The Trip to Spain

Heading into the area of natural beauty that is La Mancha region south of Madrid, this may be the perfect time to visit the traditional windmills that were immortalised in Miguel de Cervantes’ landmark novel Don Quixote. The main attraction for foodies is the Parador de Almagro. Located in what was once the Santa Catalina Monastery, there you can sample regional dishes from La Mancha with a creative touch. Before you leave Almagro, be sure to tread the boards at the Corral de Comedias at the centre of the city. Dating back to Cervantes’ times, it’s an emblem of the Golden Age of Spanish theatre, and the perfect place to practise Shakespearean verse – or, if you will, Al Pacino impressions.