Click here to read more: La Villa Romana de Noheda
Then drive 45 minutes to La Ciudad Encantada and the Serranía waterfalls at the National Park.
Then drive to Cuenca where we will spend the day/night.
Our first stop came at the San Pablo Bridge which was built over the Huecar river basin. While there are many stories about this bridge, what you will enjoy the most is the view it offers on both sides of the bridge. It is as we call an insta-perfect spot to take fabulous pictures of the surroundings and of yourself.
From the bridge itself, you'll a good glimpse of Cuenca’s famous Casas Colgadas or the Hanging Houses. (Casas Colgadas- Hanging Houses)
As we cross the San Pablo Bridge, we get extremely close to Casas Colgadas.
These houses appear to be hanging from the cliff and are hence referred to as the Hanging Houses, attracting tourists from across the world. To be honest, these are only a small part that you can witness on the outside, look seemingly beautiful on the inside and make for great photo opportunities.
Walking in the narrow lanes of Cuenca is a special experience. It has the narrow lanes, cobblestoned streets, colorful homes, balconies which feel as if were reaching out to you, doors to homes and hotels that look inviting and little surprises in corners that are hard to resist.
Walk further to Cuenca’s town center or the Plaza Mayor that houses the town gate, colorful houses, restaurants, and the Cuenca Cathedral. In summers, I can totally imagine the center being a vibrant and buzzing spot in the city.
You can also find the Tourist Information center here, where you can book a tour of the important sites of the Old Town for just €5. We can also check with them for night tours.
Right in front of us was the Cuenca Cathedral, standing tall in the glory of a magnificent architecture on the outside. It looks intriguing. You have to pay for the entrance to visit inside.
There are so many things about Cuenca, which you cannot possibly explain in words and but can only best experience. Walking through the medieval remains and exploring the hidden secrets being one of those.
If we continue further, we can get a view of the second river gorge in Cuenca, Júcar River, on the left just below from the balcony. While on the opposite side of the river is a mountain with eyes carved out. Turns out, the locals call it Cuenca Eyes.
After all that walking, we can stop by one of the local restaurants to grab a bite and enjoy a generous quantity of Patata Bravas, some hot bread, and the local Alhambra beer.
What else is there to do?
Surprisingly, Cuenca also some of the finest museums, especially- Spanish Abstract Art Museum, Cuenca Museum, Castilla La Mancha Paleontology Museum, Science Museum of Castilla La Mancha. These museums are well worth considering their high reputation.
Where To Eat In Cuenca? Local Recommendations
Barrio Del Castillo and El caserío (budget friendly)
Restaurante Maria Morena (gourmet)
Plaza Mayor, Cuenca Restaurante San Juan
Posada San José
Restaurante San Pedro
Calle San FranciscoMesón Jose
Barrica de Miguel
Mesón fidel
El Bodegón
Remember, most menus are likely to be in Spanish and the portions served are quite filling. Use Google Translate for the menu and check with the staff on the portions and alternatives.
Cuenca is all shades of chilled and laid back, something very typical of Spanish destinations. Certain parts of this town feel like you have the entire town to explore, walking past rivers, bridges and waterfalls. And then, even when there are tourists and locals surrounding us, it is as if they are waiting to welcome us and made us feel at home. The language was no barrier because despite the difference there were people waiting to feed us, ensuring we got what we wanted and that we got to try what they made the best.
To be honest, pictures don’t do justice to Cuenca’s beauty and words don’t do justice to the beautiful time we will have.
Then drive to Cuenca where we will spend the day/night.
Old Town Cuenca
When you walk towards the Old Town of Cuenca, you can already notice the medieval vibes, limestone structures and Huécar river flowing along.San Pablo Bridge
Our first stop came at the San Pablo Bridge which was built over the Huecar river basin. While there are many stories about this bridge, what you will enjoy the most is the view it offers on both sides of the bridge. It is as we call an insta-perfect spot to take fabulous pictures of the surroundings and of yourself.
From the bridge itself, you'll a good glimpse of Cuenca’s famous Casas Colgadas or the Hanging Houses. (Casas Colgadas- Hanging Houses)
As we cross the San Pablo Bridge, we get extremely close to Casas Colgadas.
