A sensory journey through the lavender blossoms

Every July, the town of Brihuega in Guadalajara (Castile-La Mancha) becomes an unmissable destination for those seeking a unique sensory experience. Its lavender fields, cultivated over more than 1,000 hectares, account for 10% of global production and offer a spectacle of color and aroma that attracts thousands of visitors every summer.

A landscape transformed by lavender

Brihuega led the way in Spanish lavender cultivation 30 years ago. Since then, the progressive replacement of cereal by this plant has changed the region’s landscape. Its flowering, which varies according to spring weather conditions, reaches its peak in July, when the fields are tinged with blue and violet. A remarkable tourist phenomenon accompanies this flowering, with more and more people coming to the area to tour the fields on foot, by bicycle, by car, or even by hot-air balloon each year.

The Arab Caves of Brihuega, located under the Plaza del Coso, offer a unique insight into engineering and life during the Moorish period in the Iberian Peninsula © Shutterstock

Lavender tourism

Brihuega offers more than just beautiful landscapes — every July, the town comes alive with a special program of markets, guided distillery tours, workshops, and concerts, making it a top destination for cultural and experiential tourism. Some of the most noteworthy events include the Lavender Festival, in honor of the new harvest, which takes place every year and offers concerts in an exceptional natural environment.  You can explore the lavender fields on your own — they’re open to the public — or join a guided tour, offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in July at 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm.

Beyond the lavender fields

Brihuega’s tourist offering is about more than just lavender. The town, known as the Garden of the Alcarria, preserves its history in monuments such as the castle of Piedra Bermeja, the Arab Caves or the church of Santa María de la Peña. The Royal Cloth Factory and its Versailles-inspired gardens are also must-sees. Local gastronomy adds to the experience with cakes, liqueurs, and ice creams made with lavender, while you can also find health and beauty products such as essential oils, soaps, and creams.