Setenil de Las Bodegas: Best Things to do on a Day Trip 

The name of the city of Setenil de las Bodegas has its roots in the past. Scientists believe that the word “Setenil” comes from the expression “septem nihil”, which translates to “seven times without result.” That is how many attacks of the Romans the inhabitants of the city successfully repelled.

But the city isn’t just known for its history- it’s also famous for its wine. The perfect conditions for grape-growing, combined with centuries of experience, have resulted in some of the best wines in the area. And although the Christians were the first to plant vineyards here, the tradition of quality wine-making continues to this day. So whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a good bottle of wine, Setenil de las Bodegas is definitely worth a visit.

What’s to eat at Setenil de las Bodegas?

The town is famous for its meat products, and local cerdo and chorizo sausages made from pork are well known. Pork is very popular among the locals, and many piglets graze on the town’s hills. The town is also famous for its fragrant pastries. Delicious cookies baked by local chefs are a treat for visitors to Setenil de las Bodegas. The city’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea provides opportunities for fresh seafood. Setenil de las Bodegas is home to some of the best restaurants in Andalusia.

Best things to do in Setenil de Las Bodegas

Explore the village on foot

The village is best known for its cave dwellings since the Roman era. Setenil de las Bodegas is a popular tourist destination, and many visitors come to see the unique cave homes. However, there is much more to Setenil de las Bodegas than just cave dwellings. Take the time to explore the village. You will find narrow streets lined with colorful houses, charming courtyards, and friendly locals. There are also several Cave restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine. So if you’re ever in Setenil de las Bodegas, wander off the beaten path and explore all this charming village has to offer.

Setenil de las Bodegas history

According to one version of its history, the town’s name comes from the Latin word septem nihil, meaning “seven times nothing”. This refers to the Moorish city’s resistance to a Christian attack, which was allegedly captured only after seven sieges. This happened in the last years of the Christian Reconquista. Setenil finally fell to the Christians in 1484 when the Christian troops drove out the Moors. Using gunpowder artillery, it took the Christians fifteen days to capture the castle, the ruins of which today dominate the city. Setenil is a unique town in that many of its houses are built into caves in the cliffs overlooking the Río Trejo. These caves were once used as dwellings and places of refuge by the Moors. Today, they provide a cool respite from the heat of Andalusian summers.

“De la Bodegas” meaning

Setenil de las Bodegas is believed to be one of the oldest settlements in the area. Its name is thought to date back to the fifteenth century AD. There are two versions of the second part of the city’s name, “De la Bodegas.” One version says that this name was added to the city’s name after an increase in the number of vineyards destroyed by agricultural pests in 1860. The second version says that the second part of the city’s name is associated with huge pantries of wine under giant rocks that keep cool even on the hottest summer days.

Try local cuisine in a restaurant under the rock

Setenil is a popular tourist destination for its scenic views, Mediterranean atmosphere, and delicious local cuisine.
Sitting down at one of the restaurants underneath the rocks and enjoying a delicious meal is a must-do when visiting Setenil.

Setenil’s gastronomic specialty is the sopa cortijera, a soup made with wild asparagus, eggs, chorizo, bread and paprika. This nourishing dish is perfect for cold days and nights. Other local dishes include cold meats, pork dishes, asparagus revueltos (a type of omelet), and sweet potato with honey. If you’re ever in Setenil de las Bodegas, stop by one of the restaurants and enjoy some of these delicious local dishes.

Whether you’re looking to try something new or just want to enjoy some traditional Spanish cuisine, Setenil de las Bodegas is the perfect place to do it.

Setenil de las Bodega churches

The town is best known for its churches, built on top of old mosques after the town was reconquered by Christians in the 13th century.

Our Lady of the Incarnation

Of the three Setenil de las Bodegas churches, the church of Our Lady of the Incarnation is the most important. Our Lady of the Incarnation church is one of Setenil de las Bodegas’s iconic buildings. The church’s gothic architecture is a mix of Renaissance and Moorish influences. The all-white interior is punctuated by a statue of the crucifixion above the altar, dating from the 17th century.

Church of Saint Andrew

Setenil’s other church, the Church of Saint Andrew, is primarily Gothic in style with some Renaissance elements. The church was built in 1492 but wasn’t completed until 1619 due to financial difficulties. The altar is from the 17th century, and the rest of the church was built in the 19th century. The church is free to visit. Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique town worth visiting for its history and architecture.

The Arab Castle

The Arab Castle is a vestige of the Moorish occupation of Spain. The castle was built during the 12th century, at the height of the Almohad Caliphate. The Arab Castle from Setenil de las Bodegas was super difficult to conquer because it was built into the rocks, making it very hard to approach. The castle has a series of caves and tunnels, which were used as defensive measures against attackers. The current remains are a testimony to the engineering skills of the Arab builders. The Christians finally conquered the castle in 1484, and today it is a popular tourist attraction in Setenil de las Bodegas.

Where to stay in Setenil de las Bodegas

While there are no massive hotels in Setenil de las Bodegas, there are plenty of small bed and breakfasts or holiday homes available for accommodation. Staying in one of these cave houses is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Some of the cave houses even have Jacuzzis in the bathrooms, so you can relax after a day of exploring the village.