The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Embalse de El Vicario

The "Sentieri del Regno di Don Chisciotte" (Trails of the Kingdom of Don Quixote) coincide with the Ruta de Don Quijote, a European cultural itinerary of over 2,500 km that crosses Castile-La Mancha in Spain. The route is divided into 10 main sections and touches 148 villages, retracing the deeds of the famous hidalgo narrated by Miguel de Cervantes.

In Ciudad Real, there is indeed an official and signposted route that connects the Kingdom of Don Quixote with the old Iron Bridge, forming part of the local hiking routes.

The banks of the El Vicario Reservoir, located about 15 km from Ciudad Real, are a perfect place to enjoy nature, sports, and tranquility. El Vicario Reservoir and Dam Built in 1973 on the Guadiana River, it's ideal for walking and admiring the aquatic landscape. Viewpoints and Birdwatching There are strategic spots for observing waterfowl and local wildlife. Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.

The La Atalaya Forest Park in Ciudad Real has several playgrounds and picnic areas that are perfect for enjoying with family or friends. In addition, the park offers a very pleasant natural environment with hiking trails and sports areas. It is a perfect place to spend a full day surrounded by nature.

The Iron Bridge over the Guadiana River, also known as the Austrias Bridge, is a significant engineering work in the history of Ciudad Real and the region of Castilla-La Mancha. It was built to be part of the railway line that connected Ciudad Real with Badajoz, being an important route for transport and communication in the first half of the 20th century. The construction of the bridge began in 1921 and was completed in 1927. Its design and construction were carried out by the company Material para Ferrocarriles y Construcciones S.A., which used advanced techniques for the time. The bridge is made up of an iron metal structure, supported by masonry pillars, which gives it its characteristic name. During the Spanish Civil War, the bridge played a strategic role and was damaged due to its importance for the movement of troops and supplies. It was later repaired and continued in use until the railway line was decommissioned in the 1960s. Today, the Iron Bridge is a protected monument and a testament to the region's industrial heritage. It is a popular place for walks and hiking trails, allowing visitors to appreciate both its historical value and the natural views of the Guadiana River and its surroundings.

It is a place full of history, with a special charm. Formerly this bridge was part of the railway line that connected Ciudad Real with Madrid. At the beginning of the nineties it stopped being used as it did not meet the conditions to support the new AVE route between the capital and Seville. After its conditioning for use as a greenway, it is an attractive pedestrian crossing point to cross the Guadiana River at the height of the Vicario reservoir, next to the Miguelturreña district of Peralvillo, especially when we can see water flowing through its channel, something uncommon in dry season. Ideal for taking photos and admiring its imposing structure.

Beautiful seen from below and with water as before.

Peralvillo Bridge, from which you can see the old Roman bridge. Magnificent views of the Vicario Reservoir. Very close by The Hermitage of San Marcos Restored in November 2020. Without a doubt it is one more opportunity to visit the village of Peralvillo and get to know the extraordinary natural environment that surrounds it.