The Mill Train: A trip through La Mancha that inspired Cervantes

Those imaginary giants that Don Quixote saw in the lands of La Mancha, which were actually nothing more than windmills, are back in the spotlight this fall with the return of the Windmill Train . Renfe, in collaboration with the Campo de Criptana town council, already has new trips scheduled for tourists to discover this enclave that so inspired Cervantes .

The next departures of this themed train will be on Saturdays, September 27, October 4, 18, and 25, and November 8. This is a same-day excursion departing from Madrid's Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station, with the aim of exploring one of the most popular areas of La Mancha.

In addition, the journey on the Route of the Mills Train is enlivened by a very special character who brings the traveler closer to the famous 'Land of Giants' of Don Quixote de la Mancha in Campo de Criptana with its historic mills and the traditional Albaicín neighborhood .

The first activity is a visit to a winery with the La Mancha Designation of Origin , with an included tasting and guided tour. Next, it's time to explore one of the town's most characteristic monuments: the Snow Well . Accompanied at all times by a guide, visitors will discover how this popular 18th-century structure was used to store and preserve ice, thus preserving food and medicine. It's located on a hilltop, next to the Cristo de Villajos chapel.

It's time for lunch (not included) and the best option is to opt for some shepherd's crumbs, porridge, lamb stew, garlic soup or Manchego ratatouille, typical local cuisine.

In the afternoon, it's time for an excursion to the Sierra de los Molinos , the most characteristic feature of La Mancha, as it's the area home to many windmills. Three of them are original from the 16th century and still functional. A guide will explain these giants, give you a tour inside, see their machinery, and learn how they work.

All this is further enhanced by a visit to the Manchego Mill Interpretation Center , which tells the story of these buildings and their economic and social impact at the time. It also houses models, images, videos, and unique pieces.

The visit ends with a walk through the Albaicín neighborhood, near the Sierra de los Molinos, with its Arabic tiled houses and white and indigo painted facades on cobblestone streets.

The Tren de los Molinos departs from Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station at 9:24 a.m., stopping at Madrid Atocha Cercanías at 9:42 a.m., to Campo de Criptana. The return trip to Atocha is at 9:26 p.m., and to Madrid Chamartín at 9:46 p.m.

The price of this tourist train is 55 euros for adults and 25 euros for children under 14. Children under 4 who do not occupy a seat travel free.