Everyone who appears to know Spain virtually solely thinks of Barcelona and its Gaudí-built wonders, Madrid for the leafy boulevards lined with Belle époque buildings, and Malaga for the golden-sand seashores, however there’s nonetheless a lot they do not know in regards to the huge, extremely numerous Iberian nation.
We’ve already coated extensively lesser-known territories like Basque Country, to the north, and a historic area plagued by historical castles and snow-capped peaks, to not point out Galicia, with its distinct tradition and unspoiled Atlantic Coast, so can there be extra?
If you’ve got been hoping for a secret Spanish vacation spot most vacationers have but to go to that provides not solely fewer crowds however genuine cultural experiences, here is why it’s best to add Cuenca to your record:
A Medieval City With Houses Hanging On Cliffsides
Not to be confused with its direct offspring, Ecuador’s nationwide capital, Cuenca is about within the mountain-traversed hinterland of central Spain.
It was based by the Moors, Muslim settlers from North Africa who guidelines over a lot of the Iberian Peninsula, which Spain founds itself in, for a number of lengthy centuries—, the identical guys who constructed a lot of Andalusia?
While the world has advanced, and civilizations have risen and fall, it is remained largely unchanged all through History.
Cuenca is greatest identified for being perched on a limestone spur, overlooking not one however two scenic rivers, the Júcar and the Huécar.
Bestriding the steep rocks, there are rows upon rows of casas colgadas, hanging medieval homes with fantastically carved coated picket balconies that appear virtually to defy gravity.
They’re a part of the rationale why Cuenca feels so particular:
Nowhere else in Spain, or Europe, for that matter, will you discover this actual kind of structure, and it is no marvel UNESCO has bestowed upon the municipality World Heritage standing, however the homes, as fascinating as they could be, mustn’t the one cause why you come right here.
What Else Is Cuenca Known For?
The additional you stroll into the fortress-like Old Town, surrounded by imposing partitions, the place slim alleys are paved with cobblestones and thin edifices appear to come back in each possible hue of pastel, the extra you understand this seems like stepping by a time portal again to the fifteenth century.
Truly, not a lot has modified since then, from the timeless facades to town’s Muslim-era structure.
Though there are definitely trendy additions, from mobile phone restore outlets to tapas bars, which have changed the old school taverns, the traditional ‘really feel’ is there.
In the midst of the medieval maze, the Cuenca Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece standing tall over the colourful townscape.
If you are questioning whether or not you’ll be able to step into one of many well-known hanging homes simply to see what they seem like from the within, try the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art.
We’re not the best fans of this type of exhibit ourselves, however it’s your one shot at visiting a Hanging House of Cuenca and admiring its centuries-old foundations (plus, it is free!).
Cuenca Is One Of The Cheapest City Breaks In Spain
On that be aware, Cuenca is an extremely reasonably priced vacation spot:
For occasion, some sangria wine and tapas in a neighborhood bar ought to price you round $8-10, whereas a three-course dinner for one, in a mid-range restaurant within the coronary heart of the Old Town, may set you again by round $30 (the vary is definitely $20 to $45).
That’s a lot decrease than the common in Spain, the place eating out in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, or Palma de Mallorca prices considerably extra.
Accommodation is equally cheap:
This spring, the centrally-located Arevalos Hotel, inside quick strolling distance of the hanging homes and the cathedral, will price $53 to guide per night time, and should you’re actually being economical, a non-public room in Hostal Cortes will probably be an even-cheaper $38.
Why Is Cuenca So Cheap Compared To Other Spanish Destinations?
You could marvel why Cuenca is so reasonably priced, contemplating its UNESCO-listed standing, medieval allure, and exquisite pure surroundings. Have we talked about that, because it straddles a collection of hills, it boasts breathtaking views of gorges and central Spain’s lush countryside?
Well, it is but to be found by the lots, that is why.
Though tourism is for positive rising, with report numbers famous for 2024, that solely interprets into roughly 450,000 guests, and that is with out differentiating between home ones (Spaniards) and foreigners.
Spain hosted over 100 million company in 2024, and Cuenca accounted for a mere 0.4% of that.
Hidden gem hunters, there’s one diamond within the tough for you!
How To Visit Cuenca, Spain In 2025
Cuenca doesn’t have an airport, so all vacationer arrivals will contact down in a serious Spanish hub, akin to Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville, earlier than making their means there.
That’s an enormous detour, so it is hardly a shock that Cuenca has managed to retain its authenticity whereas the remainder of Spain succumbed beneath the burden of mass tourism: solely those that are intent on experiencing the native tradition will undergo the trouble of coming.
It’s not prefer it’s all that inaccessible, both:
Cuenca has a prepare station, serviced by a number of prepare traces and effectively related to the remainder of Spain. For instance, getting there from Madrid on these low-cost AVLO trains the Spanish love takes roughly an hour, and tickets begin from as low-cost as $8.
You higher get there fast earlier than the key will get out and all these Instagrammers obsessive about Old World aesthetics understand there was ever an ‘unique’ Cuenca, to start with.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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