Cuenca, the capital of the province of Cuenca, is located exactly between Madrid and Valencia. It is 165 kilometres in both directions). The city of Cuenca was built on the top of a cliff above the rivers Huécar and Júcar.

Cuenca is divided into two parts: the historic city centre, which is located on the mountain, and the newer part below the mountain. In the new part of the city, there are numerous inexpensive hostels, guesthouses and shops. In the Posada los Tintos, for example, you pay €35 for a double room per night. It is spartanly furnished but clean.

To get to the historic town centre on foot, you have to walk up a steep street. However, you can also drive all the way up by car and park there conveniently.

When you cross the San Pablo Bridge, you have the best view of the Casas Colgadas, the "hanging houses", which were literally built into the rocks.

The Plaza Mayor leads to the San Pablo Bridge. Plaza Mayor is also very pretty and very touristy. The cathedral has Gothic and Renaissance elements and is well worth a visit.

The most fascinating attraction in the province of Cuenca is Ciudad Encantada (the enchanted city). Ciudad Encantada is located around 25 kilometres north-east of the city of Cuenca. It is not actually a town at all, but a collection of rock formations that have been created by weather and water over time. It is like a large park. After paying an entrance fee of €3, you can enjoy a relaxing walk of one and a half to two hours through magnificent surroundings.

Many of the rock formations are named after what they look like.

Pictures: Cover picture, view of the city of Cuenca

Photo 2 and 3, Casas Colgadas, the "hanging houses"

Photo 4 El Hombre (The Man)

Photo 5 Los Osos (The Bears

Photo 6 Puente Romano (Roman Bridge)

Photo 7 Las Barcas (The boats)