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Things to do in Cuenca, Spain

Our most recommended things to do in Cuenca, Spain

Cuenca: Medieval Old Town

1. Cuenca: Medieval Old Town

Take a tour of Cuenca and experience its historic sites and stunning location with a Spanish-speaking guide. Perched on a natural rock, whose slopes descend into deep gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers, the city is often referred to as the "Eagle's Nest" and the old town is a great example of unbelievable architecture. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Cuenca is an undiscovered gem of Spain, full of dramatic "Hanging Houses" and splendid ecclesiastical architecture. Take a stroll through the old town and discover the secrets of the main monuments. Travel back in time along the narrow streets and marvel at the hanging buildings. Get an insight into the local lifestyle and history along the way. Then, get the chance to look inside the 12th-century cathedral, first built between 1182 and 1270 in the Gothic style, and altered several times during the Renaissance and 18th century. (Week ends only)

Madrid: Day Trip to Cuenca and The Enchanted City

2. Madrid: Day Trip to Cuenca and The Enchanted City

Experience Cuenca and the Enchanted City with an expert local guide on this full-day tour. After taking the bus to the Castilla La-Mancha region, stop at a wine cellar before continuing on to the Enchanted City, where the group will enjoy a walking tour through this magical place. Marvel at the unique natural structures and spectacular scenery. Continue on to the city of Cuenca, and stop in at the Devil's Window, a well-known viewpoint with amazing views. After enjoying free time for lunch, take a panoramic tour through the sickle of the Huécar River and before going to the highest part of the city, El Barrio del Castillo. Descend on foot to visit the most emblematic corners and many monuments of the Medieval quarter of the city. Finally, arrive at the Parador, where the bus will be waiting to return the group to Madrid.

Cuenca: Tourist Train Tour

3. Cuenca: Tourist Train Tour

Discover the UNESCO World-Heritage listed city of Cuenca in one day with the tourist train stopping at the city’s most important monuments. Head out on a route that totals approximately 45 minutes. Take a ride on the tourist train leaving from Cuenca Castle before making its way to historic sites such as Plaza Mayor (the main square), the San Julián Park, the Gothic-style Cuenca Cathedral and the famous Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) on the banks of the Huecar River. You’ll have the chance to stretch your legs at any of the stops to view these monuments up close. Enrich your visit with an audioguide providing explanations of the legends surrounding Cuenca’s landmarks. Listen through free headphones to the guide available in 5 languages: Spanish, French, English, German and Italian.

Tour nocturno por Cuenca Medieval

4. Tour nocturno por Cuenca Medieval

Explore the remarkably intact townscape of Cuenca on a night-time walking tour. See the medieval buildings of Plaza Mayor stacked on 2 deep river gorges. Walk through narrow winding streets and cross the San Pablo bridge to admire tall houses with wooden balconies hanging over the sheer cliffs.  Follow your guide through a network of cobbled streets while listening to the history and legends of this medieval fortress town. Enjoy the impressive views of the Júcar and Huécar gorges, passing by the most emblematic corners of Cuenca's old town. Arrive at Plaza Mayor to look at the two most iconic monuments in the town – the arcaded Town Hall and the Cuenca Cathedral. Marvel at the old-looking facade rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1902 with a magnificent Renaissance doorway.  Finally, head to the San Pablo bridge area. Get on this iron and wood footbridge that crosses the Huécar River to get the best views of the hanging houses of Cuenca – an emblem of the town – that look even more stunning at night in the floodlights.

Cuenca: Enchanted City, Devil's Window and Medieval Quarter

5. Cuenca: Enchanted City, Devil's Window and Medieval Quarter

We meet at the indicated site at 10:50. Get ready for a charming tour of the Ventano del Diablo, the Enchanted City and the Medieval Quarter of Cuenca. Marvel at the flight of vultures at the Devil's Window before experiencing the whimsical nature of the Enchanted City. End the day with a magnificent walking tour of the old city of Cuenca. The first stop will be at the Ventano del Diablo viewpoint, with spectacular views over the Júcar Canyon. Observe vultures or Egyptian vultures, among other birds, that fly over the heights. The next stop will be in the Enchanted City, the Enchanted City, where the wonders of the Cuenca environment await you. The Júcar river runs between Uña and Villalba de la Sierra, forming a huge and impressive canyon. Here, at almost 1,500 m above sea level, nature has created a capricious land that always fills the traveler with wonder. The Enchanted City was declared a Natural Area of National Interest in 1929. It is currently included within the limits of the Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park (PNSC) and declared a priority protection zone. Numerous filmmakers have found inspiration in this impressive cinematic setting. The Enchanted City has become a cinematic landscape in which renowned artists such as Sophia Loren, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Oliver Stone and Arnold Schwarzenegger have performed. Marvel at the karstic landforms that have created fantastic shapes in the rocks. These geological phenomena are rock formations carved by ice and wind. Vestiges from millions of years ago are hidden under the water. The trails invite you to walk through the unique rock forms of the land that seem to resemble human figures, objects and animals.

Cuenca: Nighttime Highlights Walking Tour in Spanish

6. Cuenca: Nighttime Highlights Walking Tour in Spanish

Gasp at the storybook landscapes of Cuenca, located in between two gorges, which create unique sceneries. Enjoy an evening stroll through the steep medieval streets on a walking trip with a professional guide and get to know all the historic landmarks of the city. Discover one of the most beautiful Spanish old towns and see the original fortress, built between two limestone canyons dug by the Huecar and Júcar rivers. Admire the facade of the first Gothic-style cathedral built in Spain and walk inside to take in the ornate decorations. Watch the characteristic 'hanging houses' light up at night, creating a mystical cityscape. Learn about their unique suspended structure, dating back to the 14th century.

