From Barcelona’s Gaudí-designed wonders and palm-lined waterfront to Madrid’s grand boulevards and lush royal parks, to Seville’s grand plazas and unrivaled flamenco scene, it’s no wonder Spain is currently the second-most visited country in the world (after France).
It’s where millions of people go for their taste of Old World charm, as well as a sun-drenched coastal getaway, but there’s no denying the luster can wear off a little once you factor in the increasing overnight rates and surging crowds.
Have we mentioned the rising anti-tourist sentiment?
If Spain’s on your wishlist for 2026 and you don’t feel like messing with all that hassle, this under-the-radar medieval gem serves up better prices, deep history, and all the warm Iberian hospitality you won’t get in Barcelona:
Spain’s Most Impressive Medieval City
Lying northwest of Madrid, at the heart of Spain’s central Castile and León, Segovia is a culture-rich ancient city with over 2,000 years of history and architectural wealth to back it up.
Segovia has existed under numerous civilizations, from the Romans to the Visigoths to the Moors (Arab rulers from North Africa), and finally under Spain, and it’s easily one of the country’s top spots for sightseeing—the kind of place you don’t want to miss for anything.
If it’s the Roman Empire you’re passionate about, the historic city is literally flanked by a monumental, UNESCO-protected Roman aqueduct with two tiers of arches and over 160 arches. You can even walk its length for breathtaking views of the millennia-old skyline.
Speaking of the city itself, it’s largely kept its medieval urban layout, complete with narrow lanes, arcaded plazas, and well-defined quarters centered around landmark churches:
Gothic Wonders Galore
Believe it or not, some of Spain’s most impressive religious edifices are here, including Catedral de Santa Maria. The ‘Segovia Cathedral’, it is a late Gothic marvel, considered by many the last of its kind built in Spain.
It dominates Plaza Mayor, the main public square, flanked by other equally ornate public buildings, and traditional eateries serving round-the-clock tapas.
Formerly a royal hunting lodge owned by the kings of Castile, the Monastery of San Antonio el Real is yet another must-see Segovian gem.
Unlike in Seville, where remnants of Spain’s Muslim era are everywhere, Segovia has neither noteworthy mosques-turned-churches nor stately Moorish palaces.
However, this monastery does feature elements of Mudejar, an architectural style known for blending African and Iberian influences.
The Real-Life Snow White Castle
A stroll around Segovia’s Historic Center is like stepping into a life-sized storybook scene, but there’s nowhere more magical, or Disney-like (literally) than the Alcázar of Segovia:
A medieval castle perched on a prominent hill, topped with impressive conical towers, and surrounded by imposing ramparts, it is said to have inspired Walt Disney in his early drawings for a now-classic Snow White castle.
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Segovia fortress was built between the 1100s and 1200s, and to all our fellow History enthusiasts out there, it’s in the Homage tower where the Crown of Castile was stored.
These are the funds used to finance Christopher Columbus’s first expedition.
The best part? The castle doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to visit like some other European museums: a full adult ticket, granting access to the castle grounds, the permanent and temporary exhibits, and every opulent chamber in sight costs only €9 (or around $10.40).
Segovia Is One Of Spain’s Most Affordable Cultural Getaways
Since we’re talking prices, it’s a good time to mention that a trip to Segovia will hardly break the bank.
We get it, with the dollar slipping this year, especially against the euro, and Europe’s rising prices making on-the-ground costs feel wildly unpredictable. But in Segovia’s case, you can still get some serious bang for your buck.
Go to any local-frequented eatery in the outskirts of the Old Town, only some blocks away from Playa Mayor, and you’ll find daily lunch menus for around $14: these typically include a salad, a main meat-based dish, and a drink of your choice.
Eating for two at a mid-range restaurant, you should expect to pay around $44–50 per person.
As far as hotels go, regular 3-star listings average $75–134 per night, as seen on Booking.com. With an average rate of 8.6 out of 10, based on over 3,900 reviews, Hotel Real Segovia has double rooms starting from an acceptable $88.
Heading to Spain in the near future? Discover other affordable, just-as-incredible lesser-known gems here.
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