Albacete is one of those cities that, undeservedly, doesn’t enjoy the same fame as others. And yet Azorín described it as the New York of La Mancha, while José Luis Cuerda chose it to premiere his famous film Amanece que no es poco. Stop thinking of it as somewhere you simply pass through and start seeing it as a destination to discover from our hotels in Albacete.
We’re not the ones saying it — people in Albacete are. And when you see what Pasaje de Lodares looks like, it’s hard to disagree. It may be only 75 metres long (but what a 75 metres!) and will make you feel as though you’ve stepped inside an Italian shopping arcade from the early 20th century. Columns, sculptures, heads of gods, a mix of architectural styles and even an iron-and-glass skylight through which the changing daylight transforms its appearance throughout the day. Pure visual delight where, what’s more, you can also go shopping.
You can feel the pulse of Albacete on its main shopping thoroughfare, Calle Ancha, a mix of shops, cafés and historic buildings beginning at the equally lively Plaza del Altozano. Here you’ll find an air-raid shelter from the Spanish Civil War that is open to visitors. For a dose of culture, head to the Teatro Circo: you’ll go for the programme and fall in love with the architecture (yes, it has a circus ring). And as evening arrives, ask for directions to La Zona, a collection of streets in the city centre where bars and pubs bring the nightlife to life.
Traditional recipes still rule the tables of Albacete. And that can only be a good thing when they give us dishes such as atascaburras, migas ruleras, gazpacho manchego or ajo mataero. Don’t let their simplicity fool you. Quite the opposite: let their flavour win you over. Discover these local specialities in restaurants serving hearty dishes or by going from bar to bar for tapas. Here, people know how to respect the ingredients, their quality and their seasonality. See for yourself with a stroll around the municipal market: you might even find your foodie souvenir among its stalls.
Albacete has good transport connections with other Spanish cities. Albacete-Los Llanos station offers AVE high-speed and Media Distancia train services connecting the city with Madrid, Valencia and Alicante in around two hours. By road, the A-30 connects with Murcia; the A-31 takes you towards Valencia and Alicante; and the AP-36 towards Toledo and Madrid. The airport is also just 10 minutes by car from the city centre. Once you arrive, Albacete is a compact city where you can comfortably get around on foot.
Sercotel Rewards is our loyalty program, created for you to enjoy special benefits and discounts. Sign up for free and get up to 20% off your next booking.
Will you join the club?
When choosing a hotel in Albacete, you should consider the aspects that matter most for the type of trip you’re planning.
No, we currently do not have any hotels in Albacete.
The average rate for a standard room in Albacete is €80 per night. The exact price will vary depending on when you book and when you want to travel, the type of room you are looking for and occupancy.
The price of staying in Albacete this weekend will depend on availability and the type of room you wish to book. Enter your exact stay dates to check availability and current rates.
We think a walk through Pasaje de Lodares is essential: it’s one of those places that makes you stop and look up. Make sure you also step inside the Cathedral. Head to the Knife Museum too, because few things tell the story of Albacete quite like its knives. And if your trip happens to coincide with it, don’t miss the city’s famous Fair. If you’re looking for something different, ask our team: we always have a hidden gem or something new to tell you about.
