Venturing out to Cuenca for the first time? This article has you covered!
Located 170 kilometers southeast of Madrid, Cuenca is one of the smallest ancient cities in the country. Getting there is easy with a convenient bus or train ride that only takes two hours to complete.
Initially a fortified city crafted by the Moors for military purposes, Cuenca has evolved over time and now become an imperial and religious center.
Today, Cuenca is the biggest hook for history buffs and peace seekers who’d love to immerse themselves in the quaint medieval charm.
One of the most amazing things to see here is the iconic Hanging Houses which is also known as Las Casas Colgadas. Perched above a cliff overlooking the Huécar River, these picturesque medieval structures, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underwent restoration in the early 20th century and now stand as a must-see attraction in Cuenca.
More on that below!
Read More: A 2024 Comprehensive Guide to Madrid, Spain: Top Attractions, Navigation, & Best Places To Stay
Getting To Cuanca From Valencia And Madrid By High-Speed Train
From Valencia
Hail a ride on the high-speed Renfe train that takes an hour to fetch you to Cuenca.
- Departure station: Valencia Joaquín Sorolla
- Arrival station: Estación de Cuenca-Fernando Zóbel Station.
From there, Cuenca is a short 25-minute walk away or you can choose to take a taxi at roughly EUR 8. Alternatively, walk across the road opposite the station and hail the L1 bus to Fermin Caballero – Estación de Autobuses Station.
From Madrid
High-speed trains from Madrid are operated by Renfe and AVE.
Departure station: Estación Madrid – Puerta de Atocha
Arrival station: Cuenca Fernando Zobel
Duration: 54 minutes.
Buying bus tickets onsite is doable, but doors typically open just half an hour before the first departure.
Struggling with the commute? Consider joining a one-day local tour group departing from Madrid. It’s a convenient option for a stress-free exploration, with its ancient allure and captivating history waiting to be explored.
Best Things To See And Do In Cuenca
Plaza Mayor
Cuenca sits right on the ridge, snugly nestled between the Júcar River and the Huécar River valleys. To the north, there’s a mountain housing most of Cuenca’s attractions.
The big city square is roughly half an hour’s stroll from the heart of Cuenca. Imagine it as a beating heart of Cuenca’s upper part where the way of life is fully reflected. You can take it easy here for a morning stroll and sip on a drink at one of the inviting terraces.
Plaza Mayor isn’t just a pretty face but also a shopper’s paradise. Get your credit card at the ready and be prepared to snag some fantastic traditional crafts from the area and tasty gastronomic delights.
Plaza Mayor is also home to the City Hall. If you’re into beautiful Baroque-style buildings that stand the test of time, look no further!
The City Hall of Cuenca, though not downright gigantic, boasts three arches with one opening to let cars pass by. These elegant round arches date back to 1762.
And don’t miss the Convento de las Petras which is a short walk north of the City Hall. This building has been around since the 16th century, steeped in a sober, elegant, and classic charm. It’s very common to spot the nuns praying all day and the elliptical plan on the exterior wall is amazing to admire.
Science Museum of Castilla La Mancha
Don’t miss out on this gem if you’re in the area. It’s great for families with kids, solo travelers, and couples who may spend up to 40 minutes here. The staff is attentive and excellent, speaking great English, and will give you clear instructions on where to start.
Wondering what this museum has in store for you? Prepare for a fascinating journey into astronomy spanning from ancient Egypt to modern times. Glide through different rooms and explore the unique offerings.
One of my favorite rooms to see there is the gastronomy room that showcases instruments used by various civilizations.
Torre de Mangana
Just one minute walking south of the Science Museum of Castilla La Mancha, Torre de Mangana is a famous historical landmark in Cuenca that’s been around since the 16th century.
The biggest hook here, other than the rich history, is the scenic view it offers.
In Cuenca, you won’t be able to find that many gorgeous vantage points. But it doesn’t go the same way for Torre de Mangana. Here, you can take it slow and soak in fantastic views of the river, the Old Quarter, and the surrounding hills.
Walk downstairs and you’ll find a museum and an elevator that makes it easy to reach the terrace under the clock tower.
Casas Colgadas
The famous “hanging house” is perched above a bareback boulder and surrounded by other major attractions such as the Spanish Abstract Art Museum, Museo de Cuenca, and Casas del Rey.
Casas Colgada is a complex of 14th to 15th-century houses that once belonged to the royal family and now house an art gallery and restaurant. There’s a long iron bridge called Puente de San Pablo walking you to the base of the buildings, which offers a thrilling view of the Casas Colgadas at a distance.
Puente de San Pablo connects the Hanging House and Vistas de Cuenca, dating back to the early 20th century.
The ironwood bridge has stood the test of time, maintaining its original structure and style. While the original stone bridge’s remains can still be seen, crossing the river at this point is a quintessential part of exploring Cuenca.
Parador de Cuenca
Wanna jazz up your trip with a fancy stay at the most luxurious hotel in Cuenca? Look no further than Parador de Cuenca!
Set in a former monastery atop the Huécar Gorge, this heritage hotel offers stunning views of the Hanging Houses and the city. Adorned by an exquisite glass-enclosed cloister, the cozy former chapel turned café, and the panoramic vistas from the rooms, Parador de Cuenca also welcomes walk-in customers to its quaint cafe and restaurant.
The ambiance is enchanting yet English might be a bit of a challenge here. This UNESCO Heritage Site deserves at least an overnight stay so you’re able to explore the town to the fullest.