Fontanarejo: Wetland, Fossils and Festival Tradition

Fontanarejo brings together a protected wetland, a palaeontologically significant fossil site and the Las Luminarias tradition. If you are looking for a hotel in Fontanarejo, you can plan your trip around your interests: the wetland’s wildlife, fossils, or cultural history and customs.

Wetland and wildlife

The Bonal del Cerro de los Barranquillos is located in the municipality of Fontanarejo and has been protected as a micro-reserve since 2002. It is a wetland along the Arroyo de los Barranquillos, where water remains on the surface year-round. The Bonal is home to the Iberian ribbed newt, six amphibian species and four reptile species.

The area can be visited year-round; autumn and spring are particularly suitable. Daylight, moderate temperatures and the company of a knowledgeable guide are recommended for a visit. Check these recommendations before your trip, particularly with regard to the time of day, temperature and whether you will be accompanied.

Fossils and trails

The Microfauna del Terreneuviense de Fontanarejo site is palaeontologically significant. Exceptionally well-preserved sponge remains from the Terreneuvian, sponge spicules and other articulated tissues have been found there.

The site can be reached from Fontanarejo via the Camino de Porzuna; it is about 2 km away. The route is rated moderate and takes approximately two and a half hours. Access is via an unpaved track suitable for tourist access.

Landscape along different routes

The Ruta de Valdeja leads into a Mediterranean landscape with rockroses, rosemary, holm oaks and thyme. Trails in the Barranco de los Arroyuelos also lead through Fontanarejo’s Mediterranean landscape. From Cerro de la Centinela, you can enjoy views of the dehesas of Cabañeros National Park.

Las Luminarias and local festivals

The Las Luminarias tradition has been kept alive in Fontanarejo since the 16th century. At the sound of the church bells, rosemary is burned in the evening, with rosemary fires spread throughout the town. The air fills with the strong scent of rosemary and thick smoke. After midnight, the Mayos are also sung to the Virgin Mary. One origin story links the tradition to efforts to combat a plague that struck Fontanarejo in the 16th century.

Typical dishes are shared during Las Luminarias; the specific selection may vary. Fontanarejo’s local festivals take place from 14 to 18 August. Check the dates and programme before your trip, as the precise schedule for Las Luminarias may change.

Church, townscape and traces of history

The parish church, Iglesia Parroquial de San Felipe y Santiago, was built between the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Inside, pointed arches are set at different heights. Fontanarejo’s Dehesa Boyal preserves chozos and charcoal burners’ huts associated with traditional agro-pastoral activities.

The town centre also has a distinctive appearance shaped by its hillside location: the streets follow an irregular course, the houses do not line up, and numerous steps are part of the townscape. Archaeological traces have been documented at two other named sites. Remains of Iberian, Roman and Arab graves were found at El Castillejo; at Tarral de los Empredados, there are some remains from the Iron Age and Roman period.

Discover more destinations: Villahermosa, Terrinches, Arenas de San Juan, Cañada De Calatrava, San Lorenzo de Calatrava, Argamasilla De Alba, Puertollano, Arenales De San Gregorio

For the broader travel overview: Ciudad Real.