Mota del Cuervo – Windmill Route and Manjavacas

The Ruta de los Molinos de Viento de Mota del Cuervo leads into the Sierra de los Molinos, comprises seven windmills and is associated with Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote”.

Windmills in Mota del Cuervo have been documented since at least 1603.

When planning a holiday apartment in Mota del Cuervo, you can compare travel dates, accommodation category and cancellation conditions side by side on the listing pages. This comparison keeps the decision aligned with your own travel plans and the conditions you want.

Culture

Molino El Zurdo is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest and is the route’s only surviving original windmill.

The old Tercia was built in the 15th century to store the wheat tithe and is also protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest.

The parish church of San Miguel Arcángel is known for its two monumental portals.

Traditional milling demonstrations take place at Molino El Gigante on Saturdays, weather permitting.

A municipal building made available to the Asociación de los Amigos de los Molinos houses an agricultural museum with objects relating to the traditional, agriculture-based way of life in La Mancha.

Snow was stored in a historic ice house during winter and later used to cool drinks and preserve food.

During the Función de Ánimas, processions with dances, stick dances, a symbolic battle between Moors and Christians, the ribbon dance and satirical performances take place over several weeks.

The different forms – building, museum, demonstration and series of festivities – can be viewed side by side as different thematic approaches.

Nature

The most important value of the Manjavacas nature reserve lies in its birdlife during the wintering, migration and breeding seasons.

The Manjavacas wetlands are recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and included in the Natura 2000 network.

The Manjavacas lagoon complex has a signposted, circular interpretive hiking trail of low difficulty, measuring 8.2 km and taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The lagoon complex has birdwatching towers and areas for quiet and respectful observation; access is open and free of charge.

For planning your day, you can distinguish between a signposted circular trail and quiet, respectful birdwatching.

Getting around

The Sierra de los Molinos is directly accessible from Mota del Cuervo town centre and has a car park and tourist signage.

From Mota del Cuervo, the official access route to the Manjavacas lagoon complex follows the CUV-1001 road towards Las Mesas as far as the Ermita de Manjavacas, where parking is available.

Further places

Vara De Rey, Reíllo, La Alberca De Záncara, Casas de Roldán, Casasimarro, Pozorrubielos De La Mancha, Bascuñana de San Pedro, Torrejoncillo Del Rey

To the higher-level travel overview: Cuenca.