If you want to visit places in Spain that are not overrun by tourists, you can get a few tips here. In this report we tell you about Escalona, a pretty little town in Castilla-La-Mancha in the Toledo region, about 50 minutes from Madrid and 30 minutes from Toledo. There is a medieval castle of Islamic origin, nice cafés, a beach on the river Alberche and much more.
Escalona is located around 100 km south-west of Madrid. Take the A5 towards Talavera, Badajoz. At kilometre 74 Maqueda, take the N 403 towards Avila. From there it is only 13 kilometres to Escalona.
Escalona is a historic town whose foundation is estimated by historians to date back to 500 BC. It is said to have been built on the lost Hispano-Islamic city of Saktan. Escalona's political history begins in 1083, when it was conquered by King Alfonso VI.
Places of interest in Escalona:
Escalona's main attraction is undoubtedly the Castle ruinswhich can be seen from afar. It is not known when the castle was built, but it certainly dates back to the 11th century, when some parts of the current castle were built for defence under Alfonso VIII. The inner part of the castle can be visited free of charge every Saturday between 9am and 1pm. As the building inside the courtyard is inhabited, it can only be visited by prior arrangement with the owners.
Right at the entrance to the city is the Plaza Infante Juan Manuelthe typical Castilian market square, where festivals are celebrated, concerts are held and bull runs take place. In the past, the weekly market was also held here, which now takes place every Thursday due to lack of space outside the town. This is where the town hall is located, which housed the town council until 2007 and is now home to a municipal library. The town hall was built in the 18th century.
About 1500 metres of the medieval City wall are still preserved today. The wall was built directly on the ground without foundations. It is two and a half metres thick and around 9 metres high.
In the historic town centre you will find the Franciscan monastery 'Convento de Concepcionistas Franciscanas', which was built in the 16th century.
Not far away is the church 'Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel', which was built over the remains of the old church of Santa Maria. The church was only restored in 2007.
What certainly makes Escalona unique as an excursion destination are the Bathing beaches on the Rio Alberche. There is a wide strip of fine sand that is ideal for sunbathing or other beach activities. You can swim in the crystal-clear and drinkable water if the water level is high enough.
Just outside Escalona, accessible from the N 403, there is an artificially created Fishing lake (Lago de pesca) attracts amateur anglers from the city at the weekend. As you would expect in Spain, the lake is connected to a café-restaurant.
At the other end of the town of Escalona in the direction of Almorox is the public Swimming pool and the Sports hallwhere you can play football, basketball and volleyball.
There is also a Golf course under construction (Campo de Golf), which is expected to open in 2009.
Escalonas is on the N 403 Shopping centre (Centro Comercial), where you can find food, clothing, furniture, restaurants and household and garden tools. Opposite is a garden centre. Further down the street you can buy and see typical Spanish ceramics on display.
