Visiting magical Segovia
Segovia was one of the highlights of our one-month trip through Spain. Not only does it have some incredible attractions, it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Spain (it looks like something out of a fairy tale).
Segovia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has 3 attractions that are world class:
The Roman Aqueduct. Built by the Romans in the first century AD, it carried water from the Guadarrama Mountains to the center of town (a distance of 15 km). The most visibly impressive part of the aqueduct is the Aqueduct Bridge which spans almost 30 meters above Plaza Azoguejo, one of the town’s main squares. You can climb the steps up the Postigo Del Consuelo and from there have great views of the aqueduct and the mountains in the distance that were the source of the water.
Cathedral of Segovia. Built between 1525 – 1577, it is considered the last Gothic building in Spain (and some say in Europe). It is a huge, spacious and elegant Cathedral with high columns and ornate ceiling beams. The Cathedral has a beautiful cloister as well as an art museum in the basement.
The Alcázar. Fortifications have existed in this spot since Roman times but this castle was built in the mid-1400’s and later also served as a royal palace, becoming the primary residence of the monarchs of Castile.
The Alcázar is incredible. From the outside it looks like a fairy castle out of a Disney movie. Inside, the halls and rooms (I counted 9) have a mix of Christian and Mudéjar (Moorish) aspects including azulejos, carved arches and incredibly decorated ceilings (the ceilings are among the most impressive we have seen). More here on the Alcázar.
The above are the most important attractions in Segovia. But there are many other attractions:
Torreón de Lozoya. A palace with tower on plaza de San Martín. The best views of Segovia in my opinion as well as a museum with local art. We very much enjoyed our visit.
Walls of Segovia. You can walk along some of the walls of Segovia. There is a tourist information point at Plaza del Socorro where you can buy your tickets.
But you don’t have to go to attractions because all of Segovia is an attraction. There are great views everywhere of the turrets and towers of the town and, looking down, you’ll see valleys and mountains in the distance. If you have time, walk the path outside the walls – there are endless opportunities for great views looking back at Segovia. It is a magical place.
Practical information
Segovia is a very popular destination from Madrid, competing with Toledo and Avila as great excursions from the capital.
By train: You can get to Segovia in under 30 minutes on high-speed train from Madrid’s Chamartin station. Note: Guiomar train station is about 20 minutes (by taxi) from downtown Segovia.
By bus: I recommend taking the bus if coming from Madrid. Take the Avanza bus from Moncloa Station. It takes about an hour to Segovia and is cheaper than the train.
Where to stay: we stayed at the Infanta Isabel. Excellent hotel, good rates and perfect location on Plaza Mayor (across from the Cathedral).
Time needed to see Segovia. We stayed 2 nights (ie 1 ½ full days) and saw all the highlights. But we wished that we had stayed one more day, that’s how much we enjoyed Segovia.
Related: Cordoba’s Incredible Mezquita (in photos)
Related: What to see in Toledo (and how to save money)
Related: Which to Visit: Barcelona or Madrid?
This post makes me wish we could spend a night here. I thought we could after Madrid and before Oviedo because of the new high-speed Alvia train between Madrid and Gijon that stops in Segovia, but for some reason, there is no way to book 3 seats from Segovia to Oviedo on that same train online. “Sold out” is what I get for any date. So it will have to be a day trip and then we’ll take the train from Madrid to Oviedo once we finish our time in central Spain.
Hmm, very weird Claudine. I looked it up because there are a few different stations to chose from. On the Renfe website: In Segovia, it has to be “Segovia Guiomar”, in Oviedo it’s “Oviedo-Tur”. Try it your side with your dates. It didn’t work for me for any dates…
But try this:
Go to Rome2Rio.com. Enter “Segovia” to “Oviedo” for your dates. It redirects you to Renfe and there it DOES give you options. I have no idea why, maybe a glitch? But try it out your side.
Thanks for checking, Frank! I forgot to mention that the Renfe site is blocked in India! I usually book my train and bus tickets for Europe using Trainline and that works well. Never had any glitches. I’m using the free Opera browser VPN to check for options on Renfe.
I think I’ve figured it out. The morning Alvia train either doesn’t stop at Segovia or you can’t get on there. All dates from now show that one as a “Full Train” even though I can book seats on it if I start at Madrid (Again only until Feb 15th). BUT the afternoon train does have availability from Segovia until Feb 15th. It goes to OVIEDO/UVIÉU.
We’d prefer getting to Oviedo by the earlier train because we don’t plan to stay in Oviedo. We’ll pick up the car from there and get to a base on the coast farther east in Asturias – Ribadesella or thereabouts. I’ll let you know what we decide soon 🙂
Looking forward to hear about your trip and itinerary Claudine. Haven’t been along the north coast yet but we’ll be going sometime soon so I’m curious about your impressions and highlights. Good luck with the planning!