What to see in Cuenca. See it for yourself!

 

Passionate about nature? Then travel by train to Cuenca and discover its impressive natural landscape. Cuenca boasts a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels. Many of them, such as the Ruta del Escalerón a la Raya, Sendero de la hoz de Alarcón or Ruta hoz del Júcar y San Julián el Tranquilo, are located at the heart of Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park. Its spectacular wildlife and plant life await you, making it the perfect plan to enjoy with family or friends.

If you prefer something a little more adventurous, then don't miss the horse riding, climbing and via ferrata routes or canyoning, all just a short distance from the city. Do you dare?

If you need to get your energy levels back up, here it couldn't be easier. Cuenca serves up traditional Manchego dishes such as roasts, morteruelo or ajoarriero as well as avant-garde cuisine, having received several different awards. All are made using the best local raw materials. Sounds good, right?

What are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Cuenca on our AVE (high-speed) and Avlo trains in the fastest, most comfortable and sustainable way.

Nestled between the meandering gorges of the rivers Júcar and Huécar, the capital city of Cuenca is worthy of its World Heritage status. Step down from the train and fall in love with its stone alleyways and peaceful natural surroundings.

Ready to discover everything this beautiful city has to offer? Read on to discover the must-see places in Cuenca.

Cuenca: World Heritage

Cuenca is home to almost innumerable charms. It is one of the 15 Spanish cities named as a World Heritage Site and its streets will immediately take you back in time. Combining its exquisite gastronomy with its imposing beauty, Cuenca is a destination like no other. And if there's one thing that characterises Cuenca, that's its historical heritage. It has been perfectly
preserved and is mostly located on a rocky outcrop, making this city so special.

  • Its very famous Casas Colgadas, in the traditional Gothic style, look out over the River Huécar from their projecting wooden balconies. Fancy seeing the inside? Stop by the La Sirena, which houses a tavern where you can have some of the most typical local food, or the two Casas del Rey, where you will find the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español.
  • If you're one of those who can't leave the house without your camera, head over to the Puente de San Pablo and get the best snapshot. Delight in the views of the Parador, the river and the Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) and listen to the sound of water flowing along in the river.
  • The Plaza Mayor is one of the prettiest and with the most monuments in the region. Take advantage of your visit to have a snack on one of its many terraces and enjoy the views of the beautiful façade of the town hall, a baroque building from the times of Carlos III. The square is also home to the Convent of the Petras and the impressive Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Gracia.
  • And don't forget to visit the Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián, the most important religious temple in the city. Constructed in the twelfth century, Cuenca's cathedral was the first Gothic cathedral in Castile along with Ávila cathedral, and boasts an impressive Gothic façade. An unmissable visit that will take you back immediately to mediaeval times.
  • The San Martín district also definitely deserves your attention. Its traditional houses, commonly known as rascacielos, seem to float on the mountain itself, as you can see from the bank of the River Huécar.
  • The Ciudad Encantada is a picturesque trail located in the Serrania Natural Park. The trail takes just 90 minutes and takes in interesting rock formations that gave the park its name. A different plan that you are bound to love!
  • The finishing touch is the Convento de San Pablo, a 16th-century convent that combines Gothic and Renaissance art. Marvel at the nature surrounding what is now the Parador Nacional de Turismo, located on an outcrop over the Huécar gorge. We also recommend that you cross Puente de San Pablo and take in the impressive views from its more than 60 metres in height. 

Cuenca and its rivers

It's time to get a little outside the town. Recharge your batteries (and lungs!) with a walk along the river. If one thing characterises this city and its beautiful historic centre, it is its privileged location, surrounded by the gorges carved out by the River Júcar and the River Huécar.

This makes the Paseo del Huécar promenade an unmissable stop. Start out along the banks of the Huécar and pass under the Puente de la Trinidad (bridge), where it meets its older brother: the Júcar. Its river park is an invitation to rest while you enjoy views of the hanging houses and San Martín rascacielos. In autumn, Cuenca experiences an explosion of light and colour. Tour the mountains starting from the riverbank and let yourself be enveloped by the landscape of golden, red and coppery leaves.

Holy Week in Cuenca

Named an International Tourist Attraction, Holy Week in Cuenca dazzles with its beauty.

Multiple processions dating back centuries take in the streets in the historic centre of Cuenca. Given its popularity and uniqueness, the "Camino del Calvario" procession, popularly known as the Turbas, in the early hours of Good Friday is particularly famous. The turbas, or mobs, re-enact the mockery that Jesus suffered on the way to the cross. The procession sees a contrast between moments of monumental noise generated by the drums and bugles and others of absolute silence.

Travel to Cuenca by AVE (high-speed) or Avlo and experience a unique Holy Week.

How to get to Cuenca by train.

If you have already decided to visit Cuenca, Renfe makes it very easy for you with our wide range of trains travelling to Cuenca. Discover the city of hanging houses in the fastest, most comfortable and sustainable way on our high-speed trains. All you have to worry about is enjoying this magical city.