Toledo: “best city for tourists” in Spain

The Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce has ranked Toledo as the “Best Destination” in the Spanish Tourist Quality System (SICTED) at the national level. The prize was awarded to the local government for improving the quality of the city for tourists. Toledo has been a World Heritage City since 1986 and ever since then has consistently improved what is on offer for visitors, adapting to the ever changing demands of...

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Try Spain’s Best Croquetas in Toledo

If you find yourself in Toledo and want to try the best ham croquettes you’ve come to the right place. As well as being a World Heritage City, Toledo also has a world class cuisine with croquetas at its core. If you truly want the best of the best head over to Restaurante Iván Cerdeño-Cigarral del Ángel which received critical acclaim in a nationwide croqueta competition (VII Concurso a la Mejor...

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Wht should I wear when visiting Toledo?

Toledo’s position high up in the mountains means that we get every type of weather you can think of. There are four clearly defined seasons so it’s important to think about what to wear before you reach the city. If you’re coming during winter wrap up warm. Winters here are cold and dry so wear lots of layers, a hat, scarf and gloves definitely won’t be missed – especially on a...

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Toledo’s Living Nativity Scene

In an earlier post we suggested taking a stroll through the historic centre of Toledo to see some of the nativity scenes that line the city. Today I’m going to recommend that you visit the living nativity scene at Eurocaja Rural which will delight both young and old alike. The Birth of Jesus is accompanied by dromedaries, geese, ducks, ponies, peacocks, donkeys, the list goes on, making this nativity scene one...

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Time for carcamusas!

carcamusas - cuatrochurros.com

If you’d like to try Spanish cuisine in a historical setting, look no further than Bar Ludeña. Dating back to 1954, their house speciality carcamusas will have you going back for more. The dish’s name was devised by José Ludeña in the mid twentieth century, earning its title due to being in high demand among both carcas (older men) and musas (the young women who accompanied them), hence the name carca-musas....

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Let’s Try Some Bombas!

La Bomba, la famosa tapa en Toledo

I present to you one of Toledo’s most famous tapas and my personal favourite – the bomba. Head to El Trébol and order yourself a few along with a beer and experience a culinary treat. You will find the bar close to the Plaza de Zocodover on Calle de Santa Fe. Whilst you eat you can admire the remains of the old city walls from the period of Arab rule. The...

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Toledo’s Nativity Scenes

Los belenes de Toledo - cuatrochurros.com

Don’t miss the chance to see the various nativity scenes that adorn Toledo if you happen to be in the city around Christmas time. For Toledanos, it has almost become a tradition for us to visit and enjoy the many on offer to make the most of the winter festivities.  There is every type of nativity scene that you can imagine. For those who prefer a traditional manger and accompanying figurines,...

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¡Christmas Arrives in Toledo!

Las luces navideñas en Toledo - cuatrochurros.com

The Christmas lights are already up in Toledo and it’s worth taking a stroll through the old town to take in its Christmas decorations which give an air of magic to the city. The most dazzling decorations can be found at Plaza de Zocodover, Calle Ancha (known to Toledanos as “Calle Comercio” or Commerce Street) and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The tradition of hanging Christmas lights has its origins three years after...

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Fancy a ride across the Tagus?

Barca de pasaje, en el río Tajo en Toledo - cuatrochurros.com

If you happen to be in Toledo during the cooler months of the year there is a nice walk along the Tagus River in the Cornisa neighbourhood where you’ll find a ferry crossing. The traditional day for Toledanos to use it is 1st May (also known as the Pilgrimage of the Virgin of the Valley). The former owner of the ferry was the locally famous Antonio Balmaseda, also known for his...

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Toledan Marzipan

Mazapán de Toledo - cuatrochurros.com

Marzipan is one of the desserts most widely associated with Toledo. It is usually something that we eat around Christmas time but you can give it a try year round. It seems to have its origins during Arab rule in the 8th century, with the first known recipe being from 1525. The recipe is simple, consisting of two ingredients: almonds and sugar. Legend has it that it was invented by the...

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