Higueruela: Lagoon, Wind Power and Culture

Higueruela can be explored from several perspectives – in its landscape as well as in its history, technology and regional traditions.

When comparing holiday apartments in Higueruela, you can consider travel dates, room category and cancellation policies. In addition, you can compare your own priorities – nature, history, festivals or wine – with the information provided for different offers on the respective pages.

Nature

Laguna del Salobralejo is part of a protected lagoon complex. The complex is protected as a nature reserve and designated as a Special Protection Area within the Natura 2000 network. The lagoon is suitable for birdwatching and is used by almost 200 aquatic and terrestrial bird species as a breeding and resting area.

To go birdwatching at Laguna del Salobralejo, take exit 112 of the A-31 towards Higueruela. Before the bridge, the road on the right continues parallel to the railway tracks.

A marked circular route is designated PR-AB67. It begins in the centre of Higueruela and leads to the summit of Pico del Molatón. At 1,245 metres above sea level, this is the highest point in the municipality of Higueruela and in the northern half of the province of Albacete.

The Quejigar del Cantón is considered the largest Portuguese oak forest in the north of the province of Albacete. Cueva Horadá is a naturally formed cave that can be visited by hikers and mountain bikers. The recreational area “El Charco” is available for visitors and can be reserved.

Renewable Energy

Casa de los Molinos combines several stations centred on renewable energy: the programme includes an introduction to energy, a practical workshop, an exhibition of renewable energy models, an information video and a tour of an associated facility for the use of renewable energy.

Casa de los Molinos can be visited in the mornings. Visits last approximately three to four hours and are intended for groups of around 40 people. Casa de los Molinos in Higueruela was commissioned in 2001; since then, it has received more than 50,000 visitors from schools, secondary schools, universities, associations and specialised educational institutions.

The Higueruela wind energy complex consists of five wind farms built by EEE (Energías Eólicas Europeas, S.A.) within the municipality and comprises 243 wind turbines. In 2000, the Higueruela wind energy facility was described as the world’s largest wind energy facility within a single municipality. The Centro de Visitantes del Parque Eólico de Higueruela is associated with this complex.

History and Tradition

The Alquería Andalusí de La Graja is an 11th-century Andalusian archaeological settlement in Higueruela. La Graja includes archaeological remains of buildings as well as finds such as ceramics and metal objects.

The Cañada Real de los Serranos also points to older forms of land use. It belongs to the network of livestock trails in Castilla-La Mancha, traditionally used for transhumance between winter and summer pastures.

The Iglesia de Higueruela is a Neoclassical church dating from the late 18th century, attributed to Lorenzo Alonso Franco. The church contains a portrait of Saint Anthony of Padua by Roque López and a Gothic-Renaissance portrait of Santa Quiteria “La Vieja”.

A pilgrimage has been celebrated in Higueruela since 1964. It includes a procession through the town, followed by competitions, running races and traditional games held at the Finca Casa Aparicio.

The festivals in Higueruela include a cycle tour accompanied by the brass band on the 22nd and, on the 23rd, a competition for Gazpacho Manchego in the “viudos” and meat categories.

Wine

Higueruela is connected to the Ruta del Vino de Almansa. This route is based on wines from the Denominación de Origen Almansa and the indigenous Garnacha Tintorera grape variety.

As part of a wine experience in Higueruela and Hoya Gonzalo, a guided tour of a winery’s facilities is offered, including concrete tanks, a bottling plant and a barrel cellar. This is followed by a projection and explanation of the winemaking process; the wine experience ends with a wine tasting.

Other places:El Bonillo, Carcelén, Montealegre Del Castillo, Los Pocicos, Tarazona De La Mancha, Peñarrubia, Villarrobledo, La Molata

For the overarching travel overview: Albacete.