These houses appear to be hanging from the cliff and are hence referred to as the Hanging Houses, attracting tourists from across the world. To be honest, these are only a small part that you can witness on the outside, look seemingly beautiful on the inside and make for great photo opportunities.
Walking in the narrow lanes of Cuenca is a special experience. It has the narrow lanes, cobblestoned streets, colorful homes, balconies which feel as if were reaching out to you, doors to homes and hotels that look inviting and little surprises in corners that are hard to resist.
Town Centre/ Plaza Mayor
Walk further to Cuenca’s town center or the Plaza Mayor that houses the town gate, colorful houses, restaurants, and the Cuenca Cathedral. In summers, I can totally imagine the center being a vibrant and buzzing spot in the city.
You can also find the Tourist Information center here, where you can book a tour of the important sites of the Old Town for just €5. We can also check with them for night tours.
Cuenca Cathedral
Right in front of us was the Cuenca Cathedral, standing tall in the glory of a magnificent architecture on the outside. It looks intriguing. You have to pay for the entrance to visit inside.
Júcar River
There are so many things about Cuenca, which you cannot possibly explain in words and but can only best experience. Walking through the medieval remains and exploring the hidden secrets being one of those.
If we continue further, we can get a view of the second river gorge in Cuenca, Júcar River, on the left just below from the balcony. While on the opposite side of the river is a mountain with eyes carved out. Turns out, the locals call it Cuenca Eyes.
Mirador Barrio Del Castillo
Getting back on top, we continued to walk and walk, through the ruins of the medieval castle of Cuenca until we reached the top- Mirador Barrio Del Castillo. From here we got the most gorgeous, panoramic view of Cuenca, even better the one from the San Pablo Bridge.After all that walking, we can stop by one of the local restaurants to grab a bite and enjoy a generous quantity of Patata Bravas, some hot bread, and the local Alhambra beer.
Cuenca At Night
It is recommended that we explore Cuenca in daylight and see it at night too. We can explore an extremely gorgeous, well-lit town after all the tourists leave. Apparently, there is something so beautiful and calming about the visual that nothing can disturb the peace.What else is there to do?
Surprisingly, Cuenca also some of the finest museums, especially- Spanish Abstract Art Museum, Cuenca Museum, Castilla La Mancha Paleontology Museum, Science Museum of Castilla La Mancha. These museums are well worth considering their high reputation.
Where To Eat In Cuenca? Local Recommendations
Barrio Del Castillo and El caserío (budget friendly)
Restaurante Maria Morena (gourmet)
Plaza Mayor, Cuenca Restaurante San Juan
Posada San José
Restaurante San Pedro
Calle San FranciscoMesón Jose
Barrica de Miguel
Mesón fidel
El Bodegón
Remember, most menus are likely to be in Spanish and the portions served are quite filling. Use Google Translate for the menu and check with the staff on the portions and alternatives.
Cost-Effective
One of the best things about traveling to Cuenca is cost-effectiveness. While there is no compromising on the wonderful destination that Cuenca is, you’re likely to find accommodation and food across the town in all price ranges, including some real good budget options. Do wander about a couple of restaurants before you make a choice. Also, remember that the food portions at restaurants can be pretty huge.
One of the best things about traveling to Cuenca is cost-effectiveness. While there is no compromising on the wonderful destination that Cuenca is, you’re likely to find accommodation and food across the town in all price ranges, including some real good budget options. Do wander about a couple of restaurants before you make a choice. Also, remember that the food portions at restaurants can be pretty huge.
Cuenca is all shades of chilled and laid back, something very typical of Spanish destinations. Certain parts of this town feel like you have the entire town to explore, walking past rivers, bridges and waterfalls. And then, even when there are tourists and locals surrounding us, it is as if they are waiting to welcome us and made us feel at home. The language was no barrier because despite the difference there were people waiting to feed us, ensuring we got what we wanted and that we got to try what they made the best.
To be honest, pictures don’t do justice to Cuenca’s beauty and words don’t do justice to the beautiful time we will have.