Consuegra - half day trip
 

Thinking of possibly doing Consuegra for something different - the windmills.

How does one reach the windmills?

Is driving (either from Madrid or Toledo) a better option than taking a bus and whatever else to get to the windmills?

Thanks.

The times that I have been to Consuegra it's been by car from Madrid, from Toledo, and once driving north from Granada. It is about 2 hours easy drive from Madrid or one hour from Toledo. There is a public transport from Madrid (Estacion del Sur aka Mendez Alvaro bus station) to Consuegra (about 4 buses/day; one on Sundays). There are also tour companies that take you half-day excursions.

I actually think an excursion to see the 12 windmills in Consuegra's Cerro Calderico and the castle (Castillo de la Muela) next to them is a MUST. This place is so rich in Spanish history; the windmills inspired Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quijote de La Mancha" and the castle was the scene of battles between Moors and Christians-- El Cid Campeador's son died in battle at this castle. Try to go on a sunny day; the views of La Mancha region and of the surrounding olives groves is simply amazing. MUST do! :)

I loved my day at Consuegra!

Picked up a rental car outside Toledo's walls and drove,

The windmills and castle were just a fantastic site.

Then I drove into town where there was some type of festival going on. I don't know if it was a one-time thing or a regular weekend event! Wooden beer stalls with tables and seating, childrens' rides, lots of food and drink, balloon and trinket vendors. Quite fun!

After that, I walked through town which was deserted as everyone must have been at the festival. Had a very interesting and lovely encounter with a nun at a convent which I mistook for the town church!

I returned to Toledo that night but parked my car in a free lot by the bus station. Used a taxi to and from old town.