Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is a magic-infused blend of rock-embraced streets, deep history, and vibrant culture, one of Andalusia’s most captivating and heartfelt gems.

Driving up from Estepona, the road twists through the mountains towards Ronda, with olive groves and glimpses of whitewashed villages scattered across the hillsides. When you think the scenery can’t surprise you any more, you arrive in Setenil de las Bodegas, a place unlike any other. Here, the houses aren’t just built beside the cliffs; they are part of them, tucked beneath giant slabs of rock that serve as natural rooftops. Wandering down Calle Cuevas del Sol, where cafés spill out into the sunshine, before stepping into the cool shade of Calle Cuevas de la Sombra, where the overhanging rock almost swallows the street. The contrast is breathtaking, as if light and shadow are in constant conversation. What makes Setenil so special is how seamlessly it blends the natural landscape with daily life; streets feel like open-air caves, and every corner offers a new angle that makes you stop and stare. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory, not only for its striking beauty but also for its warmth and charm, with locals welcoming you as though you’ve stumbled into a secret world worth sharing.

Photo by Rui Marinho