The Must See Spain Blog
 A Traveler's Guide
by Kristin Espinar

Setenil de las Bodegas isn’t your typical white village in Andalucía—it’s a town built into the rock itself. Streets disappear beneath limestone cliffs, houses tuck into caves, and cafés spill out under natural stone ceilings. It’s one of the most unusual places to visit in southern Spain, equal parts history and daily life, where Roman foundations, Moorish castles, and modern tapas bars coexist in the same winding alleys. If you’re planning a trip through Andalucía, Setenil deserves a spot on your list—not just for its dramatic setting, but for the quiet rhythm that makes it unforgettable.

Valencia has a knack for surprising visitors—even those who think they know what to expect from Spanish cities. In fact, one day in Valencia can feel more satisfying than a week spent rushing through bigger destinations. The city is compact, friendly, clean, and subtly layered. Here’s how to turn 24 hours in Valencia Spain into a track‑by‑track experience: local flavors, history, sea breeze, and architecture that feels alive. Let’s walk you through a real day—not a skim‑the‑surface checklist, but a pace you can savor.

Segovia sits in the high plains of central Spain like it’s been waiting. The kind of place where the buildings still do what they were built to do—hold weight, frame quiet, cast long shadows in the afternoon. No one polished the stone to please visitors. It’s just there, worn smooth where hands and feet and weather have worked on it for centuries.

You arrive, and it looks straightforward: a Roman aqueduct, a castle that seems one gust of wind away from flight, a handful of churches, old houses, steep streets. But move a little slower, and details start to emerge. A window shutter with chipped paint. A butcher sweeping out his doorway. Locals ducking into a bar at noon for wine and something fried. Segovia isn’t performing. It’s just existing, and you’re lucky to pass through.

This guide isn’t about big reveals. It’s for travelers who notice small things. Who like their cities with a bit of edge, a lot of history, and no need to explain themselves. If you’re wondering what to do in Segovia, start by showing up curious—and take it from there.

Zaragoza doesn’t try to keep up. It never has. While Madrid rushes and Barcelona dazzles, this Aragonese capital moves at its own thoughtful pace—balanced, steady, and anchored in centuries of doing its own thing.

Here, Roman ruins live across the street from family-run tapas bars. Churches hold world-class art like it’s no big deal. Locals don’t perform for tourists, and somehow, that makes the city feel more generous. Zaragoza doesn’t need to sell itself. It’s been around long enough to know that the right people will get it.

What follows isn’t a checklist or a highlight reel. It’s a guide to the places, flavors, and moments that make Zaragoza worth knowing—on its terms.

Madrid has rhythm. It thrums with art, wine, and heat, pulling you into late-night dinners, lazy breakfasts, and endless museum strolls. But even this magnetic city has its limits. Sometimes you need a breather—a hit of medieval drama, mountain air, or roast pig with a side of centuries-old walls.

Enter: the day trips from Madrid that aren’t just easy—they’re essential. Below, you’ll find four tried-and-tested escapes that offer different flavors of Spain, just a short ride from the capital. And we’re not talking vague “explore the area” fluff. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty—what to do, where to eat, exactly how to get there, and which tours are actually worth your time.