Derived from the Arabic, Al-Basit, meaning plains, Albacete was the scene of various battles throughout the centuries and it wasn’t until 1862 that it was pronounced a city by Isabel II. In reality, there is little reason to visit the city unless you’re traveling from Madrid to Murcia. The surrounding arid landscape provided the backdrop to Don Quixote’s exploits on the Castilian expanses of La Mancha and now accommodate small numbers of tourists looking for rural activities. Of note in this respect is the Cabriel Valley to the north of the province in an area known as La Manchuela largely unspoilt and perfect for hiking and sleeping in rudimentary casas rurales.
