'The Red Sea of ​​La Mancha': the surprising natural phenomenon in a town in Ciudad Real

Wine, culture, and history come together in Socuéllamos, a town located in the heart of La Mancha , where you can explore historic monuments such as the Church of the Assumption and the Torre del Vino Museum , among others. But it's also a perfect place to immerse yourself in spring.

Now, thousands of poppies bloom in its endless fields, offering travelers a unique and special view: the " Red Sea of ​​La Mancha ." Losing yourself in its trails, vineyards , and ravines, where you'll discover primitive buildings, chapels, and even a Roman bridge, is a spectacular landscape. To soak up the poppies, there are three routes available by bike or on foot:

La Mancha boasts 27,000 hectares of vineyards. Vines were cultivated here as early as the 1st century BC, as evidenced by two amphorae found at the Ibero-Roman sites of "El Bernardo" and "Torre de Vejezate." This 21-km walk begins here, exploring the love story between this land and wine.

It runs along the banks of the Záncara River , where the remains of an old water mill, the Molino Caiceo , are striking. This path allows you to admire the changing colors of the poppy fields.

Before returning, it's time to stop at Paraje de Titos , where the San Isidro Labrador Pilgrimage takes place on May 15th. This is an event in which locals and lovers of tradition gather in the meadow by the river to enjoy music and sample dishes from La Mancha, such as gachas, migas, gazpacho, and even lamb stew.

The Córcoles River and the life that surrounds it are the main attractions of this other route that runs east of Socuéllamos to the Casa de la Tinaja (16 kilometers). Orchards surround the traveler at the beginning of the path, which, as it progresses, changes its landscape to vineyards, almond and olive groves, and grain fields. Halfway along, the route is filled with the scent of aromatic plants and stone pines that fill the so-called Monte de la Raya , just before beginning the return to the homeland of wine.

There, in Socuéllamos, 16 wineries await travelers with guided tours, wine tastings, and wine tourism experiences. If your getaway coincides with the May Crosses Festival, the plan includes crafts and devotion.

Another option for a swim in the "Red Sea of ​​La Mancha" is to follow the nearly 15-kilometer Monte de Lodares and San Antonio Hermitage route. Starting from the Plaza de Toros, the route heads toward the train station and then, via the Camino de Los Santos, reaches the bridge over the Córcoles River and the EHD Winery. The Macatela area will be the starting point for the route to the San Antonio Hermitage and then the return journey.

During the walk, you'll be amazed by the vineyards, their fresh green color contrasting with the bright red of the poppies, or by the "chozos manchegos," the oldest primitive construction in Socuéllamos (15th century). These buildings are one of the finest examples of traditional dry stone architecture, i.e., without mortar, erected using a technique of Neolithic origin. They served as shelter for transhumant shepherds and vine growers.

Before heading home, a visit to the Torre del Vino Museum is in order, whose eleven-story, 40-meter-high lookout tower is the beacon that watches over the area's vineyards.