Segovia, Spain is like a fairy tale kingdom, isolated in the desert. Gazing at the historic town catapults you back in time, with its towering medieval walls, majestic castles that have inspired Disney, and ancient Roman remains.
The vast majority of tourists visit Segovia as a day trip from Madrid. But, there’s a lot you can do in Segovia. Fortunately, Segovia is relatively small, and you can explore it entirely by foot (my favorite form of travel).
But what’s the best walking route? Where do you go first?
Maybe you’re too compressed for time, too cheap, or too anti-social to join a tour (like me). Or maybe, like me, you simply love traveling by foot. Well, for all of you, here is a self-guided walking tour of Segovia!
Aqueduct of Segovia
Let’s commence our walking tour at the biggest attraction of all: the Aqueduct of Segovia.
Rising from the ground like the legs of a giant, the Aqueduct towers over you. Built by the Romans in 1 A.D., the arches served to supply and distribute water from the Frío River.
At its maximum height, the Aqueduct is 28.5 meters tall (which is like, 17.8 times my height… so just imagine it as 18 short-girls tall). The pillars and arches are made of huge, solid blocks of stone fitting together with little or no mortar, which is a bit disconcerting when you’re under it… but it is extremely safe, sturdy, and well maintained!
I suggest taking some time to admire the Aqueduct from all different angles. If you walk along the Aqueduct, you can find some stairs on one end, offering some amazing views of the town. From the other end, you can find some pretty isolated areas… the perfect time to capture some amazing, tourist-free pictures!
After you have sufficiently explored the Aqueduct, I suggest moving forward.
Head in the opposite direction of the McDonald’s and Burger King (which are literally across the street from these primeval, Roman ruins… awesome if you need wifi!) Across this street, you will discover an enchanting, cobble-stoned area, filled with various shops and restaurants.
I definitely recommend taking some time to simply explore the area! Have a bite to eat, or peruse the souvenir shops. This will also bring you in the direction of the next stop: Casa de los Picos.
Address: Plaza del Azoguejo, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain
Cost: Free
Casa de los Picos
After marveling at the Aqueduct of Segovia, you can proceed to the Casa de los Picos. Built in the 15th century, this building is a great Instagrammable location, as its wall features 617 granite points!
However, there’s not much to do, as it now houses an applied arts school. It is simply a great place to admire, and to take some great pictures 🙂
Address: Calle Juan Bravo, 33, 40001 Segovia, Spain
How to Get Here: From the Aqueducts of Segovia, head down Calle Cervantes (in the opposite direction of the McDonald’s and Burger King). Casa de Los Picos is 230 m away, which takes about 3 minutes to walk.
Cost: Free
Iglesia de San Martin
Next, you can continue to the Iglesia de San Martin, which translates to the San Martin Church.
Housed in the center of the Plaza de San Martin, this medieval church was constructed in the 12th century. And, as with most of Segovia’s architecture, the church is comprised of several influences that were added on over the years: Romanesque, Gothic, etc.
After appreciating the astounding architecture of the church, and/or simply lazing around the plaza and taking a mini-break, you can continue to the next location.
Address: Plaza San Martín, 8, 34440 Frómista, Palencia, Spain
How to Get Here: From the Casa de los Picos, head down Calle Juan Bravo (in the same direction you were heading before, i.e. away from the Aqueduct). Iglesia de San Martin is 230 m away, which takes about 3 minutes to walk.
Cost: Free
If you enjoyed this walking tour to Segovia and are planning to explore more of Spain, check out my 2-day Barcelona itinerary!
Catedral de Segovia
The Catedral de Segovia is an extremely impressive, tan-colored cathedral built in the mid-16th century. A Gothic-styled Roman Catholic cathedral, the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Within the plaza, there is ample space to circle and marvel at the cathedral from all angles. I further recommend exploring the inside of the cathedral as well. While it isn’t free, the views from the tower are spectacular, and the artwork inside is phenomenal.
