José Coronado is one of the best-known faces of our country's cinema, but when he's not filming or promoting, don't look for him in a super-luxurious destination or on a desert island. He has found his refuge just 40 minutes from Madrid, in Casarrubios del Monte, the Toledo municipality where the family farm is located where the performer disconnects from the spotlight surrounded by trees, silence and nature.
The link with this corner of Castilla-La Mancha goes beyond having established his second residence there. His son, Nicolás Coronado, has lived for years on the family farm, today converted into a space dedicated to well-being, with an organic garden, gardens and a small farm, reinforcing the character of a family retreat that the place has for the actor.
But Casarrubios del Monte is not only worth a visit because it is the hiding place of one of the most recognizable faces of Spanish cinema. Its medieval past, its proximity to Madrid and the tranquility of its streets make it a perfect getaway for those looking for an excursion that combines history, gastronomy and nature without straying too far from the capital.
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What to see in Casarrubios del Monte
Casarrubios del Monte preserves a surprising heritage for a municipality of its size. Among fortresses, churches and medieval vestiges it is easy to discover that it was a town of great importance for centuries.
The first thing that catches your attention when you arrive is the Casarrubios del Monte castle, a Mudejar fortress built between the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. Built almost entirely of brick, it is one of the most unique examples of late medieval military architecture in Castilla-La Mancha. Although it is currently private property and cannot be visited inside, its imposing silhouette dominates the profile of the municipality and has become its great emblem.
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Another of the corners with the most historical significance are the ruins of the church of San Andrés, one of those places that invite you to imagine what the splendor of the town was like centuries ago. Today only part of its walls and the one known as the Mocha Tower remain standing, but the complex allows us to get an idea of the dimensions that this temple once had, which exceeded 50 meters in length.
Walking through the historic center you can still see vestiges of its medieval origins. Quiet streets, old doorways and traditional buildings remind us of the strategic importance that this town had for centuries, when it was located on the border between the ancient kingdoms of Castile and Toledo.
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Another of the essential buildings is the parish church of Santa María, which preserves elements from different periods and continues to be one of the main meeting points for the neighbors. Nearby, the Plaza de España embodies that leisurely atmosphere of Castilian towns where you can sit on a terrace and make a stop without worrying about looking at the clock.
Where to eat delicious and cheap in Casarrubios del Monte
One of the best-known addresses to sit down at the same time is Las Esparteras, a restaurant with a long history where grilled meats and traditional Castilian cuisine predominate. It is a very popular option for those looking for generous portions and traditional recipes.
If you fancy a more informal atmosphere, Restaurante Asador Los Rosales stands out for its daily menus, meats and homemade dishes at reasonable prices, being one of the best-rated establishments to eat without spending too much.
Another interesting alternative is Restaurante El Monte, where traditional Spanish cuisine and affordable menus make it a very practical option for both neighbors and travelers passing through.
Casarrubios del Monte Town Hall
Those who prefer to completely change their style will also find Pizzería La Tentación a good option to enjoy artisan pizzas, sandwiches and informal food in a family atmosphere.
What to do around Casarrubios del Monte
One of the great attractions of Casarrubios del Monte is its location. In just twenty minutes you reach the Castrejón Reservoir, an ideal natural space for bird watching and enjoying a landscape very different from that of the La Mancha plain.
If the plan includes hiking, the nearby Regional Park of the Middle Course of the Guadarrama River and its surroundings offers numerous tracks and trails between holm oak forests and Mediterranean mountains, perfect for an excursion of a few hours without major slopes.
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And for those traveling with their family during the summer, a good alternative is to go to the San Juan Reservoir, in the Community of Madrid. Known as the “beach of Madrid”, it has several authorized bathing areas and small sandy beaches where you can beat the heat without having to travel hundreds of kilometers. Of course, it is currently one of the areas affected by the recent fires so it is advisable to check the status of the place first.
That combination of nature, tranquility and closeness is enough to explain why José Coronado always keeps returning to this corner of Toledo. A place where the protagonist gives way to the person, silence replaces the media noise and the rush seems to stay on the other side of the road.
Cover photo | Malopez 21 and Pedro J Pacheco
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