If you’ve ever driven between Madrid and Alicante or Murcia on the A-31, there’s a good chance you’ve passed through (or at least past) the town of La Roda in the province of Albacete. Thousands of motorists do it every day, but those in the know make one very important stop.
Not for fuel.
Not for coffee.
For Miguelitos.
A delicious accident
A Miguelito looks deceptively simple: light, flaky puff pastry filled with silky pastry cream and dusted generously with icing sugar. Bite into one while it’s fresh and you’ll quickly understand why so many travellers leave La Roda with a box tucked carefully into the car.
The story begins in the 1960s with local pastry chef Manuel Blanco López. Legend says he offered his new creation to a friend called Miguel, who declared it delicious. From that day on everyone simply asked for “one of Miguel’s little pastries” – or Miguelitos – and the name stuck.
What started as a local speciality has become one of Spain’s most recognisable pastries. Today the name Miguelitos de La Roda is legally protected, ensuring that the authentic version remains closely tied to its hometown.
Although the traditional custard-filled Miguelito remains the favourite, bakeries now tempt visitors with chocolate, white chocolate, cream, and even miniature versions that make it slightly easier to pretend you’re only eating one.
Spoiler alert: you won’t stop at one.
Worth leaving the motorway for
La Roda has become a pilgrimage site for anyone with a sweet tooth. Coach parties, holidaymakers heading for the Costa Blanca and families returning to Madrid all seem to have the same idea: pull off the motorway, buy a box of Miguelitos and continue the journey with the irresistible smell of fresh pastry filling the car.
It’s one of those rare places where the destination and the souvenir are exactly the same thing.
No visit to La Roda is complete without calling in at the Miguelitos Ruiz factory shop. Just off the A-31, it’s one of Spain’s great motorway pit stops. The smell of warm puff pastry fills the air as customers leave carrying box after box of freshly made Miguelitos. Whether you choose the traditional custard filling or one of the chocolate versions, there’s every chance you’ll be opening the box before you’re back on the motorway. It’s the sort of place that turns a routine journey into part of the holiday itself.
As well as the factory shop, there are many cafes and restaurants in the town where you can sample a Miguelito or two for yourself. There are also many other shops selling the local delicacy. Just remember to buy an extra box. The first one probably won’t make it home!
The Town of La Roda
While most visitors come to La Roda with Miguelitos on their mind, it’s worth taking a stroll through the old town. The magnificent 16th-century Church of El Salvador watches over the narrow streets from its hilltop position, while nearby a bronze statue of Pope Saint John Paul II reflects the deep faith and community spirit that have shaped the town for generations. Together they remind visitors that La Roda has far more to offer than its famous pastries – although I doubt you’ll leave with a box of them!
Have you been to La Roda? Perhaps you’ve enjoyed a Miguelito or two?! Please let us know.
