A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy
Alcalá de Henares: Discover the birthplace of Cervantes
Alcalá de Henares, located just 35 kilometers northeast of Madrid, is a city with a rich history and special charm. Known as the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the famous author of Don Quixote, Alcalá de Henares is a place full of culture, impressive architecture, and a vibrant university life.
University of Alcalá
One of the main attractions of Alcalá de Henares is its university, founded in 1499. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the University of Alcalá has impressive historic buildings, such as the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso and the Chapel of San Ildefonso. In addition, you can visit the Paraninfo, a magnificent auditorium where cultural and academic events are held.
Birthplace of Cervantes
The birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes is another tourist attraction in Alcalá de Henares. In this museum, visitors can explore the life and work of the famous Spanish writer. The house is carefully restored and features exhibitions that show daily life in the time of Cervantes.
La Calle Mayor
Walking through the Calle Mayor of Alcalá de Henares is like stepping back in time. This pedestrian street is full of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and charming bars. Here you will find the famous statue of Cervantes and his most well-known character, Don Quixote. Enjoy a pleasant walk and discover the essence of the city.
La Plaza de Cervantes
Another emblematic place in Alcalá de Henares is the Plaza de Cervantes. This square is the heart of the city and houses the statue of Cervantes surrounded by beautiful gardens. Here you can relax, enjoy the tranquility, and observe the daily life of the locals.
The House of Hippolytus
If you are a lover of archaeology, you cannot miss the House of Hippolytus. This Roman site is one of the best preserved on the Iberian Peninsula. You can explore the ruins of an ancient Roman villa and marvel at the mosaics and architectural structures.
Convent of San Bernardo
The Convent of San Bernardo is another place of interest in Alcalá de Henares. This 17th-century convent has an impressive church and a Renaissance-style cloister. In addition, you can visit the Museum of Religious Art, which houses a collection of sacred art.
The surroundings of Alcalá de Henares
If you have time, we recommend exploring the surroundings of Alcalá de Henares. A few kilometers from the city, you will find the Natural Park of the Cerros de Alcalá, a perfect place for hiking and enjoying nature. You can also visit the Castle of Alcalá la Vieja, a ruined medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the area.
Alcalá de Henares is a city full of history, culture, and charm. From its historic university to the birthplace of Cervantes, through its streets and squares full of life, Alcalá de Henares is a tourist destination that you cannot miss.
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Gastronomic Products of Alcalá de Henares
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Costrada
Costrada is a typical dessert from Alcalá de Henares. It consists of a crispy puff pastry base covered with custard and decorated with icing sugar. It's a delicious sweet and very popular in the city, perfect to enjoy at any time of the day.
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Alcalá Migas
Alcalá migas are a traditional dish from Alcalá de Henares. They are made with crumbled stale bread, olive oil, garlic, peppers, and chorizo. The migas are slowly cooked until they acquire a crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. They are a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for lovers of traditional cuisine.
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Craft Beer
Alcalá de Henares has several craft breweries that produce high-quality beer. These beers are crafted using natural ingredients and following traditional methods. They are beers with unique and varied flavors, perfect for lovers of this beverage.
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Alcalá Cheese
Alcalá cheese is a handmade cheese made with sheep's milk. It has a mild and creamy flavor, with a slight salty touch. It can be enjoyed alone, in tapas, or as an ingredient in different dishes. It's a quality gastronomic product and highly appreciated in the region.
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Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Alcalá de Henares
Alcalá de Henares, a city known for being the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, also offers a wide variety of gastronomic options. Below, we present some of the most outstanding places to enjoy food in this charming city:
El Corte Inglés Restaurant
Located in the heart of Alcalá de Henares, El Corte Inglés Restaurant is an ideal option for those looking for a quality gastronomic experience. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Spanish cuisine to more innovative proposals. In addition, its elegant atmosphere and attentive service make this place a safe choice for a special meal.
El Rincón de Alcalá Tavern
If you prefer a more informal atmosphere without sacrificing quality, El Rincón de Alcalá Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a selection of traditional dishes from the region, such as roast suckling pig and revolconas potatoes. In addition, its quality-price ratio is very good, making it a very popular place among locals.
La Cúpula Restaurant
Located in a historic building with an impressive glass dome, La Cúpula Restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience in Alcalá de Henares. Here you can enjoy signature cuisine with Mediterranean influences, where each dish is a work of art. In addition, its wine list has a wide selection of national and international labels to perfectly pair your dishes.
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Sporting Activities in Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Football
Football is the most popular sport in Spain and Alcalá de Henares is no exception. You can enjoy a match at the Municipal Stadium of Val or even join a local team for a friendly game.
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Cycling
Alcalá de Henares offers a network of bike lanes that will allow you to explore the city and its surroundings in a healthy and sustainable way. You can also join one of the many mountain biking routes in the area.
Schwinn Remix - Bicicleta de montaña infantilImpulsa la pasión por la aventura en los más jóvenes con la Schwinn Remix, una bicicleta de montaña infantil diseñada específicamente para niños entre 5 y 8 años. Con ruedas de 20 pulgadas y un marco SmartStart en acero ligero, esta bicicleta combina durabilidad con un manejo óptimo adaptado a los pequeños ciclistas. La suspensión frontal y las 6 velocidades ofrecen una experiencia de conducción suave y adaptable a diversos terrenos. Perfecta para exploradores en ciernes, la Schwinn Remix en su vibrante color azul, es la compañera ideal para aventuras inolvidables. Fomenta el amor por el ciclismo desde temprana edad; elige la Schwinn Remix para el próximo gran viaje de tu pequeño.
Hiking
The location of Alcalá de Henares, near the Sierra de Guadarrama, makes it an ideal place for hiking. You can explore routes of different difficulty levels and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
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Water Sports
The Henares River, which runs through the city, offers opportunities for water sports such as canoeing. You can also enjoy the municipal swimming pool during the summer months.
Golf
If you like golf, you can visit the El Encín Golf Club, one of the best golf courses in the Madrid region. It offers a challenging 18-hole course and a golf school for beginners.
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Places near Alcalá de Henares (Spain)
If you are in Alcalá de Henares and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:
JourneyGourmet
22 de Agosto de 2023
España
