Windmill Train reactivates the Land of Giants
A train journey among windmills, wine, heritage, and Cervantine memory
The Windmill Train offers a round-trip day trip in 2026 between Madrid and Campo de Criptana, with departures extending into autumn. The experience combines train travel, guided tours, winery tastings, and Cervantine heritage in one of the most recognizable landscapes of La Mancha: the Land of Giants that inspired Miguel de Cervantes and that preserves a universally iconic image through its windmills. The day begins at Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor Station, with a stop at Madrid Atocha Cercanías, before heading towards Campo de Criptana. On board the train, some special characters enliven the journey and set the tone for an initiative designed to be more than just a simple transfer: the trip becomes a narrative preamble, an introduction to the world of Don Quixote and Manchegan tradition, awaiting visitors upon arrival. Once at the destination, this guided tour provides a multifaceted approach to the town: monuments, popular memory, wine, architecture, and gastronomy. The first stop includes a local winery of the La Mancha Designation of Origin, where visitors explore the facilities and the production process, concluding the visit with a wine tasting of different varieties.
The itinerary continues to the Snow Well, a structure of popular architecture formerly used to store and preserve ice for distribution and use in refrigerating food, beverages, and medicines. Situated atop a hill, beside the Cristo de Villajos Chapel, this site broadens the historical interpretation of the town and connects the visit to everyday uses from other eras. Lunch, not included, allows free time to explore the local cuisine. Gachas (gruel), migas de pastor (fried breadcrumbs), lamb stew, Manchego ratatouille, garlic soup, and cheese are part of a pantry that strengthens the destination’s identity and allows the experience to extend beyond the monuments. The afternoon brings one of the most anticipated moments of the entire experience: the visit to the Sierra de los Molinos, an icon of Castilla-La Mancha and a symbol of Campo de Criptana. The windmills, declared a Cultural Heritage Site, owe their worldwide fame to their association with Don Quixote’s most famous adventure. Among them, three are original and still operational, making is possible to see their structure, machinery, and how they operate.
The La Mancha Windmills, Quixote Giants visitor center completes the tour with models, images, videos, and original pieces such as sails, shafts, and control rods from old mills. Afterward, the stroll through the Albaicín neighborhood, with its Arabic tile roofs, white facades, and cave houses, offers a final look at the town before returning, next to the Luis Cobos Park. Departures for 2026 began in May and June, and will continue on September 26, October 10 and 24, and November 7. This ticket includes a round trip on a regional train, onboard entertainment, guided tours, and a wine tasting. Prices are €55 for adults, €25 for children under 14, and free for children under 4 who do not use a seat.