Villahermosa combines the lagoon landscape of the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera with a diverse architectural heritage and its own Manchegan cuisine. These highlights offer different starting points for planning your trip: you can shape your stay around nature, architecture and history, or a combination of both.

Lagoons and Protected Natural Areas

Laguna Blanca lies within the municipality of Villahermosa, in the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera. Its clear, clean and shallow water is one reason why swimming there is recommended. Natural conditions can change seasonally; check the situation before swimming. This keeps the recommendation tied to the actual conditions on site.

Another lagoon in the nature park and within the municipality is La Nava, located on the Navalcaballo estate. Both lagoons are therefore part of the nature park’s landscape, but information about swimming conditions applies to Laguna Blanca. Another nature-related site is the Las Hazadillas and Era Vieja wildlife reserve in the municipality of Villahermosa. It serves as a habitat, breeding ground and wintering area for numerous protected species.

A Walking Tour and Historic Buildings

The walking tour “Un paseo por Villahermosa” can be followed at your own pace, using 17 signs at important monuments and places in the municipality. QR codes link to historical information, photographs or videos about the sights; this content may be updated. If you plan to take the tour, check the condition of the signs on site.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in October 1991. The church also houses an 18th-century organ, which is used throughout the year at special musical events. The church can be visited; check current visiting hours before your visit.

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Carrasca also brings together several historical and cultural aspects. Its chapel was built in the 16th century and remodeled several times in the 17th and 18th centuries. The sanctuary’s connection with a bullring is unusual. The La Carrasca pilgrimage takes place there on the second weekend of September. As the exact dates change from year to year, check the date for the relevant year before your trip.

During transfers associated with the Virgen de la Carrasca, particularly between Villahermosa and her sanctuary, the Ermita de Azuer serves as a place for prayer and rest. Other houses showcase different features of Manchegan architecture: the 17th-century Casa Márquez is considered an example of the region’s vernacular architecture. Casa del Marquesado is distinguished by whitewashed façades and roofs tiled with Arab tiles. Casa del Marqués de Mudela dates from the 16th century; only its façade can be viewed.

Crafts and Cuisine

The Muestra Permanente de Artesanía Popular displays a wide variety of traditional regional handicrafts. The exhibition is organized by the Villahermosa artisans’ association; some items are for sale. Visits in the morning or afternoon must be arranged in advance. Check the current visiting arrangements beforehand, before planning your appointment.

Local cuisine includes Gazpacho manchego, Pisto, roast lamb and artisan Manchego cheese. These dishes and cheese specialties offer a culinary counterpoint to the walking tour and nature-related sites. However, whether a particular dish is available depends on the establishment and the season.

When looking for a hotel in Villahermosa, you can first consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay. The lagoons and wildlife reserve offer different nature experiences; the walking tour, churches and houses provide various ways to explore the town’s history and architecture. Local cuisine adds regional dishes and cheese to the mix.

Discover more destinations: Fuente El Fresno, Tomelloso, Viso Del Marqués, Puerto Lápice, Villamayor De Calatrava, Picón, Alcoba, Ruidera.

View the wider travel guide: Ciudad Real.