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Located in central Spain’s Castile and León region, the incredible city of Segovia is a can’t-miss stop for anyone visiting Spain. Thankfully, because it is just a short train ride or drive from the capital city of Madrid, it is easy to fit into most itineraries. And believe me, you definitely won’t regret spending time in this amazing city.

Renowned for its rich architectural legacy, Segovia is home to a staggering number of incredible historical structures. Not only is it home to the magnificent Roman aqueduct in Segovia (which spans over 800 meters), but the Alcázar of Segovia is so beautiful that it was one of the primary inspirations for the Walt Disney Castle.

An All-You-Need Segovia, Spain Travel Guide

When you step foot in this enchanting city, you will seduced by the medieval walls, the cobblestone streets, and the awe-inspiring charm of the city’s design. And with my comprehensive Segovia, Spain travel guide, you will have all the resources that you will need to plan a trip you will remember for a lifetime.

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At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Spain.

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Spain. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Spain. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements

To assist you in navigating the legal requirements for visiting Spain, I have included a link to my Spain Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements Guide below for you to review. 

This guide will give you all of the information that you will need to meet the VISA, passport, customs, and immunization requirements and recommendations for visiting Spain.

Travel Immunizations

Before you leave for your trip to Spain, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations.  Not only to protect yourself but to protect others.  If you have questions on what immunizations you will need and what to look out for when you go to get them, below are some general guidelines I can pass on to you from experience.

• Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
• Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
• Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you.  This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultant will be covered by your insurance up-front.
• Check with Walgreens or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them.  Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

Spain Immunization Recommendations

In case you are unsure of what travel vaccinations you might need, I have compiled a list below of some of what you might expect your physician to recommend.

• Hepatitis A & B (if you haven’t had them).
• Tetanus (if you aren’t current).
• Transderm SCōP Patch (for motion sickness) or at minimum Dramamine pills if you get motion sickness easily and you plan on getting out on the water or doing adventure activities.
• Flu Shot

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do in Segovia, Spain

Segovia is a historical and beautiful city with many incredible things to see and do. The city is renowned for not only its history and culture but also its friendly people. Whether you visit the city’s fairytale castle, the incredible Roman aqueduct, or just marvel at the city’s beauty, you won’t be disappointed.

If you are in the process of planning your trip and need to fill out your itinerary, I have included a list of my top things to see and do in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below.

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Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos

I highlight a couple of incredible viewpoints in this Segovia, Spain travel guide, but this one is my favorite. The Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos offers some of the most amazing views of Segovia, especially the Alcazár.

This is the spot where most of the spectacular shots of the Alcazár of Segovia were taken, so I suggest visiting the viewpoint to get your postcard shot. If you are interested in visiting, it is only a short 15-minute walk from the Alcázar and I have included a map for you to use below.

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Iglesia de la Vera Cruz

While this may not be an essential stop if you are short on time while in Segovia, the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz is worth a stop if you can fit it in. It is one of Spain’s prettier small churches and has an incredible history. Though official records list the church as being built in 1208, some say that the Templars built this quaint, beautiful church. Regardless, it is lovely to visit and offers spectacular views of Segovia.

Iglesia de San Millán

Located near the incredible Medina del Campo Square, the beautiful Iglesia de San Millán is a can’t-miss stop when visiting Segovia. The square itself is spectacular, with a blend of Roman and Renaissance-styled buildings and numerous monuments.

The square is also home to several incredible restaurants, so it is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner as well. As for the church, it is breathtaking I strongly recommend touring if you have the time. Built in the 11th century, it exemplifies the stunning Romanesque architecture of the era.

Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia Viewpoint

The second viewpoint that I strongly recommend visiting when in Segovia is the amazing Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia Viewpoint. From here, you get some of the most amazing views of the countryside surrounding Segovia, as well as the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz and the Monasterio del Parral. In addition, the plaza is also located within the Alcázar compound and has some breathtaking gardens to enjoy as well.

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Royal Palace Of La Granja De San Ildefonso

Near the top of your list of things to see while in Segovia should be the incredible Royal Palace Of La Granja De San Ildefonso. King Philip V fell in love with the area around Segovia and decided to commission this beautiful palace. He modeled it after some of the beautiful French-style palaces of his grandfather, Louis XIV.

The result is nothing short of amazing as its gardens, fountains, and statues are all breathtaking. The palace isn’t located in Segovia, so you will need to travel 15 minutes by car or tour bus to visit. However, it is well worth the time if you have the time to spare.

Segovia Cathedral

The stunning Segovia Cathedral is one of the destinations that you have to see, even if you are only passing through the city. Along with the Roman aqueduct and the Alcázar, the Cathedral is one of the landmarks that defines this amazing city. Luckily, they are all located close to one another, which makes touring these three iconic landmarks easy to do when you are short on time.

Built in the late Gothic style, the cathedral dates all the way back to the 16th century. Both inside and out, it is one of the most beautiful cathedrals that I toured in Spain and is definitely worth taking your time to explore. I strongly suggest visiting the abbey, which was moved from its original location stone by stone. An absolutely mind-bending endeavor.

