 Derived from the Arabic, Al-Basit, which means plains, was the scene of various battles throughout the centuries and it wasn’t until 1862 that it was pronounced a city by Isabel II. In reality, there is little reason to visit the city unless you’re traveling from Madrid to Murcia. 
Just so you know:
The surrounding arid landscape provided the backdrop to Don Quixote’s adventures on the Castilian plains of La Mancha and now accommodates a small number of tourists looking for rural activities. For hiking enthusiasts: Cabriel Valley to the north of the province in an area known as La Manchuela is a largely unspoiled natural habitat that is perfect for hiking and sleeping in casas rurales and albergues. |
