Built along a narrow gorge on the course of the Rio Trejo, Setenil de las Bodegas is a fascinating Spanish town in the Andalusian province of Cadiz. It is famed for its whitewashed houses built into the surrounding cliffs, with some streets laid out beneath dramatic overhangs.
Things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas
Originally established as a Muslim fortress is the Castillo de Setenil de las Bodegas, which watches over the whitewashed village. It centres around a turret that dates back to the 12th or 13th centuries and features a partially excavated subterranean reservoir covered by two half-barrel vaults. Enjoy the castle’s magnificent views across Setenil de las Bodegas and check to see what exhibitions are currently being showcased in the Torreon del Homenaje.
One of Setenil de las Bodegas’s most charming buildings is the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a whitewashed church dating back to the 18th century. Its elegant doorway is framed by Tuscan-order pilasters and topped by a small belfry. Step inside to admire the church’s sculptural carvings and hemispherical vault, as well as its altarpiece featuring an image of the town’s patron saint.
Not to miss in Setenil de las Bodegas is the Calle Cuevas de la Sombra, a famous street with houses built beneath the overhang of a rocky cliff. To learn more about the geological history of the town and its cultural heritage, pay a visit to the Centro de Interpretacion Medioambiental del Olivar.
Getting around Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas is around 1.5 hour’s drive from Malaga and Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Seville is just under two hours away. Regular buses connect to Setenil de las Bodegas and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.