Must-See Places in the Serranía de Cuenca

Source of the Cuervo River

Designated a Natural Monument in 1999 and covering an area of more than 1,700 hectares, this well-known spring is a travertine spring of great beauty that rises at an elevation of about 1,470 meters above sea level, where the water gushes forth and flows down enormous stalactites of moss-covered limestone, forming long cascades that freeze in winter and create a beautiful scene.

At the source of the Cuervo River, the water, vegetation, rocks, and wildlife all come together in a rich, lush ecosystem teeming with life that will awaken all your senses.

This site is located on the Muela de San Felipe. Here, limestone formations meet the water; although there are periods of low rainfall, the area receives significant precipitation throughout the year.

Here, the water filters, circulates, and flows through the rock’s various cavities and galleries until it reaches several springs, of which this source is the most important. The water becomes enriched with carbonates during this underground circulation, and when it emerges, it deposits them, giving rise in some cases to formations as spectacular as the famous waterfalls themselves.

Enchanted City

La Ciudad Encantada, located in the hamlet of Valdecabras, right in the heart of the Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park and surrounded by majestic pine forests, is one of the most impressive natural destinations in the province of Cuenca.

This site is famous for its unique rock formations, sculpted over the centuries by the action of water, wind, and ice. Upon entering this site, visitors can marvel at the peculiar rock formations that spark the imagination, some of which resemble humans, objects, or animals.

The surrounding flora is diverse, featuring pines, blackthorns, junipers, and hawthorns that contribute to its natural beauty. Alpine orogenesis during the Cretaceous period caused the sea to recede, exposing the limestone seabed that eventually rose to the surface. Over millions of years, erosion caused by water, wind, and ice shaped this place into a truly unique enclave.
The Enchanted City, located at an altitude of 1,500 meters in a breathtaking setting of pine forests, is currently part of the Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park, just 28 kilometers from the city of Cuenca.

A marked trail guides visitors through the various rock formations, each with its own name, such as “los Barcos,” “el Perro,” “el Mar de Piedra,” “Puente Romano,” “la Foca,” “los Osos,” “el Tobogán,” “los Amantes de Teruel,” “los Hongos,” “el Convento,” and “la Tortuga.”

El Hosquillo Experimental Hunting Reserve

The El Hosquillo Experimental Hunting Reserve, as it is known, is a place where wildlife and spectacular scenery come together in perfect harmony. This nearly 1,000-hectare sanctuary is nestled among the rugged mountain ranges of Los Barrancos, Pajarejo, and Cerro Gordo, where the Escabas River and the Arroyo de las Truchas stream wind through deep, narrow gorges.

The name “El Hosquillo” already hints at the rugged and hard-to-reach nature that characterizes this area, but it is precisely this inaccessibility that has allowed for the preservation of abundant biodiversity.

Here, wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy direct contact with animals such as deer, roe deer, mountain goats, fallow deer, and wild boars that roam in relative freedom throughout the park.

The El Hosquillo Experimental Hunting Park is not only a place for recreation but also a natural laboratory dedicated to the research and conservation of various wildlife species. In addition to the game species mentioned, the park is home to two endangered species: the Iberian wolf and the brown bear, which take refuge in the rocky cliffs of the “Rincón del Buitre.”

Visitors can explore this natural paradise along marked trails that offer spectacular viewpoints for observing the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area. You can admire golden eagles, peregrine falcons, griffon vultures, and eagle owls.

In addition to the wildlife, the park features an Interpretation Center and a Hunting Museum that provide valuable information about the area’s biodiversity and the importance of conservation.

To visit El Hosquillo, you must make a reservation in advance through its official website. During August and September, visits take place from Thursday through Sunday. The park is located approximately 45 kilometers from Cuenca and is accessible via Highway N-320.

The Alleys of Las Majadas

Hidden away in the rugged town of Las Majadas is a spectacular spot that will transport you to a world of astonishing rock formations. This magical corner is a testament to the natural beauty that erosion and the forces of nature can sculpt over millions of years.

The Callejones de Las Majadas are known for their intricate labyrinth of bridges, arches, and passages that wind through a sea of stone. These rock formations, sculpted over time by the action of water and wind, create a fascinating pattern that immerses you in an almost surreal landscape.