This was another one of those places on my list that's near Madrid and I'd never been to before. Once again, getting here by bus/train was complicated, so I took the easy option of booking a tour. Always good to check out what other guides do and I always learn something new.
So I found myself on yet another bus heading firstly to Chinchón, a town and municipality in the Community of Madrid, located 50 km south-east of the city of Madrid. Population is around 6,000. It's also one of the "Pueblos mas bonitos de España" (prettiest towns of Spain).
We arrived and set off for a guided tour with our guide who shared lots of great info as we headed to the jewel in the Chinchón crown - its main plaza. At the time, it was being set up for the annual encierro (running of the bulls), so it had all the barriers up. Even so, this plaza looks like it's waiting for a spaghetti‑western shootout. You walk in and immediately expect a tumbleweed to roll past, followed by a cowboy ordering anís with dramatic eye contact.
Everything in Chinchón happens in that plaza. Need a coffee? Plaza. Need lunch? Plaza. Need to witness a medieval festival, a bullfight, a wedding, a man dressed as a giant garlic bulb? Plaza. It’s like the town planners said, “Why build more streets when we can just put everything here.” I loved the old wooden balconies - hundreds of them. You can just imagine that there are at least twelve abuelas looking down, neighborhood watch style, who do not miss a beat as to what's going on in town. These wooden have absolutely seen things.
We then wandered up to the old castle and the views are amazing. Free time. It was hot and as all the action is obviously in the plaza, I wandered back down and around. Only one thing left to do, try the famous anís de Chinchón, the local liquor. Now I've tried this several times before, so it wasn't new to me - although maybe 11.30am was a little early. Still, when in Chinchon...... I took my glass and sat, where else, but overlooking the Plaza. They say you drink one glass and suddenly you’re convinced you can dance flamenco, speak perfect Spanish, and negotiate with goats. Time to get back on the bus with a warm feeling in my belly.
Chinchón: where the plaza is the main stage, the balconies are the audience, and you’re the accidental main character in a very enthusiastic village drama.
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