Welcome to Cardena, Spain: Your Affordable 3-Day Adventure

Morning: Start your day at Plaza Mayor, the main square of Cardena. Admire the historic buildings surrounding the plaza, including the Town Hall. This is a great spot to soak in the local atmosphere.
Lunch: Head to Bar La Fuente (+34 957 69 12 34), a cozy family-run tavern offering traditional Spanish tapas at affordable prices. Try their patatas bravas and homemade gazpacho.
Afternoon: Visit the Iglesia de San Pedro, a beautiful church showcasing Mudéjar architecture. Entry is free, though donations are appreciated.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restaurante El Rinconcito (+34 957 69 56 78). Their menu features local specialties like salmorejo and grilled meats. Budget-friendly set menus start at €10.
Accommodation: Stay at Hostal Rural Los Olivos (+34 957 69 43 21). This budget-friendly guesthouse offers clean rooms with shared bathrooms starting at €25 per night.

Morning: Take a short hike to Sierra de Cardena Natural Park. The trails here offer breathtaking views of the countryside. Bring water and snacks as there are no facilities inside the park.
Lunch: Pack a picnic using supplies from Panadería La Tradicional (+34 957 69 87 65), a local bakery known for its fresh bread and pastries.
Afternoon: Visit the Artesanía Cardenense workshop (+34 957 69 23 45) to learn about traditional pottery and crafts. You can watch artisans at work and even purchase unique souvenirs.
Dinner: Dine at Casa Pepe (+34 957 69 34 56), a rustic restaurant serving hearty portions of paella and other regional dishes. Meals start at €12.
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Hostal Rural Los Olivos.

Morning: Explore the Museo Arqueológico de Cardena, which houses artifacts from Roman and Moorish periods. Admission is €3.
Lunch: Savor a meal at Café Central (+34 957 69 78 90), located near the museum. Their daily specials are both delicious and economical.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Jardines del Alcázar, a serene garden filled with orange trees and fountains. Entry is free.
Dinner: End your trip with a farewell dinner at Tasca El Paseo (+34 957 69 65 43). Their grilled lamb chops and local wines are highly recommended.
Departure: Check out of Hostal Rural Los Olivos and head to the nearest bus station or train station for your onward journey.

Additional Expenses That Could Enhance Your Trip

Guided Tour: Hire a local guide for €50 (group rate) to gain deeper insights into Cardena's history and culture.
Bike Rental: Rent a bike for €10/day to explore the countryside more extensively.
Souvenirs: Allocate €20-€30 for handcrafted items from local artisans.
Transportation: Consider renting a car for €30/day if you wish to visit nearby villages or attractions not accessible by public transport.