Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of Madrid? Let’s go to Cuenca to see its hanging houses! Whether you need to escape the Spanish capital for a few hours or are exploring the surrounding area, visiting Cuenca as a group will change your perspective!
Cuenca has significant historical and architectural value, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes it a perfect outing for your group, where you can see its famous hanging houses up close, stroll through the old town, and try some typical dishes from the region. And why not complement your visit with a trip to the Enchanted City?
In short, taking a walk in Cuenca will be another experience to add to your travel log. Here’s all the information you need to enjoy a full-day getaway from Madrid.
How to get to Cuenca from Madrid?
Cuenca is located 170 km from Madrid, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. This relative proximity to the capital allows for several transportation options, making it easy to explore the city’s attractions comfortably in a day.
By car
You can drive your own vehicle or rent one in Madrid. First, take the A-3 and then follow the A-40 towards Cuenca. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, though it depends on traffic conditions. It’s best to leave early in the morning and avoid peak hours to prevent traffic jams or delays.
By charter bus
If you are in a larger group and don’t want to depend on public transport schedules, renting a bus or minibus in Madrid is a good alternative. You just need to c ompares the different bsu rental offers and make a clear appointment for pick up with the bus company.
Where to park in Cuenca?
Whether you arrive in Cuenca by car or charter bus, I recommend arriving early to secure a parking spot.
The Plaza España parking lot is suitable for both cars and tourist buses. It’s underground and offers convenient access to the old town, making it a great option. Another alternative near the center is the Paseo San Antonio parking, which is only suitable for cars.
For tourist buses, other options include the Parking de la Avenida de los Huetos, which is relatively close to the old town, and the parking area in Parque de San Julián. Additionally, the Auditorio parking at P.º del Huécar, 4 is located near the old town and allows for coaches and minibuses.
By train
One of the quickest ways to reach Cuenca from Madrid is by taking the AVE (high-speed train) from Atocha station (near the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V).
The journey lasts one hour and will drop you off at Cuenca Fernando Zóbel station, from where you need to take line 1 of the urban bus that goes to the upper part of the city (where the old town is), specifically to Plaza Mayor.
A more economical alternative is the regional trains, which also leave from Atocha or Chamartín stations. In this case, the journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the service type and schedule. There are several daily trains departing every 1-2 hours, especially during the day. You can verify this on the official Renfe website.
Ticket prices for regional trains vary depending on how far in advance you purchase, the type of fare (normal, youth, etc.), and available promotions. Generally, prices range from €15 to €30 and can be purchased at ticket counters or vending machines, or online.
By line bus
Another way to reach Cuenca is by taking one of the buses from the Avanza company, which depart from the Estación Sur de Autobuses (Avenida de Méndez Álvaro, 83). Ticket prices are around €21, and the journey takes between 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
You can check the schedules and service costs here.
What attractions are in Cuenca?
Once you arrive in Cuenca, I recommend exploring the historic center on foot, located in the upper part of the city, overlooking a gorge shaped by the Júcar and Huécar rivers (while the modern part is in the lower area). The heart or nerve center is Plaza Mayor, where the Cuenca Cathedral and other important buildings are located.
However, the identity mark of Cuenca is the Hanging Houses, whose balconies protrude over the Huécar gorge. The best view is from the San Pablo Bridge or on the way up to the Convent of San Pablo. I recommend reaching this point to take the best souvenir photograph of Cuenca’s hanging houses.
In addition to walking through the center’s streets, you can also visit one of the city’s viewpoints to appreciate its unique location. One of them is the Mirador Florencio Cañas, located near Plaza Mayor.
Another option is the Mirador del Castillo, at the lower part of the castle ruins, and the Mirador del Rey. The latter, being at the highest point in Cuenca, offers the best panoramic views.
Guided tours in Cuenca
As a city rich in history, it’s interesting to visit Cuenca’s old town with an expert guide who can provide details about its past. There are many options for guided tours lasting just a few hours, including some free tours.
For example, this complete Cuenca tour includes admission to the Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián. The tour lasts 3 hours and is conducted by a Spanish-speaking guide.
You can also opt for a private tour, which is ideal for your group to have an exclusive guide. Or, if you prefer, take a free tour that allows you to save money while discovering Cuenca’s attractions with an expert.
How much does entry to Cuenca Cathedral cost?
Most of the visits in Cuenca are free, but if you want to visit the cathedral, you will need to pay an entrance fee.
The individual ticket price is €5.50, while the ticket that includes access to the Triforium, the Treasure Museum, San Pedro, and the Tower costs €10.50.
Is there a special price for groups?
Yes, there is! The entry fee for groups of more than 15 people is €4.50, and €9.50 with access to all the aforementioned sites. In all cases, it includes a guide.
Where to eat in Cuenca?
Walking around Cuenca might make you hungry. In that case, what better way to replenish your energy than with a good lunch?
Thanks to its mountainous location, Cuenca’s cuisine is characterized by fresh products from the Sierra. Dishes like stews, casseroles, and cheeses are common. Among the most popular dishes are lamb tripe zarajo, potato ajoarriero, almond alajú with honey and resolí, and bird morteruelo.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Cuenca, there are many options for all budgets. One of the highest-rated places to dine is Raff San Pedro, located at Calle San Pedro, 58. Customers recommend trying the braised leek, duck cannelloni, lamb shoulder, cod, and deboned suckling pig. You can view the complete menu on their website.
If you want to eat while enjoying good views of the mountains, the ideal place is Natura Restaurante Bistró (Calle del Río Gritos, 5). From any corner, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cuenca, especially from their terrace. It’s also a great place for large groups.
La Ponderosa is another good spot for dining in Cuenca. Located at Calle San Francisco 20, this restaurant is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and extensive menu. Here, I recommend trying La Ponderosa cheese, La Ponderosa eggs, and the cod scramble with onion.
Extra stop: the Enchanted City, the Ideal Complement to Cuenca
You can comfortably discover the historic center and main monuments of Cuenca in half a day. Therefore, in the afternoon, I recommend heading to the Enchanted City, a park located 25 km from the center of Cuenca.
Here, you’ll find a karst landscape with natural formations created over millions of years of erosion. In this outdoor museum, you’ll have a great time admiring the whimsical shapes of the rocks!
How to get to the Enchanted City from Cuenca?
The Enchanted City is located within the Natural Park of the Serranía de Cuenca, in the Valdecabras district.
If you’re traveling in your car or taking a bus with a driver, just take the CM-2104 road and follow the signs. You can also go by bus, but the schedules are a bit limited.
How much does admission to the Enchanted City cost?
The entry fee for the Enchanted City is €6, although there are special prices for large families or groups (€5). If you want to take a guided tour with a geology expert, the price is €10 (no discounts in this case).
You now have all the information needed to visit Cuenca. Now, just coordinate with your group a day to explore the attractions of this picturesque city.
