Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Andalusia, Spain, Setenil de las Bodegas in Spain is a unique town known for its unique architecture built into the rocks. 

Carved into the rocky cliffs and surrounded by olive groves, this white town beckons travelers with its distinctive charm. 

It’s a unique place that stands out from the other white towns of Spain because of the homes, and cafes built into the cliffside. 

I visited Setenil as a day trip from Ronda Spain which was my travel base for one month. Taking the early 8:30am bus, I enjoyed the scenic bus ride through the green mountainous landscape of Andalusia.

Within just one hour, I was in Setenil. The bus ride was just over 2 Euro.

In this post, I’ll share what there is to see in Setenil de las Bodegas. Also, enjoy this video from my Youtube channel which really captures the majestic beauty of Setenil.

Here are the top five things to do in Setenil:

1. Explore the Cave Houses & Wander The Narrow Streets

Wander through the heart of Setenil, where houses and shops are built into the rocks and cliffs of the gorge. The natural caves provide a distinctive charm, and you can explore the narrow streets and alleys that wind through these fascinating dwellings.

2. Visit the Castle

Head to the Castle of Setenil, perched on a hill overlooking the town. While the castle itself may be somewhat in ruins, the climb offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

3. Ascend to Plaza Alcaldie Jose Sedeno or Mirador del Carmen for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding olive groves.

4. Have A Coffee or Meal Under A Rock

Under A Rock? Yes! Many establishments are situated within the caves, providing a one-of-a-kind ambiance.  I enjoyed a place called Terracotta for a hot coffee and I also brought a bottle of non filtered olive oil which has an amazing flavor! I highly recommend buying a bottle when you go there. 

Pictured below, this restaurant is also very lovely featuring a beautiful painting of an Andalusian horse on the building facade.

5. Discover Olive Groves Surrounding Setenil

Setenil is embraced by the expansive olive groves of Andalusia, adding to its idyllic setting. The silver-green hues of the olive trees provide a serene backdrop to the town’s whitewashed facades. 

Take a moment to appreciate the harmony between Setenil and the surrounding landscape.

How long do you need in Setenil?

Setenil is good for a day trip. It’s possible to explore in half a day if you are on a road trip and want to add it to your itinerary. Setenil de las Bodegas was larger than I expected and to really appreciate it, you need to venture on a walk a little further from just the main area to grasp the full scope of Setenil. There were tour groups that came for just an hour or two to take a few snaps and leave. But, I really feel they miss out on seeing all that Setenil has to offer.

Have questions? Thoughts? Feelings? Leave a comment below, I love to hear from you all!