Europe is home to many beautiful towns and cities, but one UK travel blogger has found a place she believes stands out as the ‘most unique’ – a town where houses are built beneath a massive rock
Destinations in Europe are regularly a favourite among British travellers, thanks to their typically better weather and close proximity to the UK. This results in shorter flight durations than trips to more distant, exotic locations.
While popular destinations such as Majorca, Ibiza, Paris, and Crete in Greece attract large numbers of tourists, there are also lesser-known spots that remain off the typical tourist radar. Spain continues to be the leading choice for British holidaymakers, with couples, families and groups of friends flocking there during summer months to escape the cooler British climate in favour of abundant sunshine and warmer temperatures.
The diverse range of beaches, relaxed lifestyle, affordability, and rich cultural experiences are some of the key reasons so many Brits head to Spain each year.
A UK-based travel blogger named Jess has built a large following on TikTok by sharing her travel tips and itinerary suggestions.
In a recent clip on the social media platform, she showcased what she believes could be the “most unique town in Spain.”
She introduced her followers to Setenil de las Bodegas, a remarkable spot located in the south of the country.
The town is famous for its picturesque whitewashed homes nestled into the surrounding rock formations.
In her TikTok video, Jess captioned it with: “The people in this town literally live under a rock.”
Situated in the Cádiz province of Andalusia, the town is featured in Jess’s video as she strolls through its narrow lanes, flanked by whitewashed houses adorned with flora dangling from black balconies. Along the streets, cafés and restaurants sit beneath the massive rock overhang, with outdoor tables, chairs, and parasols creating a cozy atmosphere.
The travel blogger provided more details in her post’s caption where she wrote: “Is this the most unique town in Spain?
“This is Setenil de las Bodegas, an incredible village literally built into the cliff side.
“The whitewashed houses are built beneath huge rock overhangs, and some of them are even available to stay in overnight. Or, you can just visit and enjoy lunch beneath the rocks.”
Perched above the Rio Guadalporcún river, Setenil de las Bodegas is home to just over 2,600 residents.
The town has a deep historical legacy, with signs of human habitation tracing back to the 12th century.
Calle Cuevas del Sol, or Sun Caves Street, is lined with bars and restaurants tucked into the cliffside, offering ample seating beneath the looming rock above.
Another notable spot is Calle Cuevas de la Sombra, a tighter, dimmer street where the rock completely extends over the buildings, creating a shaded and enclosed atmosphere.
Apart from the unique houses and structures carved into or beneath the rock face, visitors can explore various attractions, including Nazari Castle, a historic 12th century fortress that held considerable importance in the town’s past, and a number of vantage points providing sweeping views, such as Mirador del Carmen, though reaching it requires a challenging climb of nearly 100 steps, Mirador del Lizon and Calle Ventosilla Alta.
Setenil de las Bodegas can be reached from Malaga, with the journey taking approximately one hour and 15 minutes by car.
Jess branded the town an “absolute must visit if you’re planning a trip to Spain.”
Her TikTok clip has attracted responses from viewers who were captivated.
One declared: “This is how you live with nature!” Others remarked “loved it here” and “beautiful.”