Setenil de las Bodegas: The hidden jewel of Cadiz
![Cultrua bares y terrazas entre roca Setenil.jpg](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/A961B536D5864D1991144A55B0C2C093/Cultrua_bares_y_terrazas_entre_roca_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
Just twenty minutes from the city of Ronda and less than two hours from the capital is one of the best kept secrets of Cadiz: Setenil de las Bodegas.
Enjoying a privileged location, in the Ronda Mountains, Setenil de las Bodegas is at first sight a beautiful whitewashed town,very similar to the other whitewashed villages in the area, with its beautiful streets and hideaways to get lost in.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/6BD3C99A6E1743F6B040E030D0182026/Destino_Vista_de_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
As we get closer, the landscape begins to reveal that Setenil encloses something that is special, different… and curiosity soon comes knocking to find out what it is.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/5B268AEB13C446B0B133FFB18383C3A7/Naturaleza_Setenil_bajo_la_roca.jpg?responsive)
It's there, in the lower area, on the banks of the Guadalporcún river, where you're not sure if you're dreaming or if a place like that can really exist.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/76A8C52097D349B1B6C159253E90A026/Alojamiento_bajo_la_roca_en_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
The village seems to have merged with the rocks!
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/A961B536D5864D1991144A55B0C2C093/Cultrua_bares_y_terrazas_entre_roca_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
The houses, some beneath the rock and others on top of it, create different heights, which form unique and charming areas.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/E3503CAB0A1F457D9C5D6FCF128C56BE/Ocio_y_Diversion_Tiendas_y_bares_bajo_la_roca_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
But not just the houses. They have also built bars, shops and restaurants.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/EFB2CDFE7980445AA28CE07567FC735E/Cultura_Fachadas_bajo_roca_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
The streets have been made by defying gravity, and simple stroll provides unique sensations.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/77B715B67F9E43DF8DA84F9FCC957678/Cultura_Calle_bajo_la_roca_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
There are two areas, the "caves of the shade”, where as its name indicates, never sees the sun and the "caves of the sun”.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/EE9FB7A3ECD64E82BCED639F8A5BE121/Naturaleza_Setenil_Sol_y_Sombra.jpg?responsive)
In the caves of the sun there are more bars and restaurants, all with two floors and a terrace. This is, without doubt, the most visited and lively area of Setenil.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/9AD7FAC44D9B4F0F96C429826A381CBD/Destino_Setenil_Cuevas_de_la_Sombra.jpg?responsive)
Here you can enjoy the masitas, a traditional Setenil hamburger, or any of typical mountain dishes, all seasoned with one of the best oils of Andalusia.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/160589245042419E93834522D2B5385C/Destino_Setenil_y_sus_bares_bajo_la_roca.jpg?responsive)
After regaining strength we continued our walk.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/9E4EF9A7F05141DD884B647098BF6AF3/Ocio_y_Diversion_Terracitas_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/7AE14017AA004115BDD6ABD7179081E6/Cultura_Calle_de_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
Setenil is full of hideaways with that special charm so characteristic of the Serranía villages.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/FF8B50B1500F4CE598BED3C0768D0D10/Destino_Setenil_al_atardecer.jpg?responsive)
In the highest part, in the heart of the old Nasrid fortress, is the Torre del Homenaje, or Tower of Tribute,
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/8122560394794C70990ACC098C6E84D8/Cultura_Setenil_Torre_del_Homenaje.jpg?responsive)
the only surviving example of the old Alcázar fortress and silent witnesses to the confluence of cultures.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/732858B7978143CDB7ADC98A384D05A4/Cultura_Torre_del_Homenaje.jpg?responsive)
The castle has also been preserved, which overlooks the village from above and shows the past defensive of Setenil.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/7140E76FE32D44D88E6EFE88D3784055/Cultura_Setenil_fortaleza_y_casas.jpg?responsive)
It is a fortress of medieval origin from the 14th and 15th century, which was built using the vertical rock walls
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/80B2BA74F2034AD79AEFB6124E586510/Cultura_Torre_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
and has proven to resist the centuries, overhanging the Serranía.
![](https://multimedia.andalucia.org/media/15B8746CD47D4F7FBA87194D11AEE636/img/9569140F1BC347CB966DCCC3B34EFBD7/Cultura_Fortaleza_Nazari_Setenil.jpg?responsive)
From any point, Setenil will not leave you indifferent. Without doubt, a different way to enjoy a full day. Are you going to wait for someone to tell you about it?