Let’s get into the topic – off the beaten track Spain. There’s one place you simply can’t miss on the Iberian Peninsula – The Enchanted City of Cuenca. It is a magical forest full of stunning rock formations. If you´ve never heard of this place – put it on your travel bucket list right now!
Off The Beaten Track Spain
Where is The Enchanted City of Cuenca
Although The Spanish Province of Cuenca borders with a few well-known Spanish regions, like Madrid, Toledo, and Valencia, it is still “off the beaten track” Spain. Alongside Toledo, Guadalajara, Cuidad Real, and Albacete, Cuenca forms part of the Castile-La Mancha region in Central Spain.
Nowadays, you can easily reach the city of Cuenca from Madrid or Valencia by a high-speed train. If you travel by car you can also get to Cuenca from Teruel or Zaragoza. Check my Quick Cuenca Travel Guide here for more tips.
Also read: 10 dreamy Spanish castles you will definitely want to visit
However, in order to get to the Enchanted City of Cuenca (or La Cuidad Encantada in Spanish), public transport is not the best choice. Technically you can get to Cuenca´s Train Station and then take a taxi, but it will be quite pricey as there are more or less 40 mins of driving (28km). The perks of off the beaten track Spain…

Family Travel
Nevertheless, The Enchanted City of Cuenca absolutely deserves a visit as it is one of the top fairytale places in Spain that are straight out of the Storybook. I find it particularly interesting for Family travel (there´s even a mystical Spanish legend behind it) despite the fact that this place is not fully adopted for baby strollers.
Cuenca was our first weekend getaway with a 2-months-old baby and we opted for a baby carrier. However, a few local Spanish families we clearly visiting with their strollers. But again – there are several areas with stairs around the Enchanted City of Cuenca.
Also read: The Impressive Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Spain
The route isn´t too long (about 1.7 km), so we didn’t get tired from carrying our baby girl around. But I wish they´d make The Enchanted City of Cuenca more accessible for everyone.

Exploring The Enchanted City of Cuenca
The Enchanted City of Cuenca is such a natural phenomenon. By and large, it is a circular route full of impressive rock formations, sculpted over the centuries by ice, wind, and water. Once you get your tickets, you´ll be given a small map with the main things to see.
We drove to The Enchanted City of Cuenca early in the morning and were ones of the first visitors.
Also read: Must-See Magical Forests in Spain
Therefore, my first naive thought, once we got in, was “wow, no one here! we´ll be able to explore the place for ourselves”. And we did – for 15 min. Even though Enchanted City is still off the beaten track Spain for the international visitors, it is quite popular among the local Spanish families. Especially on weekends or holidays. So, on our way back we already noticed a line to access the park.
If visiting, make sure to go earlier in the morning: it might actually add some magic to your route. There was such a difference between wandering around all alone and being surrounded by loud crowd of visitors on our way back.

Liberating your imagination
A walk through the Enchanted City really felt like something supernatural, other-worldly. Especially because all the rock figures looked like humans, objects or animals … Mother Nature is definitely the best decorator on Earth.
Also read: Otherworldly Landscapes in Spain
All the top sights in the Enchanted City of Cuenca go by their own names. There are around 13 main stops on the route – this is where you let go of normal directed thinking and liberate your imagination. You can find anything from “A fight between an elephant and a crocodile” to The lovers of Teruel.
You can scroll down the photo gallery from this trip to spot some out-of-this-world locations.
Photo Gallery









- 10 secret villages in Spain you´ve never heard of
- The ultimate Wild West Town experience in Spain: Theme Parks in Almeria
- An Oasis of Greenery: Lagunas De Ruidera natural park
- When Mountains Call You: 5 Must-See in Huesca, Spain
For more travel inspiration on Spain check my Pinterest board Travel to Spain. If you want more hidden gems, make sure you explore my blog section Undiscovered Spain.
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It looks like a nice place to visit.
This is beautiful!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
These are spectacular photos! Thanks for a very interesting and informative article!
Oh wow! I would have never known this existed in Spain. The tree growing in the rock is stunning!
What a charming place to visit. Thanks for sharing.
I didn’t even know Spain has its own canyons. Thank you so much for sharing this fairy-like location!
Also, I saved your pin on Pinterest so that I can use this post as a tour guide when I’m going to Spain again.
Lots of love,
Jolien from http://dreamsunfolded.com
Thanks so much, Jolien! Hope you enjoy your time in Spain!
How bizarre! Had no idea something like this existed in Spain. Thanks for sharing!
Oh this is exciting! I’m amused your baby was able to go with you, must be a very well behaved little one.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Generally yes, but she has THE day every once in a while lol
Never heard of this city and most definitely looks enchanted! Xx
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
Looks magical indeed.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com