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Rustic Lunch Stop between Madrid and Malaga?

Looking for recommendations for a rustic Lunch spot to break up the drive on our first day after flying into Madrid.

Ideally something half way?

Posted by
27137 posts

Just checking to be sure you are aware you can take a train from Madrid to Malaga in as little as 2 hr. 42 min. (and you can pack a lunch to eat along the way if you want to), whereas ViaMichelin.com estimates driving will take 5 hr. 40 min. by the fastest route--and that's before you stop to take a break (and perhaps a meal). That ViaMichelin estimate doesn't allow for any traffic delays either.

Posted by
6560 posts

That’s not the most scenic drive in Spain and there are few decent sized towns right off the interstate. While I can’t recommend a specific restaurant, consider stopping in Manzanares or Linares. A smaller town and one voted one of Spain’s prettiest villages, near Manzanares, is Almagro.

My guess is that in most towns you’ll pass by the restaurants will be simple cafeterias, but should fit your rustic criteria.

Posted by
6560 posts

Consuegra with its castle and windmills is a nice stop to look around and isn’t that far south of Madrid. It is 6 miles off the E-5 interstate. Great place to visit, but too early for a lunch stop.

As an aside, the town did a good job restoring the castle. It was little more than a ruin the first time I visited it in 1979.