Alcala De Henares : book your hotel

Looking for a sun-soaked gourmet break on the outskirts of Madrid? Only 30 kilometres from the Spanish capital, Alcalá de Henares is just such a destination.

Miguel de Cervantes, author of the famous novel Don Quixote came from this UNESCO-listed city, which has a rich cultural heritage and many historic monuments. Visit the imposing, 16th-century university buildings, have a stroll along Calle Mayor and learn more about the life of this celebrated writer. While you're discovering this beautiful corner of Spain, make the most of your stay by booking an Accor hotel – and follow our advice so you don't miss out on any of the city's attractions.

A thousand-year-old city at the crossroads of Roman, Moorish and Spanish civilisations, Alcalá de Henares is home to magnificent monuments. In the heart of the historic quarter, cobbled Calle Mayor is the main artery of the city, lined with stone arcades housing all sorts of interesting shops, as well as lots of bars and restaurants where you can sample delicious Castilian cuisine. Look for the two life-sized sculptures outside number 48 depicting Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, the two heroes created by Cervantes. Continuing your walk, you'll see lots of architecture dating from the Spanish Renaissance. When you get to Plaza de Cervantes, visit the imposing Catedral Magistral de los Santos Justo y Pastor and the Archbishop's Palace – the city's two masterly Gothic landmarks.

Miguel de Cervantes – the most famous writer in Spanish literature – was born in Alcalá de Henares in 1547. Today you can learn about his life at the Universes of Cervantes Visitor Centre on Plaza de Cervantes, close to a bronze statue of the man himself alongside his two most famous characters. South of the plaza, you'll find the Chapel of the Hearers, where he was baptised – climb to the top of the adjacent Santa Maria Tower for views over the historic city centre. Back on Calle Mayor, immerse yourself in the Spanish Golden Age with a visit to the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, where the writer grew up.

Did you know that Alcalá de Henares is nicknamed the 'city of knowledge'? It was the first planned university city in the world, and the ornate buildings encompassing the faculties of art and economics at the College of San Ildefonso are more than 500 years old. They make an impressive architectural statement with their pretty terraces bordered by flowers, and can be explored on tours lead by expert guides. This is your chance to learn about the history of the place and some of its most celebrated students.

Throughout the year, Alcalá de Henares is the backdrop to a number of festive and cultural events. Book your hotel in early spring, when the city transforms itself into one big firework display during its main carnival, and you'll experience quintessential Spain. The city rings to the sound of live music, and colourful processions of giant figures fill the streets. Don't miss the Manteo del Pelele, at which puppets are bounced in blankets to the accompaniment of satirical songs.

The highlight of the city's festivities comes in October, when the everybody gets together to celebrate the writings of Cervantes. The historic city centre hosts a traditional market – styled as if in the Golden Age – packed with stalls serving regional foods and showcasing time-honoured crafts typical of the Renaissance era. Literature lovers can also enjoy browsing the second-hand book fair held in Plaza de Cervantes.

If you're staying more than a couple of days, the province of Guadalajara has several historic villages to visit. You can journey through beautiful rural landscapes while following the Black Architecture Route of Guadalajara to villages like Campillo de Ranas and Robleluengo. All constructed of local black slate, these tiny hamlets have an almost timeless magic. During the hot days of summer, hiking under centuries-old beech trees in Tejera Negra Beech Forest Nature Reserve offers a bucolic break from the city. And for a touch of romance, you can take a detour to see the spectacular lavender fields around Brihuega, less than an hour from Alcalá de Henares. Flowering in July, these colourful and fragrant fields have more than a touch of Provence about them.

With a reputation for its food – known locally as the 'cuisine of Cervantes' – Alcalá de Henares is liberally peppered with excellent restaurants. Every October, this cuisine is celebrated during the Cervantes Gastronomic Event, when restaurants and bars offer up delicacies inspired by the works of Miguel de Cervantes. This is the time to discover simple, warming and tasty dishes like olla podrida. This exceptionally tasty and rich stew of chickpeas, vegetables and assorted meats is traditionally cooked in a clay pot. To eat on the go, there are any number of tapas bars in the city, especially along Calle Mayor. A favourite local dish is duelos y quebrantos – eggs scrambled with bacon or chorizo – simply delicious! The region of Castilla y León also produces a number of DOC wines and cheeses, which make the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

If your stay in Alcalá de Henares is relatively short, choose a hotel in the historic centre to make the most of all the city's attractions. Visiting for longer? Perhaps it's better to book a hotel on the city's outskirts. Still close to the centre, it also offers easy access to the regional treasures of Guadalajara province.