Setenil de las Bodegas

First and foremost, the most important attraction in Setenil de las Bodegas is the village itself, characterised by several streets that are concentric to the rivers flowing through the town. Notice how the façades of the houses barely extend just a few centimetres from the rock into which they are built. Setenil also boasts a variety of other buildings and urban spaces of particular interest, listed below: 

Calle Cuevas de la Sombra and Calle Cuevas del Sol:

 Located in the lower part of the town, these two streets create the village's most iconic image, as immense rocks partially cover them. Here, you can enjoy a table at the town's loveliest bar terraces, perfect for winter (Cuevas del Sol) and summer (Cuevas de la Sombra).

The Castle and Fortified Tower: 

Constructed during the Almohad Caliphate in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the town centre developed around this fortress. We recommend climbing to the top of the tower and the viewpoint next to it for magnificent views of the entire town and the surrounding mountains. 

The Arab Cistern: 

Also built during the Muslim period, this cistern is partially carved into the rock on which it stands.

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación: 

This impressive place of worship, built between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, reflects its historical importance. Inside, you will find a notable statue of the crucifix, dating from the sixteenth century. 

Former Town Hall: 

This attractive sixteenth-century building now houses the local tourist information office. Inside, you can admire an intricate Mudéjar coffered ceiling, the only one of its kind still standing in the province of Cádiz.

Hermitage of San Sebastián: 

Located on the outskirts, in the upper part of the town, this hermitage was built in the late fifteenth century shortly after the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs.

 Holy Week

The hilly terrain of Setenil de las Bodegas makes the town’s Holy Week processions among the most scenic and challenging in Andalusia. One of the most famous is the "procesión del Encuentro" on Easter Sunday.

Where to Eat in Setenil de las Bodegas 

Beyond just dining, Setenil de las Bodegas is an excellent destination for tapas, and very good ones at that. This is partly due to its proximity to the Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las Nieves mountain ranges, where cheese, meat (such as retinto breed), and especially succulent olive oils are produced. Additionally, the sea is just over an hour away, making deep-fried and grilled fish staples of the town’s bars and terraces. Here are some noteworthy establishments: El Almendral (Carretera Setenil-Puerto del Monte, km 0):

 On the outskirts of town, this restaurant, located within the hotel of the same name, serves purely Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes include fried potatoes with Los Montes chorizo and baby broad beans, and ham cooked with Pedro Ximénez sherry wine. 

Bar La Escueva (Cuevas del Sol, 64):

 Built entirely under the rock, this bar features both an indoor area and an outdoor terrace. It serves generous portions of meat and fish, along with some of the most popular hamburgers in Setenil.

Bar Frasquito (Cuevas del Sol, 75): 

Offering conventional tapas and larger portions, this establishment has specialties like prawn stew, aubergines, flamenquines (Serrano ham wrapped in pork loin, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried), and baby cuttlefish. 

Cafetería Sol y Sombra (Cuevas de la Sombra, 14): 

While this café also has tapas and larger portions available, its strong point is its coffee, served with original pastries and sweet delights in a pleasant setting.