Lavender Fields in Brihuega, painting a purple sea in the Alcarria of Guadalajara
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The Lavender Fields of Brihuega paint a purple sea in the Alcarria of Guadalajara: endless rows of aromatic plants, perfumed air and golden sunsets that have made Brihuega a first-rate photographic and sensory destination, with festivals and activities around the bloom.
Where are the lavender fields?
In the municipality of Brihuega, province of Guadalajara (Castilla–La Mancha), about 90 km from Madrid. The usual access is via the A-2 to Torija and from there along local roads to Brihuega and its hamlets (Malacuera, Yela, Villaviciosa de Tajuña), where many fields are spread out.
When and how did this landscape form?
Lavender and lavandin cultivation expanded during the 20th century and especially in recent decades, creating large areas devoted to essential-oil production. Today Brihuega is the epicentre of this agricultural and aromatic landscape of the Alcarria.
Why is it noteworthy?
- Natural spectacle: the bloom turns the fields purple and perfumes the surroundings for weeks in summer.
- Local identity: cultivation supports the economy, crafts and gastronomy (honeys, soaps, essences).
- Photographic experience: light, colour and open horizons ideal for landscape photography.
What can we see?
- Plantations near Brihuega and its hamlets, with rural tracks to view the furrows in perspective.
- Sunsets over the Alcarria hills, when purple deepens and the sky turns golden.
- Distilleries and workshops (in season) to learn about essential-oil extraction.
- Lavender Festival and summer cultural activities linked to the bloom.
How to plan the visit?
The best time is usually between late June and July (depending on weather and rainfall). Recommendations:
- Go early or at sunset to avoid heat and enjoy the best light.
- Respect the fields: do not walk between rows, do not pick flowers and follow only marked paths.
- Beware of bees: hives are common during bloom.
- Comfortable clothing and footwear, water and sun protection; on event days, arrive early.
Where to get schedules and activities?
Check the Brihuega Tourist Office and municipal channels for field-location maps, distillery visits, activities and the dates of each year’s Lavender Festival.
What else nearby?
- Historic Brihuega: walls, medieval gates, churches and the Royal Cloth Factory with gardens.
- Tajuña Valley: viewpoints and gentle routes among orchards and poplars.
- Villaviciosa de Tajuña, Malacuera and Yela: small hamlets with open landscapes.
- Cívica: curious troglodyte constructions on the Tajuña slope.
In short, the Lavender Fields of Brihuega offer a sensory journey through the Alcarria: colour, aroma and silence among purple rows, with a history-filled town just steps away.
How to get there
Brihuega, en Guadalajara.
Decimal: 40.789722°, -2.850833°
DMS: 40°47'23" N, 2°51'03" O
