Lavender fields of Brihuega

Expectations were high. Would the lavender fields in Brihuega really be as beautiful as in the photos? My question would be answered as soon as I passed through the flowing slopes of farmland and saw the fields tinged with purple.

I didn’t even know they existed. I had always associated the Lavander fields with Provence in France. Never crossed my mind that such a sight could be found in the heart of Spain. One hour from Madrid in the province of Castilla La Mancha. This splendorous place came to my knowledge through Instagram as I reached out to my followers for ideas of places to visit. While this year 2020 is challenging for the most part as the world is deep in Covid19 pandemic with events and attractions being canceled or closed along with travel restriction making tourism almost impossible. Travel in my VW California is ever more satisfying. So knowing that it is July when the flower is in its maximum splendor, I could not miss the opportunity.

I leave in the late morning from my home in southern Andalucia for what would be for me a 6-hour drive north. With no hurry or timeline to adhere to, the dive itself was pleasant and easy with a fascinating contrast of changing landscape. Once passed Guadalajara and headed for Brihuga I turn on to the secondary roads that at times are so narrow I was reminded of those in the Scottish highlands or roads around the lakes of Wales. Only the landscape is starkly different with flowing fields of bright yellow sunflowers contrasting with recently harvested hay fields drying in the baking sun with odd independent bright green vineyards dotted around the region.

I arrive in Brihuega. A fascinating town overflowing with history and wonder that must be explored. It’s narrow streets adorned with purple decorations and vendors selling an array of artisan lavender products. The town’s historical past still visible in the old stone wall perimeter. Although I feel I need to stop and wonder the streets, it will have to wait. I know that the best time to enjoy the splendor of the Lavander fiends and truly appreciate its color is the evening, so I continue through the town of Brihuega and join the CM-2005 heading north-east for approximately 3km. The roadside dotted with small plantations of bright purple flowers that invite you to stop. However, it must be noted that these plantations are private and it isn’t recommended to enter. Eventually, I arrive at a sea of purple and to the left a small opening to a dirt track and makeshift parking lot where a small wooden hut stands occupied selling an array of different souvenirs, along with bouquets of lavender flower (coordinates: 40.790765, -2.848513)

This is the plantation where the Lavender Festival takes place each year. Where everyone dresses in white and sit on wooden chairs placed between the rows while listening to a concert by a renowned artist as the sun goes down. It has to be amazing. Maybe another year … A little further on I could return to witness and take part. Sadly this year, however, the festival and concerts have been canceled. But that doesn’t take anything away from the beauty of the place.

“Any advice?” you may ask. Arrive earlyish wait till sunset. The field is spectacular »

I walk into the grooves. The sun was still very high, the purple I expected was not so visible. But still, the scenery was incredible. The lavender found itself on flowing hills, covering the ground, rising and falling as if it were waves, it’s rows look like ripples growing form a singular tree in the center of the field. Immediately you become aware of the presence of bees busy collecting pollen. A continuous piercing buzz could make many uneasy, but soon you realized that if you ignore them they continue with their own business and don’t bother you at all.

Although there were people, the field is so big that good photos are guaranteed. The camera cannot be forgotten. It is the perfect setting and a hotspot for Photographers. After taking all the photos I wanted and more, I decided to walk the meadow through the rows and notice the intensity of purple changes drastically with the light. Deep inside the meadow, the lavender had a more intense purple. It must be another kind of lavender. The bush was different, smaller and the presence of numbered iron signs makes me think that many kinds of lavender are grown here. The sun was beginning to fall behind the horizon. And yes, it was spectacular. I had returned to my van and that I had parked on the edge of the meadow. Here I sat in silence gazing out at the field of purple, dazzled by the surreal beauty of this place.