Cuenca (Spain)

Cuenca is situated between Madrid and Valencia, in the third least populated region in Europe, and the town itself is a world heritage site - the old town is an outstanding example of a medieval city, built on the steep sides of a mountain. The many casas colgadas ("hanging houses") are built right up to the cliff edge, making Cuenca one of the most striking towns in Spain, a gem in the province of Castilla La Mancha.

By train

There are 2 railway stations in Cuenca. "Traditional" regional trains arrive to the "Estación de Cuenca" (approx. 2:50 hour from Madrid) at the town centre. While "modern" AVE (55 min from Madrid) , Alvia and Itercity (approx. 1:10 hour from Madrid) trains stop at the "Estación de Cuenca-Fernando Zóbel" located 5 km from the town centre.

By bus

There is a coach station called Cuenca bus station in the centre of Cuenca that travels to nearby cities. Travel time to Madrid is approximately 2 hours and it is about the same travel time to Valencia, costing around .

By car

Distances to/from Cuenca: Madrid 165 km (1h 30m), Albacete 145 km, Toledo 185 km, Valencia 210 km

Its best to go by car, but if you don't mind walking there is much that can been seen and done in the center of town.

• Museum of Spanish Abstract Art

  phone: +34 969212983
  address: Calle Canónigos 16001
  Cuenca was the longtime home of artist and photographer Fernando Zóbel, and he chose it as the location for the museum, located in two converted centuries-old "casas colgadas". Many of the pictures hang in glorious isolation with an entire wall for a single picture, and a few windows provide imposing views out over the gorge.

• Cathedral of CuencaIts façade is unfortunately marred by a nineteenth century attempt at remodeling, but has a beautiful Gothic interior with very detailed (and in some cases seemingly pagan) carvings. There is a near-absolute ban on photography, or even sketching, inside the cathedral, except by obtaining explicit permission, typically granted only on the basis of a portfolio.

• Museum of CuencaDedicated largely to Roman finds in the area.

See the hanging houses by the tourist train that leaves from the Cuenca tourist office on the hour every half an hour. If you have a car you can drive to some beautiful waterfalls in another part of Cuenca.

Because of the museum and because the town is a popular place for visitors from Madrid, Cuenca has a fine collection of small art galleries.
You can collect Cuenca souvenirs in the tourist center near town.

Most of the best restaurants are down below in the newer part of town, which is far less picturesque.
Alaju, Morteruelo, Ajo Arriero, Zarajos are the most typical foods

There are some lovely outdoor pubs in the old city of Cuenca. And a more trendy street in the center of town, filled with 10 to 15 clubs. There is also a massive square near this street where people hang out drinking alcohol with friends.
High alcohol content liqueur named Resoli Resoli is a coffee anise and orange flavoured liqueur, 15 years after I first tried it I am still enchanted, it is worth taking a bottle home.

Cuenca is a popular weekend destination, for lovers, artists and romantic people, so hotels are often less crowded during the week.
There is a hotel in the centre of town, its sign H O T E L can be seen from far around Cuenca in all directions. If in doubt ask at the tourist office.

• NH Ciudad de Cuenca

  phone: +34 96 9230502
  address: Ronda de San José, 1
  This hotel is in a new and calm residential zone, a few minutes away from the commercial centre, the old part of town and the intercity bus and railway stations of the capital.

There are some cheap hostels in town.

• Pension Central

  phone: +34 969 211 511
  address: Alonso Chirino 7
  Cheapest-priced at about a double.

• Hostal Mora

  phone: +34 969 214 138
  address: Cjón. de San Francisco 1

Both are near the town center.
In old town

• Parador de Cuenca

  phone: +34 969 232320
  address: Paseo del Huecar