Setenil de las Bodegas Guide
Setenil de las Bodegas is a small, historic town in southern Spain, renowned for its homes and businesses built into massive rock formations.
Less than thirty minutes away from the famous mountaintop city of Ronda, this hidden gem is the perfect stop for an unforgettable day trip, but those with the luxury of time won’t regret spending a few days exploring this incredibly unique destination.
Calle Cuevas del Sol
THE PERFECT DAY
Start by exploring the two most famous streets, Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra, offering a striking visual experience as buildings are seamlessly integrated into the natural rock overhangs. Take in the scenery while enjoying local shops, cafes, and tapas bars with Andalusian dishes.
Head up to Plaza de Andalucia through Calle Herreria, one of the oldest streets in town. This narrow street displays the architecture that makes this town so special with ‘cave houses’ built into the natural formation of the rocks. You will probably notice a friendly resident welcoming visitors in to tour his home for 1 euro/person. Past Calle Herreria is the charming Plaza de Andalucia, another beautiful area to enjoy the al fresco bars and restaurants.
There is more to explore up above the canyon to get panoramic views of the town and countryside. Although there are many miradors (lookouts) to choose from, I recommend wandering over to the church, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, and also climbing the stairs up to the Mirador del Carmen to take in the view.
WHEN TO VISIT & WHERE TO STAY
If you are staying in nearby Ronda or Malaga and choose to visit Setenil de las Bodegas for a day trip, keep in mind that many tours come from late morning to early afternoon (~11am-2pm), so the small town can become quite crowded. Consider coming a bit earlier or later for a quieter experience. While planning, keep in mind that most restaurants close for a few hours in the late afternoon until they re-open for dinner (~4-7pm).
Although you can explore most of town in 2-3 hours, those who want the full experience should definitely take the opportunity to spend the night at a cave house or hotel where you can relax, take your exploration at a leisurely pace, and see the town after hours. There are many options to choose from at great price points. Check out the curated list with direct links below!
Casa Cueva Las Chicas del Puente - Impeccably decorated, this 1 bedroom cave home overlooks the river in the town center. It provides all the charm you could ask for without compromising the traditional cave architecture.
Avalon in Setenil - Less than 2 miles outside of town, this collection of cave apartments has access to a gorgeous outdoor area overlooking the country side with a refreshing pool.
Hotel Villa De Setenil - Perched above town, this family run hotel offers a restaurant and air-conditioned rooms with private balconies overlooking Setenil.
Hotel Tugasa El Almendral - Set less than 0.7 miles from town, this hotel has an oversized pool and beautiful grounds with a tennis court. Enjoy stress free parking and quiet surroundings with a short walk to town.
Casa Rural Cuevas Del Sol - In the center of town on the most beautiful street in Setenil, this cave home has 3 bedrooms built directly into the rocks. The balcony is a great place to relax with a fantastic view. (Pictured below)
WHERE TO DRINK & DINE
When in the Andalusia region, try a variety of local tapas, including jamón Iberico (Iberian ham), albondigas (meatballs), berenjenas con miel (fried eggplants with honey), croquetas, pan con tomate (bread with tomato), and chorizo. Of course, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy wine and olive oil from the nearby vineyards and groves that you will certainly pass on your way to Setenil. Check out these 3 fantastic restaurant recommendations…
Bar Frasquito - Enjoy tapas on the most stunning street in town, Calle Cuevas del Sol. A great spot to people watch and take in the rocky overhang with draping vines. (First blog picture)
Casa Palmero - Charming inside and out, this is a fantastic tapas option for an afternoon stop at the beautiful Plaza de Andalucia.
La Telera 1860 - Great for a romantic dinner or upscale lunch. Enter through a rocky tunnel to emerge on the terrace overlooking the Rio Trejo. If you’ve had your fill of tapas, they offer a variety of dishes. (Pictured below)
PARKING TIPS
To avoid a stressful experience, plan to park outside of town and walk the remaining 10 minutes down into the canyon. If you drive into the town center, you will encounter extremely narrow one way roads with rock walls that you must park an inch away from in order to keep room for traffic to pass. Not to mention people strolling through the streets. Although cars are allowed to make their way through the town’s center, you will feel relieved to securely stow your car at one of the parking areas above town. Parking de Tierra on Calle San Sebastian and Parking Calle Jaboneria have free street parking, while Parking Los Caños has a paid garage.
YOUR TIME IS PRECIOUS, SPEND IT EXPLORING