Address: Calle Marqués del Arco, 1, 40001 Segovia, Spain
How to Get Here: From the Iglesia de San Martin, continue down Calle Juan Bravo, until you enter the Plaza Mayor. There, you will see the cathedral. The Catedral de Segovia is 350 m away, which takes about 5 minutes to walk.
Cost: 3 euros
Hours of Operation:
- From November to March: Everyday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- From April to October: Everyday from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Alcázar de Segovia
Next, you’ll proceed to the Alcázar of Segovia. The Alcázar is most-known for its distinctive, “bow of a ship” shape. Furthermore, it is rumored to have inspired Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World.
While it was first referenced in 1120, the Alcázar has history well before that. Built initially as a Roman fort, then covered with Muslim influence, several royals have since left their mark on it.
After exploring the plaza and gardens preceding the Alcázar, I strongly recommend entering the castle as well. While it does cost money, the return is phenomenal: breathtaking views, an educational experience, and incredible architecture.
Address: Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003 Segovia, Spain
How to Get Here: From the Catedral de Segovia, head down Calle Marqués del Arco, away from the Aqueduct. Continue onto Calle Daoiz, then head into the Plaza la Reina Victoria Eugenia. Here, you can admire the Monumento a los Héroes del 2 de Mayo, before heading to the Alcázar.
Overall, the Alcázar de Segovia is 650 m away, which takes about 8 minutes to walk.
Cost:
- Complete entrance ticket: 8 euros
- Palace and Museum: 5,50 euros
- Tower of Juan II: 2,50 euros
Hours of Operation:
- April 1 to October 31: from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- November 1 to March 31: from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Trails outside the Town’s Walls
While wandering the plaza surrounding the Alcázar de Segovia, I stumbled upon these trails by luck. Walking along the walls, I discovered steep stairs descending down to the base of the wall. And, being the Curious George that I am, I climbed down the steps, only to discover trails.
I rambled along the trail, only to be met with some glorious views.
While it is difficult for me to specify a specific route to take along these trails, I advise that you simply explore them yourselves. It is extremely difficult to get lost, with Segovia’s soaring views always prominent.
So, walk a while, enjoy the moment, enjoy the scenery, and exhaust yourself (I mean, it’s been a pretty easy walk so far). Without a doubt, it’s worth it; it was the highlight of my trip.
Address: To access the stairs: Near Ronda de Don Juan II, 30, 40003 Segovia, Spain
How to Get Here: Exit the Plaza la Reina Victoria Eugenia (i.e. the gated area that housed the Alcázar de Segovia). Turn to your right, heading down the Ronda de Don Juan II. There, you will find stairs accessing the trails.
Cost: Free
If you’re also thinking of visiting Munich, Germany, click here to read my self-guided Munich walking tour!
Judéria (Jewish Quarter)
Once you’re sated with the trails outside of the town, you can return into town around the Jewish Quarter.
Both charming and historic, the quiet, medieval Jewish Quarter is an endearing area to explore. This is a definitely a great addition to your self-guided walking tour.
Address: I recommend entering via the Puerta de San Andrés (
Cost: Free
La Muralla
While walking around Segovia, I advise finding some moments to walk along the wall. Here, you can get some of the greatest views.
Exploring on your Own
Finally, while I’ve provided some great ideas and paths for you to take while walking Segovia, I recommend going off on your own afterwards. Get lost, find some hidden alleyways and treasures; it’s one of my favorite parts of traveling.
In Conclusion,
Segovia is the ideal town to walk on your own (or, if you’re not as anti-social as I am, with your travel companions). It is small, compact, beautiful, and filled with a lot of secret places to explore.
So, I hope you’ll use this walking guide to experience Segovia, but also wander off on your own 🙂
Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.
Cheers,
If you enjoyed this walking guide to Segovia and are planning to explore more of Spain, check out my walking guide to Seville, Spain!
Enjoyed this walking guide? Want to read more? Click here to read my walking guide of Ottawa, Canada.
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