In many ways the vast, desolate plains that stretch south of Madrid are the embodiment of deepest Spain. Searingly hot in summer and exposed in winter, this is the land that provided the backdrop to the adventures of the romantic knight Don Quixote and his earthy companion Sancho Panza.

Within the region are two of Spain's most interesting historic cities - Toledo and Cuenca - as well as a host of intriguing smaller towns and villages.

But it is as an agricultural region, that Castilla La Mancha is best known. This is home to vast flocks of manchega sheep whose milk is used to make the world renowned queso manchego, but also to endless plantations of olive trees, to market gardens growing garlic, melons and aubergines as well as to fields of purple crocuses bearing the lucrative crop of saffron. Once known for its cheap, mass-produced wines, Castilla La Mancha now has an increasingly innovative and respected viticulture.