Foreign Property News | Posted by Zarni Kyaw
Welcome to the town of Setenil de las Bodegas in Spain, where around 3,000 inhabitants are living quite literally, under a rock.
Believe it or not, people chose to settle here for practical reasons. The natural caves of Setenil turned out to be ideal living quarters because rather than needing to build entire houses to keep out the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter, all they needed to build was a facade. It is believed people have been living here since pre-historic times.
The town’s name ‘Setenil de las bodegas’ reflects its rich history; setenil, from the latin words septem nihil– “seven times no”, refers to the seven times the Catholic rulers tried to take back the territory from the Moors, the medieval arabian inhabitants who ruled much of Spain for several centuries. Only on the seventh attempt to conquer Setenil were the Catholics able to win the territory– one of the last Muslim strongholds in Iberia. ‘Solid as a rock’ Setenil (unavoidable pun) later began using the cool areas under the rock to store all kinds of local produce in large storerooms, which is how the town earned the second part of the name, “bodegas“, meaning ‘warehouse’ in Spanish.
Why visit Setenil de las Bodegas?
Andalucia has many charming white villages scattered throughout the region. They are all worth a visit and it is difficult to choose where to go as you plan your itinerary.
I think Setenil de las Bodegas should be included in your visit. It is not the only places where houses are built into a rock cliff. But it is particularly impressive in Setenil because of the overhang.
It is also famous for is meat products, especially the chorizo sausages.
Where is Setenil de las Bodegas in Andalucia? - Location Map
Setenil is located in the area surrounding Ronda and is often visited when staying in Ronda.
Ronda to Setenil de las Bodegas = 30min drive
Seville to Setenil de las Bodegas = 1h45 drive
Malaga to Setenil de las Bodegas = 1h20 drive
Cadiz to Setenil de las Bodegas = 1h45 drive
Below is a map to help you get oriented:
(How to get to Setenil de las Bodegas)
If you don't want to drive, there are day trips combined with Ronda from Malaga, Cadiz or Costa del Sol - See options
But the easiest option is to visit with a rental car The area is mountainous but the roads to Setenil are easy
Need to rent a car in Andalucia? My tips:
Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated sites! Choose the car and company you prefer (remember the villages narrow streets)
Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
See all my 36 tips about renting a car in Spain
Visit Tips
It is a touristic place. I recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busses coming from Ronda, Malaga and Costa del Sol Plan 1 hour to half a day
There are several areas to park. The carpark close to the interesting part of the village is often full and you may have to walk 5min extra.
It is quite easy to walk around the lower part - however, some climbing is required to reach the castle area
Many shops and tavernas
There are a lot of signposts to get oriented
Where to stay
There are some accommodations directly in the village of Setenil de la Bodegas. You can even stay in a troglodyte house - Check out the best rated options
Otherwise you can stay in the bigger town of Ronda as a base to explore the region - check out the best rated accommodations in Ronda
I stayed in the city center at Rondacentro apartment (with carpark which is critical in Ronda). It was beautiful and very practical - Check out photos and availability
Setenil Map - points of interest
Before entering the village, make sure you check out the touristic maps listing all the best streets and other points of interest.
The 2 most famous streets are just next to the entrance, so you don't have to walk far.
Setenil Map - points of interest
Before entering the village, make sure you check out the touristic maps listing all the best streets and other points of interest.
The 2 most famous streets are just next to the entrance, so you don't have to walk far.
Ref: Setenil de las Bodegas (zigzagonearth,unusualplaces)
