What to do in Chinchón

Chinchón is a Castilian town southeast of Madrid famous for its circular Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful and distinctive squares in Spain. This arcaded square with wooden balconies, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, doubles as a bullring during festivals and hosts events year-round. Gastronomy defines Chinchón's identity: anise liqueur (Anís de Chinchón, distillery open to visitors), garlic (Garlic Festival in July), wood-oven roast lamb and centuries-old taverns surrounding the square. Restaurants with terraces under the arcades are the town's most iconic image. The heritage includes the Castle of the Counts (15th century), the Church of the Asunción with a painting attributed to Goya, the Lope de Vega Theatre (one of Spain's oldest) and the Clarisas convent. The surroundings offer hiking routes along the Tagus and Jarama river cliffs. Chinchón is 45 km from Madrid and one of the most popular day trips from the capital.