Cuenca: the city that leaves you speechless

A monumental city where history and nature blend in perfect harmony. Cuenca is a place where rural calm meets modern creativity, offering an experience that captures both heart and imagination.

Perched dramatically between the deep gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers, Cuenca seems to defy gravity itself. Its old town, clinging to sheer cliffs, has earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One glance is enough to understand why — Cuenca doesn’t just impress you, it moves you.

¿Qué ver en Cuenca?

The Spanish Abstract Art Museum

Housed within one of Cuenca’s famous Hanging Houses, this museum offers a fascinating contrast between rustic architecture and avant-garde art. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Chillida, Tàpies, Saura, Zóbel, Sempere and Millares, displayed in intimate rooms connected by winding corridors and stairways.

The Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas)

Perhaps the most iconic image of Cuenca, these medieval houses once lined the Huécar Gorge. Today, only two remain — the Casa del Rey, home to the Abstract Art Museum, and the Casa de la Sirena — both offering breathtaking views.

San Pablo Bridge

This iron footbridge links the old town with the former Convent of San Pablo (now the Parador hotel). Crossing it is not for the faint-hearted — the views are dizzying and the photo opportunities unbeatable.

Ars Natura

A modern interpretation centre dedicated to the natural diversity of Castilla-La Mancha. It explores the region’s ecosystems and humanity’s relationship with the environment — a must for nature lovers. The centre’s restaurant, run by renowned chef Manuel de la Osa, offers an exceptional dining experience worth the short trip out of town.

Where to Eat in Cuenca

Cuenca’s cuisine reflects its dual personality: mountain flavours meet the culinary traditions of La Mancha. Local favourites include morteruelo (a rich meat pâté), ajoarriero (a cod and potato spread), migas and pisto (a Manchego ratatouille).

La Ponderosa

(San Francisco 20): a tapas institution and one of Spain’s best. Always buzzing with locals, their broken eggs with ham are legendary.

Raff

(Federico García Lorca 3): small, modern and intimate, with an open kitchen and sushi counter. Ideal for foodies who enjoy creative cuisine and good company.

5 Sentidos

run by Fran, a former MasterChef contestant, this tiny restaurant (just six tables) offers a bold tasting menu that’s as imaginative as it is delicious.

A Must-Do Excursion: The Enchanted City

Just 25 kilometres from Cuenca lies La Ciudad Encantada (The Enchanted City) — a surreal landscape of limestone formations sculpted by wind and water over thousands of years. Wandering among these natural sculptures feels like stepping into another world. It’s no surprise that films such as Conan the Barbarian and The World Is Not Enough were filmed here.

The Perfect Plan: Culture, Nature and Bullfighting

Cuenca is a city to savour slowly. Explore its cobbled streets, admire its viewpoints, indulge in its cuisine — and then, to complete your visit, experience the passion of a bullfight in its historic bullring.

There’s no better way to end a day in this magical city than watching the art of bullfighting surrounded by centuries of history and breathtaking scenery. Cuenca truly offers the perfect Spanish day out: culture, nature, gastronomy… and the emotion of the arena.

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