Chinchon

A picturesque medieval town centered on its unique circular Plaza Mayor lined with balconied houses, once used for bullfights and now full of taverns. It's known for its garlic, anise liqueur, and traditional Castilian cuisine.

Things to do

• Plaza Mayor — Wander this unique 15th-century circular square ringed by three tiers of wooden balconies, once a bullring and now packed with tapas bars.
• Castillo de los Condes — Explore the exterior of this 15th-16th century castle overlooking the town, though the interior is closed to the public.
• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción — Step into this baroque church on the Plaza Mayor to see an early Goya painting of the Assumption.
• Anís de Chinchón distillery tour — Visit a historic alcoholera to learn how the town's famous anise liqueur has been distilled for generations.
• Museo Etnológico de Chinchón — Browse displays of traditional tools, costumes, and rural life from the La Vega region.
• Convento de las Clarisas — Buy homemade cookies and pastries from the cloistered nuns through the convent's turnstile window.
• Watch a bullfight in Plaza Mayor — If visiting in August, catch the town's centuries-old tradition of using the plaza itself as a temporary bullring during its patron saint festivities.

Food to try

• Cordero asado — Slow-roasted lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven is a staple of Chinchón's Castilian restaurants.
• Sopa de ajo — A hearty garlic soup made with bread, paprika, and often a poached egg, reflecting the region's garlic-growing heritage.
• Anís de Chinchón — Sample the town's famous anise liqueur, available in sweet (dulce) or dry (seco) versions, often served after meals.
• Cochinillo asado — Crispy roast suckling pig is another classic dish served in the taverns lining the Plaza Mayor.
• Ajo de Chinchón — Look for braided strings of the region's prized garlic, a key local product sold in shops around town.
• Tapas on the Plaza Mayor balconies — Eat at one of the taverns with tables under the wooden balconies for a classic Chinchón dining experience.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit during a festival if possible — The town's Plaza Mayor hosts traditional bullfights and Holy Week Passion plays that showcase its unique architecture in use.
• Try anís as a local custom — Locals often drink a small glass of anís with coffee in the morning or after meals, a tradition tied to the town's distilling history.
• Shops close for a midday siesta — Many small shops and some restaurants close in the early afternoon, so plan visits around late morning or evening.
• Bring cash for smaller taverns — Some of the traditional bars around the Plaza Mayor may not accept cards, so it helps to carry euros.