Cuenca forms part of the Autonomous Community of Castilla la Mancha. It shares boundaries with Valencia, Albacete, Ciudad Real, Toledo, Madrid, Guadalajara and Teruel. Its capital city is Cuenca.

The economy of the province has, until relatively recently, been in decline, mostly due to people continuous emigration. Now, however, with the ingress of money from tourism and industry, the economy is reviving as more people get to know the wonderful scenery and standard of living available in the province.

The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and forestry: cereals, vines, olives, saffron, garlic, chick peas, lentils and the cultivation of mushrooms. However, the principal income has centred on forestry especially that associated with sawmills (Cuenca, Almodóvar del Pinar).

The most characteristic products from Cuenca include those derived from meat, wines and the famous cheeses of Castilla la Mancha. Also notable is garlic from Las Pedroñeras, the mushrooms from la Manchuela and honey from la Alcarria.

Routes and Places worth a Visit

It’s impossible to leave Cuenca without at least seeing the hanging houses that teeter over the edge of the River Huécar. Also worth seeing is the cathedral, the famous San Pablo bridge and its many historic churches. During Semana Santa, it’s a done deal to visit some of the spectacular processions that wind their way through the narrow Conquensan streets.

Of course, the birthplace of the River Cuervo is a place of huge natural appeal. In particular it’s advised to visit this place either in Spring or Winter to take advantage of the spectacular views; a time when the flow rate of the river reaches respectable proportions.

Another place where one can, without doubt, enjoy one of the best views in the province of Cuenca is the Ventano del Diablo en el Cañón of the River Júcar. Near to here is the Mirador de Uña with views across Lake Uña, the River Júcar and the Lagunas de Cañada del Hoyo. These seven lakes, almost unknown by tourists, will surely fascinate any visitor with its huge range of colours, depths, sizes, history and legends.

For obvious reasons, the Enchanted City to the north of the city of Cuenca, was declared as a site of Special Natural Interest in 1929. Here there are rocks that have been shaped into fantastic shapes by eons of winds, rains and natural erosion. Other jewels of the province include Belmonte with its medieval castle and Alarcón, a medieval village of great historical value.

More information: http://www.visitclm.com/lugares/cuenca/

Important Fiestas

Alarcón: Between the 19th and the 21st of January, the festival of San Sebastian.

Belmonte: 15th May, the town’s romaría. Between the 23rd and the 28th of August the town celebrates the Ferias of San Bartolomé. Bullfights and street parties.

The beautiful medieval town of Úcles holdsthe Fiestas Quinquennales between the 1st and the 15th of September.