Alcázar Of Segovia

There aren’t many structures in this world that have taken my breath away, but the Alcázar of Segovia is certainly one of them. This medieval fortress looks like it was lifted right out of a fairytale book. With that in mind, I guess it isn’t surprising that it was one of the structures that Walt Disney used as inspiration for the Disney Castle.

However, the Alcázar hasn’t just been used as a castle throughout its history. It has been a fortress, a royal palace, and even a prison at one point. When you visit this breathtaking place, you will be whisked back throughout history. The Royal Chambers are not to be missed as they are nothing short of spectacular. And don’t miss out on touring the tower. You will need to purchase a ticket, but it is well worth it for the views!

Roman Aqueduct of Segovia

While the city of Segovia has a wealth of impressive historical sites, none are quite as impressive as the amazing Roman aqueduct of Segovia. The 167 incredible arches of this structure are seen on more postcards of Segovia than anything else. After seeing it in person, you’ll understand why. At 92 feet tall and roughly 244 feet long, it is one of the most impressive Roman aqueducts to have survived until today.

These amazing engineering marvels use precise inclines to ensure water runs at the right speed from its source to the city it supplies with water. While this meticulous engineering is impressive, what is even more impressive is that Segovia’s Roman aqueduct continued to function all the way up until the 19th century. And even more impressive than that is that the whole structure contains no mortar to hold it together. That’s right, it is just balance and balance alone, that keeps this incredible engineering marvel upright.

Loba Capitolina

If you are familiar with the fabel on the founding of the city of Rome in Italy, then the Loba Capitolina statue will look familiar to you. According to legend, the city was founded by a pair of boys named Romulus and Remus, who were raised by wolves.

The statue depicts the boys suckling on a wolf and is a replica of the original statue in the city of Rome. The statue in Segovia is located near the Roman aqueduct to show the importance of the Roman influence in the founding of the city.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Segovia

Why limit yourself to enjoying the beauty of Segovia from the ground when you can see it from the air. One of the best ways to take in this stunning place is from a hot air balloon ride over the city. If this sounds great to you, then you are in luck. Several different tour operators offer rides daily. For more information, please check out the Recommended Tours in Segovia, Spain section of this guide below.

How to Get to Segovia, Spain

If you are traveling to Segovia from outside of Spain, the quickest way to get to the city is undoubtedly to fly into either the Madrid-Cuatro Vientos Airport (MCV/LECU) or Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD/LEMD) in Madrid. From Madrid, the city of Segovia is only a short train ride or drive away.

For those who are planning an extended tour of Spain and will be visiting Segovia from one of the other amazing cities within the country, Spain has an extensive rail system and incredible roadways that you can use to get around.

If you are starting to plan your trip and would like more information, I have included a map and table in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below that outlines the travel times to Segovia from various cities in Spain.

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Travel Time to Segovia by Train and By Car

City	By Train (fastest)	By Car
Madrid	0hr 50min	1hr 05min
Zaragoza	2hr 35min	4hr 05min
Valencia	2hr 50min	4hr 30min
Córdoba	3hr 30min	5hr 00min
Barcelona	4hr 00min	7hr 05min
Murcia	4hr 00min	4hr 45min
Seville	4hr 20min	6hr 00min
Málaga	4hr 20min	6hr 15min
Bilbao	4hr 30min	3hr 45min
Granada	5hr 20min	5hr 05min
Gibraltar	7hr 30min *	7hr 30min

* Travel from Gibraltar by train also requires the use of bus routes

Traveling by Car in Spain

If you are planning on renting a car to get around while you are visiting Spain, there are some things that you will need to know before you arrive. To help you prepare for your trip to Segovia, I have included some valuable driving tips for visitors in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below.

To drive in Spain, you will need to carry your valid primary driver’s license as well as an international driving permit (IDP). There are also several pieces of safety gear that you are required or recommended to have with you in the car at all times. For an overview of the required licenses and gear that you will need to have, please see the list I have included below.

Required Equipment for Driving in Spain

• Driver’s license and IDP (required)
• Insurance documents (required)
• Car title or rental documents (required)
• Fluorescent jacket for all occupants (required)
• Two warning triangles (required)
• An extra pair of glasses, if you wear them (required)
• Fire extinguisher (recommended)
• First-aid kit (recommended)

In addition to the necessary permits and gear, there are also several driving regulations that you will need to be aware of while driving in Spain. These regulations include the following:

Seat Belts

Passengers in the front and back seats are required to wear seat belts at all times.

Driving Age

In Spain, you must be 18 years old to drive a car and 21 years old to rent a car. Even if you have a valid driver’s license from the United States, you won’t be able to drive in Spain unless you are 18 years of age or older.

Alcohol Consumption

The legal limit for blood alcohol to drive in Spain is 0.05 percent or 0.25 milligrams per liter in exhaled air. You will want to pay extra care to obey this law as the penalties for drunk driving in Spain are very severe.

