This is the region of Don Quixote and the city’s museum is an interesting introduction to those who are unfamiliar with him. You can follow Don Quixote trails around the region if you’ve hired a car. Information on the routes is available from the museum.
The city also has an interesting church, the Iglesia de Santiago which was built in the 13th century. Many of the walls and ceilings are decorated with motifs including seven headed dragons, designed to ward off evil. Finally, if you’re there in July, look out for the celebrations of the city’s patron saint.
Ciudad Real Airport Mini Guide
Why Should I Travel to Ciudad Real Airport?
The idea is that the new South Madrid Airport with its connections to the AVE high speed trains would mean that a central airport with fast connections to
Madrid and Cordoba (50 mins) and
Malaga and Seville (120 mins) would take up some of the capacity to over utilised airports near these centres. The only problem is that routes to Ciudad are only just being taken up and so some routes are subject to short notice cancellation
What’s the Arrival Airport Like?
The airport itself is great with improved facilities from its old days as a regional airport and after a shaky start with only a few airlines using the airport business is picking up and the airport is becoming livelier. If you need assistance for reduced mobility then both the airport and the railway station have been designed with your needs in mind. Additionally, there are people on hand to assist if you give them plenty of notice.
Tell me More….
There is an information desk at the airport which can deal with general enquiries, lost luggage and direct you to first aid facilities which is open during flying hours. There is a single shop that sells a range of duty free goods as well as souvenirs of the region, including many to do with Don Quixote, and newspapers and magazines. For eating, a reasonable restaurant, part of the Autogrill chain, serves hot and cold light meals plus snacks and drinks. A business lounge is available with internet and free Wi-Fi facilities.
What if I Need Some Money?
There aren’t any banks at the airport at the moment but there are a couple of ATMs around the airport and the railway station.
How Can I Get to my Hotel?
The train station is part of the terminal and means that you can have high speed access to the main cities in under an hour. From their central railway stations, local stations are easily accessed. There are taxis at the airport but unless you’re staying in or near Ciudad Real they are going to be a costly alternative to the train. Buses operate from the station but, whilst cheap, they lose out to the train in terms of speed and comfort. The only reasonable alternative is to hire a car. The offices of the companies are found on Level 1 of the arrivals terminal. The airport is next to the A43 highway and the AP41 toll highway.
I’ve Heard That the Railway Station is Good There.
Yes, the railway station which operates AVE high speed trains to major destinations is good and efficient. If you are continuing your onward journey then the station has many facilities to help you. There is a newsagent store plus a sweet shop for nibbles on the journey but no restaurant. There’s a tourism office which can help find accommodation at the end of your journey and further car hire companies situated in the entrance of the main station building.