.

The Iglesia parroquial de San Antonio also features Toledo masonry. It is a 19th-century single-nave church built of volcanic rock and brick. The church is intended for religious use and can be visited; visits are subject to service times.

The Iglesia parroquial de Ntra. Sra. de la Candelaria is located in La Alameda, a district belonging to Villanueva de San Carlos. Its features include Baroque decorative elements and a simple bell gable. Another trace of the past is the Necrópolis de la Solana, a group of Bronze Age burials. Little is currently known about the site.

The Fuente de los tres caños is a small spring with three outlets. Its spring structure was built of brick and rubble stone. Along with the churches and the Caserón, it represents another form of built heritage: a spring structure whose name itself refers to the three outlets.

Festivals and Traditional Cuisine

The celebration in honour of Our Lady of the Candles takes place on the first weekend in February closest to 2 February. The Virgen de las Candelas tradition in La Alameda includes collecting firewood in the village square and lighting a large bonfire there at night. On 15 May, Villanueva de San Carlos celebrates its patron saint’s festival in honour of San Isidro Labrador. From 8 to 10 June, the festival in honour of San Antonio de Padua is celebrated together with the municipality’s two districts. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the event dates in advance.

Traditional cuisine in Villanueva de San Carlos includes Caldereta de cordero, Asadillo, Migas, Gachas and Calandrajos.

Discover more destinations: Alamillo, Campo De Criptana, Puertollano, Arenales De San Gregorio, Santa Cruz De Mudela, Almagro, Brazatortas, Torralba De Calatrava

For the regional travel overview: Ciudad Real.