Top Reasons to Go to Castile-Leon and Castile-La Mancha

Defying Gravity: Check out the astounding Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) from Cuenca's vertiginous San Pablo Bridge.

Searching for Pancho: Ruminate along the windmilled route in Consuegra's wide-open horizon, absorbing Don Quixote's inspirational views.

Toledo's Maze: Enjoy getting lost in Toledo's labyrinthine streets.

Soria's Serenity: Stroll along the Duero River, where Antonio Machado used to write poetry.

Royal Snacking: Aranjuez is known for its strawberries, and in spring and summer vendors sell them, with whipped cream, at the market and along the river by the Royal Palace of La Granja's San Ildefonso, whose opulent gardens rival those at Versailles.

Roman Splendor: Segovia's dazzling 2,000-year-old aqueduct in the late afternoon sun is a never-to-be-forgotten sight.