Where can you sleep?
You will love staying in Cuenca, since here you can explore and discover in depth each of its most hidden places.
The capital of this province is full with its historic heritage and many places of cultural interest that you can't miss, but the small towns and villages around it are also worth visiting,
The capital has also a very broad accommodation offer, but is usually fully booked, which means that if you want to stay in the center you will need to choose where in advance.
Nevertheless, there are also many other accommodation options to spend a few days doing rural tourism, starting with the town of Belmonte, which is part of the Ruta del Quijote.
The castle and the remnants of the Arab invasion that can be found in Huete, are two very popular option to visit in this area, as well as Mota del Cuervo, which decorates the panoramic view of this region with some of the typical windmills of Castilla La Mancha, and Enguídanos where you will also find its own historical heritage.
What to do in the area?
You will be able to try doing many different kinds of tourism in Cuenca thanks to its great variety of offers, and its unique terrain mixing plain, mountains, culture, nature and history.
On the one hand, and if you're visiting the capital, you can't forget to walk by the Casas Colgadas, which are the most photographed sight of the whole province. The San Pablo bridge, right in front of them, will allow you to take into the spectacular views of the city, especially at night, when the light illuminates the river Huécar.
La Plaza Mayor, the city's main square, is surrounded by many colourful buildings which make this place one of the most interesting and beautiful spots in the city. It is also next to the cathedral.
If you're travelling with children, or would like to explore the grounds of the province, Ciudad Encantada is the right place for you, a very singular place, just like the Ruta de las Caras, in Buendía. The Ventano del Diablo viewpoint also has some breathtaking views.
For those who would like to do something in nature, the Chorreras del río Cabriel are a group of waterfalls that are, like the Nacimiento del río Cuervo, a true natural treasure.
What typical foods are recommended?
The main economic activities, agriculture and livestock, have been a strong influence for the gastronomy of Cuenca, manifested in the local dishes. Traditionally a region of many shepherds, the local cuisine is dominated by stews and dishes where the main ingredient is usually meat collected after hunting, such as partridge or chicken, which has resulted in typical dishes like 'morteruelo'.
The 'gazpacho galiano' is a watery stew also with meat, is also one os the most typical ones. The 'gazpacho de pastor', eaten with grapes, is undoubtedly one of the most popular ones. You can also try, if you're travelling during Easter, the regional 'potaje', the tasty 'garbanzadas,' and many vegetable dishes.
For dessert, the most popular sweet from this region is the 'alajú', which is a mix of dough, almonds, condiments, spices and honey, between two paper-thin waffles, also very typical of this region.
To wrap it up, any of this dishes will go perfectly with the local wine from La Mancha PDO, and make for an ideal meal.
Where are the festivities?
Cuenca is a place of many local festivities that are known everywhere in Spain, and often attract visitors who want to learn more and participate in those celebrations.
If you wouldn't like to miss them either, write down January 28 in you calendar, which is when the annual celebrations officially begin with the celebrations in the cathedral and chapel in Hoz de Júcar, to honour San Julián.
Easter is also a good moment to be in Cuenca, as it is widely celebrated here, and considered a a festivity of International Tourist Interest where the traditions and customs that are shared in this occasion have been held since the 17th century.
There is another important occasion which takes place in September 21, where the 'vaquillas', music, local cuisine and folclore, are the protagonists for a few days of constant celebration.
