Getting to Spain's Cliffside Town Setenil de las Bodegas

Exploring the Unique Andalusian Town of Setenil de las Bodegas

Andalucia in southern Spain holds many beautiful small towns and villages rich with history and culture to discover. One such unique destination in the region of Cádiz is the town of Setenil de las Bodegas. With its houses built right into the cliffs and caves of a gorge, it provides a scenic and breathtaking view unlike anywhere else. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, adding this town to your Andalusian itinerary is an absolute must.

Where is Setenil de las Bodegas Located?

The town of Setenil de las Bodegas is located in the Spanish province of Cádiz, part of the magnificent Andalusian region in southern Spain. It sits along the Trejo River, with many of its whitewashed buildings built right into the cliffs overlooking the gorge formed by the river. The unique architecture seeming to sprout from the rocks themselves has earned it the nickname “the town of rocks”.

Getting to Setenil de las Bodegas

When figuring out how to get to Setenil de las Bodegas, you first want to look at arriving in Andalucia's Cádiz province. There are a few options:

• Fly into the cities of Jerez de la Frontera or Seville and rent a car to drive
• Take the high-speed AVE train to Cádiz city
• Arrive via cruise ship into the port of Cádiz

Once in Cádiz, Setenil de las Bodegas itself is located inland about an hour and fifteen minute drive north. The town is best accessed by rental car. Simply enter it into your GPS and navigate to this uniquely built gorge town in the province’s interior.

Driving to Setenil de las Bodegas

If driving to Setenil de las Bodegas, there are a few different route options. The most direct is to take the A-397 north from Cádiz towards Algodonales. After about an hour you’ll reach Setenil de las Bodegas. This route provides beautiful views of the Andalusian countryside’s rolling green hills dotted with whitewashed villages.

Alternately, you can take a bit more scenic route and drive north along the CA-5105. This narrow winding road passes through lush forest and gorgeous vistas of the Sierra de Grazalema mountains. It eventually meets up with A-397, which you can then follow just a short way to Setenil de las Bodegas.

Parking and Getting Around Setenil

Driving and parking right in Setenil itself can be challenging due to the very narrow streets and limited space within the gorge. Instead, visitors arriving by car should use one of the public parking areas located at the northern town entrance along the CA-9106 or southern side off Calle Los Remedios. Prices are very affordable, usually around 1-2€ for an entire day.

Once parked, Setenil de las Bodegas is easily explored on foot. The charming whitewashed houses and unique architecture literally built into the gorge walls surround you. It’s like stepping into another world as you wind through the narrow cobbled streets. The friendly locals also make getting around easy, with the older residents still using the shaded alleyways under the overhanging buildings to walk through town.

Top Sites to See in Setenil de las Bodegas

With its incredible setting constructing right over the river gorge, simply wandering Setenil’s atmospheric lanes is an experience in itself. But make sure to also see:

• House of the True Cross (Casa de la Vera Cruz) - ancient home etched into the cliffs with Gothic-Mudejar architecture and tranquil patio
• 12th century Arab castle (Castillo Árabe) - ruins of a fortification originally built to defend the town
• Churches of St. Sebastian and Our Lady of Solana - whitewashed hilltop churches with gorgeous views from their plazas
• Hiking trails along the Trejo River - access beautiful trails following the river and gorge into surrounding nature

And of course, sample local fare and drinks in Setenil's tapas bars and bodegas! This includes wines, sherries, olive oils, cheeses, chorizo sausage, and more straight from the region.

Experience Andalucia's Unique Architecture in Setenil de las Bodegas

With its one-of-a-kind setting and design built into caves along the gorge, Setenil de las Bodegas provides an incredibly scenic and quaint town to explore. The whitewashed houses give it a classically Andalusian charm, made all the more special by its integration into the surrounding cliffs and rock walls.

It makes for the perfect addition to any southern Spain itinerary. Especially on a sunny day strolling its atmospheric lanes, pausing for refreshments on a cafe patio tucked into the very rock face. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve glimpsed a unique hidden world in this little gorge town. Hopefully this guide gives you everything you need to know for how to get to Setenil de las Bodegas and make the most of your visit!

FAQs

Where is Setenil de las Bodegas located?

Setenil de las Bodegas is located in the Andalusian province of Cádiz in southern Spain, about an hour's drive north of the city of Cádiz along the Trejo River gorge.

What is Setenil de las Bodegas known for?

Setenil de las Bodegas is known for its unique architecture built right into the cliffs and caves lining the gorge formed by the Trejo River. Many whitewashed houses integrate directly into the rock walls and overhangs.

How do you get to Setenil de las Bodegas?

The best way to get to Setenil de las Bodegas is by rental car. Drivers should use the public parking lots on the outskirts of town and then explore the narrow streets on foot.

What are the top attractions to see in Setenil?

Top attractions include the House of the True Cross, Arab castle ruins, St. Sebastian and Our Lady of Solana churches, and hiking trails along the gorge. The tapas bars and bodegas are also a must to sample local food and wine.