Segovia

Day 1: Aqueduct icons and old-town panoramas

Ease into Segovia through its Roman heart and the spine of the historic centre. Today focuses on classic viewpoints, gentle climbs, and getting your bearings on the city’s slopes and stone.

• Morning: Be at Plaza del Azoguejo for the quiet, golden first light on the aqueduct; climb the steps to the Postigo del Consuelo for the elevated arches and skyline. Follow the aqueduct’s course along Calle Almira and Calle de los Cañuelos to appreciate its urban thread, detouring to the Jardín de Fromkes/Mirador de la Canaleja for a “framed” view. Tip: park at the car park by the bus station on Paseo de Ezequiel González and walk up; cobbles can be slick after rain or frost in winter.
• Midday: Lunch near the aqueduct and nip up Cuesta de San Juan to the playful devil selfie statue, a nod to the local legend. As you climb the old town via Calle Real, look for new “City of Viewpoints” signs with QR codes that unpack what you’re seeing.
• Afternoon: Visit the cathedral and then take the leisurely Paseo del Salón de Isabel II along the walls for vast southern views over the Clamores valley. If you’ve energy, step onto the accessible adarve by Puerta de San Andrés for layered perspectives over the Jewish Quarter and the cathedral.
• Evening: Return to the aqueduct for blue hour when illumination transforms the stone (in low season, full lighting may be weekends only). Tripods are fine outdoors; wrap up warm as temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets.

Day 2: Alcázar viewpoints and river-valley contrasts

Shift to fortress drama and “from below” perspectives that show how the city clings to its rocky spur. Expect short but steep descents and climbs; proper footwear is essential.

• Morning: Tour the Alcázar, then climb the Torre de Juan II (152 steps; small supplement) for a 360° panorama—trace the aqueduct line, cathedral tower and, on clear winter days, the snow-dusted Sierra de Guadarrama and the La Mujer Muerta silhouette. Early slots are quieter and cooler in summer.
• Midday: Walk down to the Pradera de San Marcos for the definitive fairytale profile of the Alcázar; it’s ideal for a picnic and family downtime. Pop across to the nearby church of Vera Cruz for another crisp angle before the light swings.
• Afternoon: Take the Senda de los Molinos along the Eresma, then link to the Valle del Clamores Trail beneath the walls to admire the Hanging Houses and city defences from below (allow 1.5–2 hours at an easy pace). Climb back up by San Andrés to close the loop; pause for wall-top views if legs allow.
• Evening: Catch sunset at the quieter Mirador del Último Pino—superb warm light on the castle and cathedral. Stay into blue hour for the illuminated fortress; bring a torch for the walk back and mind uneven paths.

Day 3: Grand panoramas beyond the centre

Finish with wide-angle perspectives that reveal the whole “ship’s prow” of Segovia on its ridge. This day strings together outlying miradores and a celebratory skyline drink.

• Morning: For a splurge, take a sunrise hot-air balloon for unmatched aerial views; otherwise hike to the Mirador del Alcázar y los Dos Valles via the Cuesta de los Hoyos (12–20 minutes uphill) for a sweeping take over both river valleys. Best in golden hour; carry layers and grippy shoes.
• Midday: Continue to Zamarramala for the most complete ensemble view of city, cathedral and Alcázar; there’s a small hermitage and plenty of sky. Telephoto lenses shine here; in summer, avoid the midday heat and carry water.
• Afternoon: Taxi to the Parador de Segovia terrace and order a coffee or drink (customary) while you absorb the all-in-one skyline—aqueduct, cathedral and Alcázar aligned on the spur. On the way back, pause at the Mirador del Cementerio for a tranquil, bench-lined lookout; winter air often brings the crispest long-range views.
• Evening: Revisit your favourite mirador for a final sunset—Pradera de San Marcos for castle glow, or the aqueduct for night lighting. Check seasonal illumination hours; on shoulder-season weekdays lights may be reduced, making blue hour timing even more valuable.

By Air

• Madrid–Barajas (Adolfo Suárez) (MAD) is the nearest major airport (about 105 km; ~1–1¼ hrs by car).
  • To Segovia by public transport: Cercanías from T4 (C-1/C-10) to Madrid Chamartín–Clara Campoamor (~15–20 mins), then high-speed train to Segovia-Guiomar (~27–35 mins). Typical total journey 1¼–1¾ hrs including transfers.
• Valladolid (VLL) is about 120–125 km (~1¼ hrs by car). Limited flights; onward travel usually via Valladolid-Campo Grande station to Segovia-Guiomar (~35–55 mins by high-speed/Alvia services).
• Salamanca (SLM) is about 160 km (~1¾ hrs by car). Public transport usually via Salamanca station to Valladolid, then to Segovia.

By Train

• Main station: Segovia-Guiomar (high-speed, ~5–6 km from the old town).
• From Madrid (Chamartín–Clara Campoamor): AVE/AVANT trains to Segovia-Guiomar in ~27–35 mins; very frequent throughout the day.
• From Valladolid (Campo Grande): ~35–55 mins on AVE/Alvia/AVANT services.
• From other major cities: Barcelona and Andalusian cities typically require a change in Madrid or Valladolid.
• Into the centre: city buses run from Segovia-Guiomar to the Aqueduct/old town (every ~15–20 mins; ~10–15 mins’ ride) and taxis take ~10 mins.

By Bus

• Main bus station: Estación de Autobuses de Segovia (Paseo de Ezequiel González), ~10 minutes’ walk to the Aqueduct.
• Madrid–Segovia: very frequent services from Madrid Moncloa Intercambiador; typical journey 1 hr 15 mins–1 hr 30 mins (route and traffic dependent).
• Regional links: direct/regular buses from Ávila (~1 hr–1½ hrs) and Valladolid (~1½–2 hrs); services from other Castile and León towns operate with varying frequency.

By Car

• From Madrid: A-6 then AP-6/AP-61 (toll sections) to Segovia (~1–1¼ hrs), or toll-free via A-6 and N-603 (slower).
• From Valladolid: A-601 south to Segovia (~1¼ hrs).
• From Ávila: N-110 (~1 hr).
• Parking: several central car parks serve the old town; avoid driving into the historic core due to restrictions and narrow streets.