Visiting Setenil de las Bodegas: Tips and Highlights
Do you ever see photos of places on social media and save them to a list of locations you want to visit? For us that was Setenil de las Bodegas in Andalusia.
The usual photos are of a street covered by a rock ‘roof’ and as soon as we saw it we wanted to visit – but as it’s almost 500km from us we had to wait!
Earlier this summer we were planning our holiday to Nerja, we realised that Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas weren’t too far away. This was our opportunity to visit two places that had been on our Spain bucket list for a while!
As we had a limited number of days, we chose to visit Setenil on the way to Ronda, as we’d been told Ronda was where we needed to spend more time.
Honestly, Setenil de las Bodegas wasn’t quite what we’d imagined…read on to find out more about visiting this unusual Spanish village…
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About Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique white village located in the province of Cadiz, in the Andalusia region of Spain. What makes Setenil different to other Spanish towns and pueblos blancos is that many of its houses are built directly into the rock overhangs of the cliffs, creating some stunning views.
5 facts about Setenil de las Bodegas
1. The name “Setenil” is derived from the Latin phrase “septem nihil,” meaning “seven times nothing,” possibly referring to the town’s location near the Guadalporcun River.
2. Setenil de las Bodegas has a long history dating back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement in caves and rock shelters.
3. The unique architecture of Setenil has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
4. The town is known for its traditional Andalusian cuisine, including local specialties like chorizo, morcilla, and gazpacho.
5. Setenil de las Bodegas celebrates various festivals throughout the year, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Visiting Setenil de las Bodegas
As mentioned above we stopped in Setenil de las Bodegas on our way to Ronda, so we only planned to stay for an hour or two to have a wander and take a few photos. Unless you want to stay in the town for lunch this is really all the time you’ll need
The drive up to the town is beautiful, with fantastic mountain views across the countryside. We put the centre of town into the satnav and were taken on a long winding road around the cliffside which had some very picturesque views.
We stopped in the first carpark we found, which was approximately 10 minutes’ walk to the centre. The walk was quite hilly and steep so for anyone who finds walking difficult it’s a good idea to plan where to park before you go!
As you head into the centre you’ll see lots of pretty houses built into the cliffside, a river running through the middle, and lots of colourful flowers. It’s definitely a very pretty village.
There are two main streets to head down if you’re visiting mainly to find the locations you’ve seen on Facebook and Instagram. Pop these into Google Maps on your phone or grab a Setenil de las Bodegas map here, otherwise they could easily be missed.
You’ll see the bridges over the river, and there’s a street on each side you want to find. Calle Cuevas del Sol (caves of the sun) is the most famous street in the town, here you’ll find shops and restaurants built into the cliffs with a rock roof over the top. This street is only short and can get very busy, so we’d recommend visiting as early in the day as possible.
On the other side of the river is the narrow street Calle Cuevas de la Sombra (caves of the shade) where the rock covers the street completely, hence the name. In this street are more restaurants and bars, an ideal location if you are stopping for lunch. These two streets are where you’ll get chance to snap those iconic Setenil de las Bodegas photos.
Other than these two streets we didn’t think there was that much to see in Setenil de las Bodegas, though if you fancy a walk and are wearing suitable shoes you can go further uphill into the village to look at the white houses and viewpoints.
We wandered a few of the village streets but it was mayhem, with locals parked all over the place and people unable to get through. We visited at the end of June, so quite a busy time of the year but not fully into the summer tourist season.
All in all we were a little bit underwhelmed by Setenil de las Bodegas. Whilst it’s a very pretty village there really isn’t that much there, and the two famous streets are very short. We stayed for around an hour and a half before heading on to Ronda.
Is Setenil de las Bodegas worth visiting?
Yes and no! If you time it right, a visit to Setenil de las Bodegas is definitely worth it to see its unique architecture, stunning natural surroundings, and to take some amazing photos of the famous streets. However, we wouldn’t recommend driving a long way just to visit this town, instead tie it in with some of the other nearby locations to make the trip more worthwhile.
Where is Setenil de las Bodegas?
Setenil de las Bodegas is located in the province of Cadiz, in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. It’s approximately 20 km from Ronda, 107 km from Cadiz, and 117 km from Seville.
How to get to Setenil de las Bodegas
- By Car: Setenil de las Bodegas is easily accessible by car via the A-374 road, which connects it to nearby towns and cities. If you need to hire a car in Spain, check out RentalCars.com
- By Bus: There are bus services that connect Setenil de las Bodegas to cities like Ronda and Cadiz. Find deals on bus fares to Setenil de las Bodegas on BusBud.
- By Train: While Setenil itself doesn’t have a train station, you can take a train to nearby towns like Ronda and then continue by bus or taxi. Find deals on train fares to Ronda at RailEurope.
- By Organised Tour: If you’re staying in a big city like Seville, you may prefer to join an organised group tour to Setenil de las Bodegas traveling by coach. Find excursions to Setenil de las Bodegas at GetYourGuide.
Tips for visiting Setenil de las Bodegas
A few tips to get the most out of your visit to Setenil de las Bodegas include…
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the narrow streets and rocky terrain.
- Be respectful of the local residents and their homes built into the cliffs.
- Try local dishes at traditional restaurants to experience the authentic flavors of the region.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak tourist crowds, and avoid the busy summer season if possible.
- Take your time to wander through the streets and alleys to discover hidden gems.
Things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas
If you are planning a visit to this unique village, here are some things to do on your trip…
- Explore the town’s picturesque streets and admire the cliffside houses.
- Visit the Castle of Setenil de las Bodegas for panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
- Check out the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, a historic church in the town center.
- Enjoy local cuisine at the town’s restaurants and cafes, especially trying the traditional dishes like tapas and local wines.
- Walk along the Rio Trejo river and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Book onto a Free Tour of Sentenil de las Bodegas with an expert local guide to show you around.
Where to stay in Setenil de las Bodegas
If you fancy staying in a small Spanish mountain village, then there are various accommodation options for Setenil de las Bodegas.
Consider staying at one of the charming guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, or boutique hotels in the town center. Some popular Setenil de las Bodegas hotels include La Posada de Setenil, Hotel Villa de Setenil, and Casa Rural Cuevas del Sol.
You can find more places to stay in Setenil de las Bodegas here:
Day trips to Setenil de las Bodegas
If you want to combine your visit to Setenil de las Bodegas with other nearby towns, here are some suggestions to help you plan your trip:
1. Ronda: Explore the historic town of Ronda, known for its dramatic gorge, historic bullring, and charming old town.
2. Grazalema: Visit the beautiful mountain village of Grazalema, known for its stunning natural surroundings and traditional white-washed houses.
3. Zahara de la Sierra: Discover the picturesque town of Zahara de la Sierra, situated on a hill overlooking a reservoir with breathtaking views.
4. Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park: Explore the natural park, go hiking, birdwatching, or enjoy outdoor activities in this stunning natural setting.
If you’re visiting Setenil de las Bodegas, we hope you enjoy your trip! If you have already visited, what did you think?
