Segovia Spain 2025

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🧳 First Time Back in Segovia Spain After the COVID Pandemic

For the first time since the COVID pandemic, Rosalyn and I traveled again to the aqueduct of Segovia in Spain in June 2025. It was my third time visiting the city – Rosalyn had been there many more times. We spent two nights at Hotel Corregidor, conveniently located right next to the central bus station in Segovia. From there, it’s just a 2-minute walk to the hotel entrance.

Rosalyn had some official appointments to take care of in Segovia, and I – now a retired man with a flexible schedule – joined her on the trip. Originally, I told my daughter I planned to bring “at least two cameras”, maybe even a third (not counting the phone, which of course would have made it four). But things turned out differently: I had just bought a new travel camera – a Sony a6400 – and in the end, it was the only one I took with me. More on that in a future post.

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✈️ Getting to Segovia

Our trip started early Tuesday morning last week at around 7:00 AM with an Iberia flight from Hamburg Airport to Madrid. The Airbus A320 took us to Madrid-Barajas Airport, which handles around 60 million passengers per year, making it one of the largest airports in the world (for comparison: Amsterdam Schiphol ~67 million, London Heathrow ~80 million). It’s also a major hub for flights to Latin America. The flight was smooth and pleasant, as always.

From the airport, we continued by Metro to the Moncloa district of Madrid. There you’ll find a large underground bus terminal, where coaches depart regularly toward Segovia.

After a comfortable one-hour non-stop bus ride, we arrived at Segovia’s main bus station around noon and checked into Hotel Corregidor, located right across the street. Rosalyn’s official appointment was scheduled for the following day, so we had time for a relaxed afternoon walk through the beautiful city.

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☀️ Hot Weather – and New Clothes

The weather? Hot! Very hot! Around 35°C in the shade. I ended up buying a pair of shorts and a polo shirt locally. Fortunately, I had brought a hat, which is essential for me given my hairstyle – and the persistent Spanish sunshine. No hat means a burnt scalp!

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🏰 Segovia Spain – A Journey Through Stone and Time

Segovia, Spain feels like a city straight out of a fairy tale. Located just over an hour northwest of Madrid, it enchants visitors with its Roman heritage, medieval alleys, and breathtaking architecture. If you’re looking to combine history, culture, and great food in one destination, Segovia is a must.

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🌉 The Roman Aqueduct – Icon of Segovia

The city’s most iconic structure is undoubtedly the Roman aqueduct. Built in the 1st century AD, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of Roman engineering in the world. With over 160 arches and standing nearly 29 meters tall, it rises majestically into the sky – constructed without a single drop of mortar, held together only by the precision and weight of its stones.

The aqueduct carried fresh water from the Fuenfría spring, located about 17 km away in the Sierra de Guadarrama, into the heart of Segovia, supplying fountains, baths, and households across the city.

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🏯 The Alcázar – A Fairy-Tale Castle in Stone

At the western end of the old town sits the Alcázar of Segovia, perched dramatically on a rocky cliff. This castle, which resembles something from a knight’s tale, is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s design for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. With its towers, turrets, and stunning views over the Castilian countryside, the Alcázar is a must-see.

Inside, you’ll find grand halls, medieval armor, and a tower you can climb – with a panoramic view that makes the effort worthwhile.

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🏛️ Old Town & Cathedral – UNESCO World Heritage

Segovia’s old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and it’s easy to see why. Meandering streets, charming squares, cozy tapas bars, and historic buildings make every walk an adventure.

At its heart stands the Cathedral of Segovia, a late-Gothic masterpiece from the 16th century. Often called the “Lady of Cathedrals,” it’s one of the last great Gothic cathedrals built in Spain. A visit is highly recommended. There is a modest entrance fee:

• Adults: €4
• Reduced (seniors, students): €3
• Children under 8: Free

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🍽️ Food in Segovia – Suckling Pig & Local Delights

Segovia is famous for one dish above all: Cochinillo asado – roast suckling pig cooked in a wood-fired oven. It’s crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and traditionally carved with a plate at the table. We had it on our second evening – and it was absolutely delicious.

Other local specialties include:

• Judiones de La Granja – a hearty white bean stew
• Ponche Segoviano – a sweet marzipan and sponge cake dessert

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🗺️ How to Get to Segovia

Segovia is easy to reach, especially from Madrid:

• 🚄 Train: High-speed AVE train from Madrid Chamartín – approx. 30 minutes
• 🚌 Bus: Direct service from Moncloa – approx. 1 hour
• 🚗 Car: Via A-6/A-601 – approx. 90 km

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📷 Final Thoughts – Segovia: Spain’s Stone-Crafted Treasure

Whether as a day trip or part of a Castilian road trip, Segovia, Spain is a place that captures the imagination. Its unique blend of history, architecture, and vibrant local culture makes it a true highlight of any Spanish journey. The Roman aqueduct, the fairy-tale Alcázar, and the buzzing old town all come together to create an unforgettable travel experience.