Cuenca’s old town sits on a narrow ridge between two river gorges, with the famous casas colgadas leaning over the edge. Inside one of them is a museum of Spanish abstract art.
The surrounding Serranía de Cuenca has strange rock formations and quiet hiking.
Climate: Cool and dry; cold winters.
Visiting Cuenca
How long: 1 day
Don’t miss
- Casas Colgadas and the Museum of Abstract Art
- San Pablo bridge
- Ciudad Encantada rock formations
- Ventano del Diablo
What to eat
- Morteruelo
- Zarajos
- Alajú
Tip: The AVE station is a few kilometres out of town; buses connect.
Plan a visit
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A perfect first day
- Morning: the Hanging Houses and the San Pablo bridge.
- Afternoon: the Museum of Abstract Art inside one of the Hanging Houses.
- Evening: dinner in the old town on its ridge.
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For the views.
More of Cuenca
Living in Cuenca
Best for: People wanting a very quiet, cheap town with fast trains.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Historic, steep.
Practical.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Nature and history
Cons
- Very quiet
- Cold winters
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
Get your personal paperwork list for visas, NIE, padrón and more.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Cuenca?
1 day is enough for the main sights: casas colgadas and the museum of abstract art, san pablo bridge, ciudad encantada rock formations. The AVE station is a few kilometres out of town; buses connect.
Is Cuenca expensive to live in?
On our scale it is low (€). It is one of the cheaper places in Spain.
How do I get to Cuenca?
By air: Madrid (MAD), about 1h45. By rail: AVE to Madrid in about 1h.
Have you been to Cuenca?
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Also in this region
Castilla-La Mancha
Toledo
The city of three cultures on a hill above the Tagus: cathedral, synagogues, El Greco and a maze of medieval streets.
€€€€ 1 to 2 days