There are plenty of gorgeous towns and cities in Europe and a UK travel blogger has come across one that she thinks could be the ‘most unique’ as there are houses built under a rock
There is a very unique town in Europe where visitors can wander streets featuring houses built under a rock (stock photo)(Image: diegograndi via Getty Images)
European destinations remain firm favourites amongst British holidaymakers, offering pleasant weather conditions whilst remaining conveniently close to the UK. This results in significantly shorter flights compared to more distant, exotic locations, and whilst traditional hotspots such as Majorca, Ibiza, Paris and Crete in Greece continue to attract lots of visitors, a number of hidden treasures exist that few tourists have discovered.
The country that consistently maintains its position as the top choice for British travellers is Spain, with countless tourists choosing it for summer breaks due to the abundance of sunshine and warmer temperatures during this period compared to the UK.
The extensive selection of beaches, way of life, reasonable prices and cultural sites represent other elements that attract large numbers of Brits to Spain annually.
A UK travel blogger named Jess has amassed thousands of followers on TikTok, where she provides travel suggestions and itineraries.
In a recent clip on the platform, she showed what she believes could be the “most unique town in Spain.” She offered viewers a peek at Setenil de las Bodegas in southern Spain.
The town is renowned for its delightful whitewashed houses constructed into the surrounding cliffs.
Overlaying her TikTok video, Jess wrote: “The people in this town literally live under a rock.”
It’s situated in the province of Cádiz in Andalusia and in the footage, Jess can be seen strolling through the narrow lanes bordered by whitewashed buildings adorned with plants hanging from black-coloured balconies and restaurants with parasols, chairs and tables positioned outside beneath the enormous boulder.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The travel fan provided more details in her post’s caption, writing: “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.”
The rock looms over the Rio Guadalporcún river and Setenil de las Bodegas houses a modest population of just over 2,600 residents.
It has a fascinating heritage with proof of human habitation stretching back to the 12th century.
Calle Cuevas del Sol, dubbed Sun Caves Street, features bars and restaurants constructed into the clifftop with ample seating positioned under the rock overhang.
There’s also Calle Cuevas de la Sombra, a more narrow street with reduced lighting where the rocky overhang completely shelters the structures.
Beyond the distinctive houses and structures carved into or beneath the rock face, a range of tourist attractions await visitors, including Nazari Castle, a historic 12th century fortress that played a pivotal role in the town’s heritage, and various vantage points offering sweeping views, including Mirador del Carmen, although there’s a steep climb of nearly 100 steps to get here, 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 described the destination as 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 commented “loved it here” and “beautiful.”