Segovia in 5 days

A Roman aqueduct, a fairytale alcázar and the best roast suckling pig in Spain, 30 minutes from Madrid. Best time to visit: April-June, September-October. Average daily budget: $90 to $180 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Casco Antiguo, The walled old town between aqueduct and Alcázar, with the Plaza Mayor and cathedral at its centre.

Morning: Stand under the Roman Aqueduct. 166 arches of unmortared granite in Plaza del Azoguejo, still the entrance to the city.

Afternoon: Explore Casco Antiguo, The walled old town between aqueduct and Alcázar, with the Plaza Mayor and cathedral at its centre.

Evening: Tour the Alcázar. The clifftop castle with painted Mudéjar ceilings, an armoury and a tower climb over the valley.

Eat: Cochinillo asado, the city's defining dish

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Judería, The old Jewish quarter of narrow lanes, with a museum and views over the valley.

Morning: Visit Segovia Cathedral. The last great Gothic cathedral built in Spain, nicknamed the Lady of Cathedrals.

Afternoon: Explore Judería, The old Jewish quarter of narrow lanes, with a museum and views over the valley.

Evening: Eat cochinillo asado. Roast suckling pig, traditionally carved with the edge of a plate at Mesón de Cándido or José María.

Eat: Judiones de La Granja, big buttery beans stewed with pork

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: San Millán & Azoguejo, Around the aqueduct, with the bus station, cheaper hotels and busy tapas bars.

Morning: Walk to Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos. The meadow below the castle for the full ship-prow profile.

Afternoon: Explore San Millán & Azoguejo, Around the aqueduct, with the bus station, cheaper hotels and busy tapas bars.

Evening: Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, a 13th-century Templar-linked round church outside the walls.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Ponche segoviano, a marzipan-topped custard cake

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: San Lorenzo & the valley, Below the walls, where locals live and the classic Alcázar viewpoints are found.

Morning: La Granja de San Ildefonso, a baroque royal palace with musical fountains, 20 minutes away.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore San Lorenzo & the valley, Below the walls, where locals live and the classic Alcázar viewpoints are found.

Evening: The Casa-Museo Antonio Machado, the poet's spartan lodgings.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Ribera del Duero reds from an hour north

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Casco Antiguo, The walled old town between aqueduct and Alcázar, with the Plaza Mayor and cathedral at its centre.

Morning: The walk along the city walls at Puerta de San Andrés.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Casco Antiguo, The walled old town between aqueduct and Alcázar, with the Plaza Mayor and cathedral at its centre.

Evening: Dinner at Cochinillo asado, the city's defining dish, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Casco Antiguo.

Eat: Cochinillo asado, the city's defining dish

Hidden gems

Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, a 13th-century Templar-linked round church outside the walls.
La Granja de San Ildefonso, a baroque royal palace with musical fountains, 20 minutes away.
The Casa-Museo Antonio Machado, the poet's spartan lodgings.
The walk along the city walls at Puerta de San Andrés.

Getting around

The old town is compact and walkable but uphill from the aqueduct; local bus 11 links the AVE station with the centre. High-speed trains from Madrid Chamartín take 27 minutes for roughly $15, and Avanza buses from Moncloa take 75 minutes for around $6. Ávila is an hour away by bus, making a two-city day possible.

Safety

Segovia is very safe, with minimal crime beyond peak-season pickpocketing at the aqueduct. Winters are cold and windy at 1,000 metres altitude, and summer afternoons are hot with little shade on the climb. Cobbles are uneven and the Alcázar tower has 152 tight spiral steps.

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