Castles route
Maqueda, Escalona, Montalbán and Malpica: four medieval castles around the estate, for a day of driving and stone towers instead of museums.
Photo: Cjcalvo55 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Toledo province has an unusually high concentration of medieval castles, and several of the most interesting ones sit within a manageable radius of Finca La Simona. For a group that likes history but prefers seeing it outdoors rather than behind glass, a self-driven castles route makes for a full day quite unlike anything else nearby.
The castles on the route
- Maqueda castle, one of the most complete in the province, with a walled enclosure and well-preserved towers.
- Escalona castle, above the Alberche valley, linked to the history of Álvaro de Luna.
- Montalbán castle, in San Martín de Montalbán, above a gorge carved by the Torcón river, with guided tours available on weekends.
- Malpica de Tajo castle, of Mudéjar origin, visible from outside by the river, just 10 minutes from the estate.
Planning the route
Not every castle can be visited inside, and the format differs: some, like Montalbán, require a guided-tour booking; others, like Malpica, can only be enjoyed from outside. Before setting out, check each one's current status and hours, since it varies by municipality and some are privately owned. With a large group, it's more comfortable to pick two or three castles rather than all four, leaving time to stop for lunch in one of the villages along the way.
- Castles included
- Maqueda, Escalona, Montalbán, Malpica de Tajo
- Recommended duration
- A full day if visiting several
- Guided tours
- Required at Montalbán; the rest are mainly seen from outside
- Maqueda and Escalona are somewhat further away than Montalbán and Malpica: factor in drive time between stops when planning your itinerary.
- The route works well by private car; there is no public transport connecting all four castles.
- Each castle village also has its own historic center, more modest than Toledo's, to round out the visit.
- Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a day that involves a fair amount of walking between stops.
A plan for the quieter days
This route works better over a multi-day stay than a tight weekend, precisely because it needs driving time between stops. It's a good plan for the middle day of a full week at the estate, once the group has already done the pool and the shorter outings, and wants something to fill a whole day without straying too far from the area. It also suits history-minded guests who would rather see four different castles than spend a whole day at just one big museum.
FAQ
Can all the castles be visited inside?
No, some are privately owned and can only be seen from outside, and others require a guided tour on a fixed schedule.
How long does the full route take?
A full day if you want to see all four at a relaxed pace; with less time, it is best to pick two or three.
Is it a good plan with children?
Yes, especially if combined with lunch stops and without trying to see all four castles in a row.
Coming as a group
If you are planning the visit to Castles route with a large group, the estate is right there: the whole house for 12 to 16 people, six en-suite bedrooms and a saltwater pool shared with no one.
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