Car Hire Ciudad Real - Mini guide to Ciudad Real

Ciudad Real in Spain is a small, quiet town which epitomizes the real Spain. Also known as the ""Royal City"", it is flanked by the rivers Guadiana and Jabalón. King Alfonso X in the year 1252, established the fortress of Villareal, in 1420 the fortress was given the status of a town and renamed Ciudad Real. It was surrounded by four kilometers of walls and one hundred and thirty towers, now only two parts of the wall remain. Being a close-knit town, the townsfolk know each other and are friendly and welcoming even to tourists. It has all the trappings and conveniences of a large city but retains a small town charm. The food and the night life especially are not to be missed.

How to get there: AVE train (Alta Velocidad Espanola) – 45 minutes from Madrid or from Atocha Tren de cercanias – 1 hour from Atocha Don Quixote airport due to open in 2007 (http://www.donquijoteairport.com/english)

Weather: Minimum (peak winter) 2 to 5 C Maximum (peak summer) 32 to 35 C Best time to visit – April through mid November, be prepared for sudden showers.

Places to stay - traveler’s recommend Dona Carlota Hotel Alfonso X Hotel Santa Cecilia Sercotel Guadiana Paraiso Hotel

Tourist attractions: Don Quixote's Museum: close to Parque de Gasset (Park Gasset) this museum is dedicated to Don Quixote. It contains works of art, sculptures, films and documentaries dedicated to him. Paintings by José Jiménez Aranda are also featured here. Iglesia de Santiago: is the oldest church in Ciudad Real, built around the end of the 13th century. It is decorated with gothic paintings and seven headed dragons which as per legends guard against bad spirits. Iglesia de San Pedro: this gothic style church was built between the XIVth and XVth century and it contains the tomb of Chante de Coca. Toledo gate: is all that remains of the Royal Citadel. Museo Elisa Cendreros: collection of fans and wrought wood, works of art by Ciudadrealeños collected by Elisa Cendreros. Plaza Mayor: is in the city center and it contains the statue of Alfonso X, founder of the city as well as the House of the Arc.

Other places of interest: Diocesan museum Plaza del Pilar, mass celebrations are held here Volcanic crater near Alarcos Tablas de Daimiel National Park Cabañeros National Park

Further information may be obtained from: Ciudad Real Tourist Office Avenida Alarcos 21 E-13001 Ciudad Real Spain

Car hire deals in: Spain

We rent the following types of cars: Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or equiv.), Mini, Small family (Ford Focus or equiv.), Medium family (Toyota Avensis or equiv.), large family (BMW 5 series), 4x4, SUV, Convertible, Van, Sports car, Luxury cars.

Hire cheap cars from the following suppliers, Ebookers, Opodo, Avis, Expedia, Sixt, Thrifty and budget rental prices from EasyCar, Budget, Holiday Autos, Economy, 121carhire.