With a 2,667-foot aqueduct and an alcazar that inspired Cinderella, Segovia will place you in a fairytale dream land. Here’s my guide to all the magic Segovia has to offer.
Segovia has first impressions down pat. You enter the old city by walking under a striking, ancient aqueduct, only to be greeted by cobblestone streets and small, welcoming Segovian shops and restaurants.
But it doesn’t stop there. The entire city, from the aqueduct’s grand entrance to the Alcazar’s sweeping views, transports you back in time to a charming Spain of old, one cobblestone street at a time. That’s why it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, and of course, The Wanderlost Way list, too.
Segovia Must-Dos
Aqueduct of Segovia
As I mentioned, this stunning aqueduct provides a warm welcome into the city of Segovia. At its tallest, the aqueduct is 94 feet high and has a total of 167 different arch points. It stretches from Segovia and beyond an entire 2,667 feet, with opportunities to explore and photograph it from a variety of angles.
If your schedule allows, walk the length of the aqueduct at Segovia’s entrance to see how it changes from one vantage point to the next. The best way to see it is early in the morning, because your photos will have fewer cars and tourists (a big positive), along with great morning lighting.
Alcazar of Segovia
Throughout time, the Alcazar of Segovia wore many hats. It was a fortress, palace, prison, and military academy. In its current state — a museum — the Alcazar stands tall and proud as a compilation of Segovia’s rich history.
The Alcazar’s interior houses artwork, royal thrones and military weapons, and the exterior — my favorite — provides unobstructed views that extend deep into the Spanish countryside. Word on the street is Mr. Walt Disney himself was also a fan, and modeled the Cinderella Castle after this fairytale-like spot.
Plaza Mayor
Segovia’s main square, the Plaza Mayor, is the perfect place to experience the old city’s culture. Share tapas and conversation at an outdoor restaurant. Have a cappuccino or — whether it’s 5 o’clock or not — a glass of Spanish wine while watching Segovian passersby. Walk the exterior and snap panoramas to remember the Segovia’s charm and elegance.
Like all main squares, there are many ways to experience it — but the key is to experience it. Put down your phone, lift up your head and watch and experience every bit of that beautiful culture you can!
Know before you go
The best way to get to Segovia is via train, but you’ll have to catch a bus from the train station to the actual city. The bus drops you off and picks you up right beyond the aqueduct, just remember where it dropped you off so you take the right one back.
In terms of the Alcazar, the museum opens around 10 a.m., and as the day goes on, the lines get longer. To beat those tourist lines, make Alcazar your first stop, then work your way back through the city. Ticket prices are about 3.50 euro.
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