On Travel Talk today we’re heading to Cuenca, home to one of Spain’s most jaw-dropping sights — the famous Casas Colgadas, or Hanging Houses. High-speed AVE trains zip you from Madrid to Cuenca in under an hour, dropping you close to the historic centre, so you can go from capital buzz to medieval drama in no time at all. It makes Cuenca perfect for a two or three day trip. Perched dramatically over the sheer cliffs of the Huécar Gorge, these medieval wooden balconies seem to defy gravity, clinging to the rock face as they have for centuries. Part of Cuenca’s UNESCO World Heritage old town, they perfectly capture the city’s blend of history, daring architecture and natural drama — a place where stone, sky and human ingenuity collide. It’s one of those moments that stops you mid-step and reminds you why travel still has the power to astonish.
Think you know Spain? Think Again. Here's a super weekend suggestion for Cuenca that Tour Spain has compiled for Travellers planning to go there.
The province of Cuenca has towns, landscapes and endless activities ready to be discovered, and ideal for a short getaway. From the World Heritage City of Cuenca to nature that surprises with its vertiginous gorges and locations with rocks in fanciful shapes. This route takes you there.
The city of Cuenca and its must-see stops
The fortified city of Cuenca has been awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO. Visit it and explore some of its most iconic locations:- The Hanging Houses,Cuenca. They symbolise the city. And get their name from large cantilevered balconies over the gorge of the Huécar river. Inside you can find the Spanish Museum of Abstract Art.- To get the best panoramic view of the houses, you must cross San Pablo bridge. If you can, explore the area both in the day and at night. You will love it!- The Cathedral of Santa María y San Julián de Cuenca, predominantly Gothic albeit with elements typical of the Romanesque and Neo-Gothic, is a highlight, both from the outside, which overlooks the Plaza Mayor, and from the inside.
Hanging houses, Cuenca
The Cuenca skyscrapers are a set of 30 buildings that, on Calle Alfonso VIII, are 4 and 5 floors tall, and facing Hoz del Huécar, are 8 or 10 floors tall, and create a most singular and striking architectural ensemble.- The descent of Las Angustias is another pleasant place to visit. There, you find the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias. The list could be much longer: the castle, Calle de los Tintes to walk along the Huécar river, Calle Alfonso VIII... You will only have to wander a little to discover more.
Source of the Júcar river and the Cuervo river
The Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park has many interesting corners. To discover the source of the river Júcar, you must travel to Tragacete, a beautiful village located in the centre of a valley, about 65 kilometres from the city of Cuenca. On the way to the source, you can enjoy a 20-metre waterfall, a true wonder to behold. At the top, to the right of the waterfall, an old mill will draw your attention. Less than 30 minutes by car from there, you will arrive at the source of the river Cuervo. Through a path between willows and hazelnut trees, you reach two waterfalls. The first is smaller and the preamble of the one you will see below, a breathtaking waterfall at any time of the year and especially in the rainiest months. From there, you need to climb another few metres to glimpse the spring from which the river flows.
Source of the Cuervo river, Serranía de Cuenca
El Hosquillo Experimental Hunting Park
This 910-hectare park was created to study and preserve various species of fauna and learn more about our natural resources.Many species of birds like golden eagles, peregrine falcons, vultures or eagle owls, as well as deer, mouflon, mountain goats or wild boars live in the park. However, you may be drawn to the brown bears and Iberian wolves, both endangered species.To visit, you must book a three-hour guided tour. An ideal plan for both children and adults.
El Hosquillo Experimental Hunting Park
Ciudad Encantada
If you are hard to surprise, we are convinced that the Enchanted City of Cuenca is bound to do it. This is a spectacular setting with rock formations that were created over thousands of years by the wind, water and ice. A 20-metre monolith, a huge arch called the “Roman Bridge” or “the face of man” are some of the 13 figures you can see on your route here. The Ventano del Diablo viewpoint is near the Enchanted City. It offers one of the best views over the Júcar river canyon.
Enchanted City, Cuenca
Natural Monument of the lagoons of Cañada de Hoyos
Cuenca and its surroundings boast landscapes of all kinds. The lagoons of Cañada de Hoyos, a group of seven permanent lagoons with a depth between four and 32 meters, are another of its natural wonders. They are all different colours because of the microorganisms that live in them. Turquoise blue, black, green... Marvel at each one of them.If what you are looking for is to enjoy a few days off, Cuenca has the ingredients you are looking for. So pack your suitcase and travel!
