Probably one of the most popular regions in Spain, partly because of the fictional novel "Don Quixote" and the famous "Queso Manchego". This region is made up of (5) provinces: Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Guadalajara and the capitol Toledo. The terrain here is mostly plain, dusty and arid, yet some of Spain's best ingredients are grown here, from the expensive "Saffron" planted near the city of Consuegra, to Olive trees, Vineyards, and Sunflower fields. This region has more vineyards planted to land than any other in Spain, but most of the wine is made for regional consumption. The wine region of Valdepeñas has the best vineyards, and is starting to make some world-class wines. The famous windmills that the fictional "Don Quixote" roamed, are located near Ciudad Real. The city of Toledo is one of the most historic cities in the world, offering the amazing gothic cathedral of "Santa Maria", a must see for any tourist visiting Spain.

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT CASTILLA-LA MANCHA

• Population: 2.1 Million
• Land Area: 30,681 Sq. Miles
• Provinces: Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Guadalajara, Toledo
• Capitol: Toledo
• Languages: Castilian
• Main Attractions: Catedral de Cuenca, Cathedral of Toledo, El Greco's House and Museum, Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, Museo de Arte Abstracto Espanol, Windmills
• Small Towns of Interest: Alarcon, Consuegra, Membrilla, Piedrabuena, Sigüenza, Tarancón
• Major Soccer Teams: Albacete CF

WEATHER IN CASTILLA-LA MANCHA