As Spain continues its battle against overtourism, one town has a specific request: it wants visitors to stay away at weekends.
Brihuega, in central Spain, is famous for its lavender fields that cover more than 1,000 hectares.
Visitors flock to the Insta-perfect location to pose among the purple flowers and buy essential oils — and even beer and cheese — made from the blooms.
But Brihuega has become so popular that Mayor Luis Vuego has asked tourists to plan their trips on weekdays, to help ease pressure on local services.
‘I recommend visiting us from Monday to Thursday, please,’ he said. ‘It’s more difficult on weekends due to the large number of people who come.
‘Last Saturday, for example, the town collapsed. I had a bad time.’
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Speaking to the ABC Newspaper, Mayor Luis said the town receives 8 million euros in just a few weeks when the lavender is in bloom.
But it also means a huge influx of visitors – around 140,000 – in a short period, which is getting increasingly difficult to manage. In particular, the narrow historic streets are not designed for so many people.
‘We work hard, we have a security committee, but it’s still a large turnout,’ said the mayor. That’s why I insist: please come from Monday to Thursday.’
Mayor Luis doesn’t want tourists to stay away entirely, though.
The region recently opened its first five-star hotel, and there are plans for a park-and-ride and shuttle buses, scheduled to be up and running by next year.
But what is there to see in Brihuega aside from its famous lavender fields?
Things to do in Brihuega
While lavender season runs from late June to the end of July, Brihuega is a year-round destination.
Situated in the Tajuna Valley, it has ‘amazing heritage and scenic landscapes, according to Spain’s tourism board.
One of its top attractions are the Arab Caves of Brihuega. This ‘hidden world’, which dates back to the 10th-Century, was used for escape routes during sieges, and as a storage space for food and other supplies, due to its consistent temperature of 12C.
The caves are located in the town centre near the main square, Plaza del Coso.
The underground network is estimated to be around five miles long, but only around 500 metres of the caves are accessible to the public.
Aside from its impressive caves, Brihuega is steeped in history. Its medieval streets boast porticoed squares including the Calle Mayor, Plaza del Coso and the Calle de Armas, and monuments including a prison built during the reign of King Charles III and Renaissance-era mansions.
Brihuega is also home to one of the oldest bull-running events in Spain, held each year on August 16. Declared a ‘Festival of Regional Tourist Interest’, it involves a herd of bulls being released from the bullring to run through the streets of the town.
If that’s not your cup of tea, Brihuega is a great horse riding destination. Visitors can trek the surroundings of the town as well as the lavender fields on horseback.
The experience is suited for all levels with one-hour tours starting from €40 per person during the summer. Hot air balloon rides are also available to book over the stunning fields with various local tour groups.
How to get to Brihuega
Just an hour’s drive from Madrid, Brihuega is perfect for a day trip from Spain’s cosmopolitan capital.
The closest airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, which is around 52 minutes by car. There are plenty of rental car options, and you can expect prices of anything from €20-€70 per day.
If you’re visiting on public transport, expect a longer journey. Overall, the trip takes around three and a half hours.
You’ll have to catch a train from Atocha to Guadalajara, then hop on a bus there to Brihuega.
There is a service called the Lavender Train that connects Madrid to Brihuega during the month of July, when the lavender fields are in full bloom.
It includes a train and coach transfer to Brihuega, a guided tour of the historic centre, and transport to the lavender fields.
Tickets are sold on Renfe’s official website and usually sell out quickly. This year, tickets were priced at €50 for adults €20 for children.
If you’re dying to visit — make sure to go between Monday and Thursday.
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