Exploring Cuenca: My Overnight Trip with CIEE

By: Chloe Nutor

During my study abroad in Spain with CIEE, I got to go on an overnight trip to Cuenca, a small but beautiful town about two hours from Madrid. The whole experience was like stepping into a different world. We left early in the morning by bus, and as we got closer to Cuenca, we saw rolling hills and impressive cliffs that made it feel like we were entering a whole new country.

Once we arrived, we checked into a nice hotel in the center of the city. Cuenca’s narrow cobblestone streets and colorful, historic buildings give the town such a charming, old-world feel. We settled in for a bit, then it was time to see Cuenca’s most famous attraction, the Hanging Houses.

The Hanging Houses or Casas Colgadas are what Cuenca is best known for. Built along the edge of a cliff, these houses look like they’re balancing right above the gorge, with balconies hanging over the edge. Our tour guide explained that these houses have been there since medieval times, originally used as lookout points. Standing on the balconies and looking out over the landscape was an amazing experience.

Later, we headed to Plaza Mayor, Cuenca’s main square, where we saw the beautiful Cuenca Cathedral. The cathedral has a unique mix of architectural styles, showing how Cuenca has evolved over the centuries. Afterward, we had some time to wander around and try local food. Cuenca’s dishes are rich and flavorful, like morteruelo, a meaty spread, and ajoarriero, a garlicky cod and potato dish. Everything was delicious and hearty, a perfect end to a day of exploring.

After exploring the Hanging Houses, we went to the Museo Paleontológico de Cuenca, which ended up being one of the most surprising parts of the trip. This museum is filled with dinosaur fossils and prehistoric exhibits, which is not something I expected to see in a small Spanish town! We saw massive fossil skeletons and learned about the area’s prehistoric past, including how many dinosaur species used to roam Spain. It was a cool change of pace and added a whole new layer to our visit.

One of my favorite things about Cuenca was how peaceful it was. Compared to Madrid, everything here felt slower and more relaxed. Locals were chatting in cafes, kids played in the square, and the night was so quiet that we could see a sky full of stars.

Overall, this trip was a highlight of my time abroad. Seeing a different side of Spain, away from the busy city, helped me appreciate the country’s diversity and history. If you ever get the chance to visit Cuenca, take it! This small city has so much charm and was definitely one of my favorite experiences in Spain. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP88w94Ax/