Only 50 miles from Madrid, spectacular Segovia is home to one of Spain's greatest Roman monuments — an enormous aqueduct which runs through the centre of the city. Framed by the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, it’s a stunning destination for outdoorsy explorers as well as history and culture buffs to discover. There’s also a great range of accommodation options in the area, with everything from chic B&Bs to secluded country retreats on our list of the best places to stay in Segovia.
Segovia’s awe-inspiring aqueduct, with more than 160 arches rising above Plaza Azoguejo in the heart of the city, is absolutely unmissable. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s worth taking the time to discover with an expert walking tour guide. Other landmarks include the impressive Cathedral of Segovia, which sits on Plaza Major, the ancient city walls and the 12th-century Alcázar. Now a military museum, the Alcázar reputedly inspired Walt Disney’s illustrations for the castle in ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Stroll the narrow streets of the old town to spot beautiful Romanesque churches, popping into boutiques, galleries and cafés as you wander.
If hiking and cycling are your focus, head to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, the fifth-largest in Spain. The mountains are famously home to more than 130 species of birds, and will delight wildlife enthusiasts as well as keen bird watchers. Return to the best places to stay in Segovia for relaxed evenings alongside cracking fires and feasts of regional cuisine.