Have you ever heard of the saying “caught between a rock and a hard place”? Well, you’re about to find out what that is, quite literally!
Imagine what it would be like to live under a rock or better yet, in one.
There’s a little village in the Spanish countryside named, Setenil de las Bodegas that is known for its whitewashed houses built into the surrounding cliffs. This is one of the prettiest and most unique villages in the country.
What’s so Special about Setenil de las Bodegas?
Setenil de las Bodegas is a breathtaking town lying within a canyon, enclosed by fields of olive trees. What makes this little town unique, you may wonder? It’s because more than half of this village is built under a huge rock. Most of the houses and businesses in the area have been built into this boulder giving the entire village a very authentic look.
This southern Spanish town dates back almost a thousand years and is famous for the way they’ve built it around giant rocky cliffs and even incorporated them and used them as walls for their houses and shops. This unique layout of the town was not only used as natural protection during war times fortifying the city but it’s also used as a natural shade.
The Tale of Two Streets
There are two main streets in Setenil de las Bodegas. One is called ‘Calle Cuevas del Sol’ which means “caves of the sun”. This is built under a huge slab of overhanging rock. This sunny but beautiful street is home to many cave restaurants and is the most famous street in the town. Have a bite at one of these restaurants while enjoying the brilliant views.
The other street is called ‘Calle Cuevas del la Sombra’ which means “caves of the shade”. On this side of the town, it’s quite breezy and cool. Thus, the two cities are completely contrasting as one is cool while the other is sunny! In both streets on the inside, there’s no need for an air conditioner or fan because the temperature naturally stays cool. It feels almost like being inside a cave. Homes, restaurants and shops all take advantage of this unique energy and cost-efficient feature.
Is it Worth the Visit to Setenil de las Bodegas ?
If you are ever within a two-hour drive, this town is a cool place (quite literally) that is absolutely worth the visit. You can check out one of the many outdoor patio bars and enjoy a good meal, good beer, and some good shopping. The view here is an added bonus because every corner you turn looks absolutely amazing. But, keep your eyes peeled on the tight and windy roads.
Once in Setenil de las Bodegas, you should also visit the remains of the historical Arab castle named “Nazari Castle” and also head higher up into the village to find some beautiful viewpoints to watch the sunset and click some photos.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a lovely white village with a little twist, Setenil de las Bodegas certainly fits the bill. With its unique cave houses, narrow streets, and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect addition to your Spanish holiday.
