A day plan on foot
Cuenca: the Casas Colgadas and the Gorge Edge
- From and to
- 09:45 to 18:00
- Duration
- Full day, ~8 hours
- Distance
- 5 km
- Steps
- 10
Day trip from Madrid (~55 minutes by fast train) to a fortified town on a rock between two gorges, with its Islamic-era name “Cuenca” and its houses hanging over the drop. Suits adults and families with children who can walk; best Tuesday to Saturday. Full day, ~8 hours.
Drawn by Dr. Abdulmajeed Al-Mudarra
- Start
- The Grand Square — Plaza Mayor de Cuenca
- Finish
- Castle Quarter — Barrio del Castillo
The whole town is very steep, with ups, downs and stairs — not suitable for pushchairs; the Puente de San Pablo is high and exposed to the wind; the museum is closed on Mondays.
- 09:45
Walk
Estación de Cuenca Fernando Zóbel
Estación de Cuenca Fernando Zóbel
AVE train from Madrid Atocha/Chamartín, then bus 1 or 12 to Plaza Mayor (~20 minutes uphill).
Madrid Atocha / Chamartín → Cuenca Fernando Zóbel - 10:15
Visit
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor de Cuenca
A colourful square on top of the rock, with the town hall arch. 20 minutes.
- 10:30
Visit
Catedral de Cuenca
The first Gothic cathedral in Castile (on the site of the congregational mosque), with modern stained-glass windows. 45 minutes.
- 11:30
Visit
Casas Colgadas
Fifteenth-century houses hanging over the Huécar gorge — the symbol of the city. 20 minutes.
- 11:50
Visit
Museo de Arte Abstracto Español
Museo de Arte Abstracto Español
Inside the Casas Colgadas; worth it for the building and its view. 45 minutes. Closed Mondays, and closed between 14:00 and 16:00. Free entry.
- 12:45
Visit
Puente de San Pablo
A suspended iron bridge over the gorge with the best view of the Casas Colgadas. 30 minutes. Not suitable for those afraid of heights.
- 13:45
Meal
Mesón Darling
Mesón Darling
Family-style Manchego lunch at C. las Torres 7 in the old quarter. Book.
- 15:30
Walk
Calle Alfonso VIII
Calle Alfonso VIII
The uphill street of tightly packed colourful houses, then down to the Hoz del Júcar. One hour.
- 16:45
Visit
Barrio del Castillo
Barrio del Castillo
Climb to the arch and the remains of the Islamic castle at the top of the town, then the Mirador del Barrio del Castillo over both gorges. One hour.
- 18:00
Rest
Mirador de la Hoz del Huécar
Mirador de la Hoz del Huécar
A view before heading back; then bus to the station.