Cell Phone Usage

The use of cell phones while driving, unless you are using a hands-free system without headphones, is strictly prohibited. You are also not allowed to use screen-based navigation systems while driving in Spain.

Parking

In residential areas, avoid parking next to a yellow line or your vehicle will be towed.

Fuel

In Spain, leaded gasoline is called Super or Super 68, unleaded gasoline is called “sin plomo 98” or “Eurosuper 95”, and diesel is called “gasoleo”.

Moving Violations and Tickets

Unless you have a residence in Spain, you will likely be asked to pay all fines and tickets immediately upon receipt while visiting Spain.

Children

All children under 10 years of age or less than 4 feet, 5.5 inches (135 centimeters) must ride in a car seat.

Emergencies

Dial 112 from anywhere in Europe to be put in touch with Emergency services.

When driving in Spain, you will want to always be aware of the speed limit, even when you don’t see a posting. As a general rule of thumb, the speed limit for roads in Spain can be summarized as follows (unless marked otherwise):

Speed Limit Guidelines in Spain

• Expressways and major highways – 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour)
• Other roads – 56 miles per hour (90 kilometers per hour)
• Urban areas – 31 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour)
• Residential areas – 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour)

Traveling by Train in Spain

If you do not wish to rent a car while visiting Spain, the other popular mode of transportation with tourists is to use Spain’s incredible rail system. The rail network in Spain, and throughout Europe, is quite extensive, so you can get to most places by train if you want to. If you are thinking about using the rail system, I have included some tips for you to review in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below.

Tips for Using the Rail System in Spain

• If you plan on taking three or more long train rides while in Spain, then a rail pass is likely to save you money. Otherwise, you are probably better off just buying your train tickets without a rail pass.
• The two rail pass options you can purchase are the Spain Eurail Pass (good for use just in Spain) and the Eurail Global Pass (good for use in 33 countries).
• Rail passes for Spain cover all travel on trains run by Renfe, Spain’s national railway.
• Many train routes require a paid reservation, which must be paid even if you have a rail pass. This is why it may not make sense to purchase a rail pass if you aren’t planning on taking many longer, expensive rides.
• Rick Steves has a great article on whether it makes sense for you to get a rail pass for your trip to Spain that I would recommend reviewing.
• When purchasing rail tickets, purchasing a round-trip ticket instead of two one-way fares can save you up to 20% of the cost.
• Advanced purchase discounts for AVE trains are available about 60 days ahead of departure, so purchasing your tickets well in advance can save you money as well.

Best Times to Visit Segovia, Spain

One of the most important decisions you must make when planning your trip to Segovia is when to visit. Like most places, certain times of year are better than others. To help you decide what time of year to plan your trip, I have included some important annual weather information for you to review in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below.

Average Temperature (°F)

One of the most important factors that you will need to consider when deciding when to visit is the temperature. You may be surprised to know that the winter temperatures in Segovia can dip below freezing. That’s right, snow is not unheard of in the Segovia area.

While temperatures can get hot during the summer, it typically isn’t unbearably hot. The Spring and Autumn months in Segovia are typically very mild, but it can get very chilly in the evenings.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

The Segovia, Spain area doesn’t usually get a lot of rainfall throughout the year, and what it does get is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The driest time of year is typically in the late summer between July and August. In the wintertime, it can get quite chilly, so snow isn’t unheard of in Segovia.

Best Times to Visit Segovia, Spain

The winter months in Segovia are typically cold, so I would avoid visiting during the winter. It will be much less enjoyable to walk throughout the city and enjoy its beauty. In fact, I would avoid the months of November through April, as these are the months when the weather is typically not ideal.

Although it doesn’t get too hot in the summer, the months of June through September are the busiest months of the year in Segovia. This is especially true during July and August, which is the peak tourism season. Unless you are ok with paying more for accommodations and other services, I would avoid the peak summer months as well.

The ideal months to visit Segovia, Spain are the shoulder months of May and October. During these months the weather is reasonably nice and you will find the best deals on travel as it isn’t the peak tourism season for Segovia.

Where to Stay in Segovia, Spain

An important decision you need to make when planning your trip to Segovia is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip.

So, not only do you need to be comfortable, but you need to be able to afford to stay there.  Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price. 

If you are starting to plan your trip to Segovia, you may be looking for some hotel and hostel suggestions. I included some great options at different price points in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

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Where to Eat in Segovia, Spain

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do. What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there.

Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive. However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well.

This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret. To help you decide on some restaurants in Segovia to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below.

Recommended Tours in Segovia, Spain

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Segovia area and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my Segovia, Spain travel guide below.

Segovia, Spain Photo Gallery

The city of Segovia is so full of history and culture that you will be hit with sensory overload when you visit. It seems like there is something spectacular to photograph around every corner. I certainly loved getting to visit and photograph this beautiful place. If you would like to see some of my favorite photos of Segovia, I have included a gallery in my Segovia, Spain travel guide for you to review below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram. Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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