From Cuenca: Cuervo River and Ciudad Encantada Day-Trip

7. From Cuenca: Cuervo River and Ciudad Encantada Day-Trip

Get picked up outside your hotel and head straight to heart of the Serranía de Cuenca Nature Reserve. Your first stop will be the El Ventano del Diablo viewpoint. Here, admire the panoramic views of the Cañón del Júcar and see birds such as native tawny vultures and alimoches flying overhead. Next, travel to Ciudad Encantada, a natural park in the Serranía, filled with a collection of karst rock formations that have been molded by the forces of nature. Let your imagination run wild as you try to spot faces and shapes in the naturally-formed sculptures. Enjoy a guided tour of the park and learn more about the karst formations from your knowledgable guide before heading to the Nacimiento del Río Cuervo spring. At the spring, spot an impressive variety of birds and marvel at the cascades of the waterfall.

Cuenca: Medieval City and Gorges Guided Tour

8. Cuenca: Medieval City and Gorges Guided Tour

Explore the medieval city of Cuenca and the Huécar and Júcar Gorges on a guided tour. Discover the medieval streets of this UNESCO World Heritage city and its historic cathedral. Transition from city to nature and make your way to San Pablo Bridge for views of the gorges. Start your tour by making a 2-hour descent from the upper part of the historic center of the fortified town of Cuenca. As you make your way through the maze of streets, listen to your guide's tales of the medieval town. Upon arrival at the Plaza Mayor, see the Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián. This cathedral is the fifth largest in Spain and is considered a national "laboratory" of Gothic architecture. Walk across the San Pablo Bridge, an iron walkway that crosses the Huécar River Gorge. Enjoy views of the hanging houses of Cuenca, an example of Cuenca architecture and an emblem of the city, to end your tour.

Cuenca: Historic Center and Cathedral of Cuenca Walking Tour

9. Cuenca: Historic Center and Cathedral of Cuenca Walking Tour

Embark on a scenic walking tour through the historic center of Cuenca, and admire historical architecture, gaze at spectacular views of the Júcar and Huécar Gorges, and experience the beauty of the Cathedral of Cuenca and its stained glass windows. Meet the guide near the Plaza Mayor and enjoy the views of the Júcar and Huécar gorges while exploring the historical beauty of the Old Town, and its beautiful architecture. Cross the Plaza Mayor and head toward the San Pablo Bridge area. Walk across the bridge over the Huécar River Gorge, and see some of the best views of the hanging houses of Cuenca, an emblem of the city and an example of popular Cuenca architecture. Finish the tour with a stop at the Cathedral of Cuenca. Finish the tour at the Cathedral of Cuenca, the fifth-largest cathedral in the entire national territory, and one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. Admire the beauty of the stained glass windows, the chapels, and the spectacular views from the triforium.

Madrid: Cuenca, Hanging Hauses and Cathedral Full-Day Trip

10. Madrid: Cuenca, Hanging Hauses and Cathedral Full-Day Trip

Lose yourself in the ancient streets of Cuenca on a full-day guided trip from Madrid. Marvel at the colorful hanging houses, step inside the stunning Cuenca Cathedral, and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Start your day at Plaza del Conde in the morning and board your tour bus. Take in the scenery as you ride into the Castilla La Mancha region. Make a stop at a wine cellar for a short break before continuing to Cuenca. Upon arrival in Cuenca, embark on a guided visit to the cathedral and clerestory. Continue to the colorful Hanging Houses and Museum of Abstract Art. Learn about the sights with commentary provided by your guide. Next, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. Then, rejoin the group and take a panoramic tour along the Huécar River that will lead you under the cliffs and up to the highest part of the city, El Barrio del Castillo. Descend on foot, exploring the most beautiful corners and monuments of the city's medieval quarter, before arriving at the Parador, where the bus will be waiting for you. Sit back and relax on a smooth return transfer to Madrid in the evening.

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What people are saying about Cuenca, Spain

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 124 reviews

We were picked up in a 9 seater mini-bus that was comfortable and spacious, from a predetermined location as our accommodation was inaccessible by car. We were a very nice small group and we all got along. Our leader was very knowledgeable about nature, trees, and he was passionate about the area, and had a good sense of humour. Our destination, La Ciudad de Encantada was just incredible, like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I am so pleased we were guided by Tempus Cuenca, as I spotted a large group who came by coach from one of the other Cuenca Tour Companies, as I much prefer to be part of a small group. We had an excellent day! Thank you. All the arrangements were seamless and very well communicated.

Excellent Tour organization with good guide and driver to start off the trip, We whole heartley enjoyed the day trip to Cuenca. It was raining and gloomy but our guide's passion effectively took us back to history. I would definitely recommend without any hesitation.

A pesar del mal tiempo. La experiencia fue maravillosa y la historia contada desde el punto de vista del arte te da un conocimiento extra. Nos ha gustado mucho y la guía Marta ha sido genial.

Fernando was very knowledgeable at the park and the city. This tour had a nice amount of walking and the hanging houses were beautiful. Would definitely recommend wearing outdoor gear.

it was more than expected, the guide Fernando was friendly, the city was beautiful, just can't describe with words!! highly recommended! good memories!