Parking in Setenil de las Bodegas: Where to Park (Free & Paid Options)

Setenil de las Bodegas isn't laid out like your typical city.

It's the reason so many people visit, but it's also why parking can be a real pain, especially during tourist season.

You should also know that, no matter where you park, you're in for a walk, but knowing what's available might save you some time circling the winding streets.

Although one of the car parks below does have a regular shuttle, we usually advise dropping anyone off at Calle Cueva del Sol who wants to avoid a +-10 minute walk.

Staying Overnight in Setenil

Most people visit Setenil as a day trip, but if you have the time, staying the night is worth it. The village empties out by late afternoon, and you'll have the cave streets almost to yourself in the evening and early morning.

There are a handful of charming small hotels and casas rurales in Setenil, many of them built right into the rock. They fill up fast on weekends, so book ahead if you're visiting between April and October.

If Setenil is fully booked, Ronda is only 20 minutes away and has a much wider range of places to stay. The Parador de Ronda is the iconic choice, perched right on the edge of the gorge. For something more affordable, Catalonia Ronda has great views from its rooftop terrace, and Hotel Montelirio is a beautiful boutique hotel on the cliff edge. You can read our full where to stay in Ronda guide for more options.

Park near Calle Cuevas del Sol

What you really need to know is that the main walk, the "ruta de las Calles-Cueva", starts at the entrance to Calle Cuevas del Sol.

You should also be able to tell by the pictures above that this is not a street you want to go down.

The walk starts and ends here, so park nearby if possible.

The problem is that you can't park on this street, and the nearest options on either side are about a 10-minute walk.

Don't be fooled by the parking spots in the map that look like they are right across the street. These are residential, and the roads are tiny.

The Best Parking Spots

If you're in tourist mode and want the most fun, then park at the same place the buses do just outside Restaurante El Almendral.

It's the furthest parking spot, but thereis a cute "train" that runs back and forth, so you don't need to walk at all. Plus, it's fun.

But if you're like me and want to just park close and pay nothing, you can try looking for a spot on Paseo Federico Garcia Lorca. Just beware, if you don't find one, you're now committed to the road, and it's easy to get stuck on it all the way to the top.

The Bus Parking

If it's your first time, and especially if you don't like tight streets and tighter parking spaces, park here to avoid the tight streets.

This is a normal car park as well as where the buses stop.

It's a good 15-20 minute walk from the entrance to Cuevas del Sol street, but there is a shuttle that goes back and forth, so you don't have to walk if you don't want to.

That said, the walk is mostly flat, and there is the Setenil sign on one of the chairs along the way, which is a great photo spot.

From here, take the flight of steps off Calle San Sebastian down towards Calle Cadiz. The walk back up is steeper, but manageable.

The New Public Parking Lot( Los Canos )

The Los Canos parking lot is really nice, if not a little ugly when viewed from one of the viewpoints.

It's paid, and it's also at the other end of the city, which means you'll need to do the walking route from the middle, but other than that, it's a great choice.

Park here if you want to walk around stress-free about the safety of your belongings(although there is nothing to worry about here).

It's currently 8 euros a day and is open 24/7 in case you choose to stay at one of the amazing hotels.

Paseo Federico García Lorca

This is the main road as you come into the town, and there are about 20 parking spaces dotted along it.

If you're early, then this is always worth a try.

Just remember it's only available on weekends. During the week from 8-5, your car could get towed here.

The Open Land Spot

About a 12-minute walk to the caves is Calle Camili Jose Cela, where you'll find an open lot where you can park.

It's two streets away and a short walk up the hill, but when the other lots are taken, this one usually has space.

I would rather park at Los Canos than here, though, because this is more out of the way than the rest of the spots.

Tips

Take the Blue train

The shuttle from the farthest parking spot looks like a train.

It not only saves you the 15-minute walk, but it's also fun.

There are tuk-tuks inside the caves

If you're with someone who struggles to walk, but who really wants to see it all, don't fret.

Halfway down the Calle Cuevas del Sol, you will find tuk-tuks that take four people at a time.

There is only one steep part of the walk, and these will take you up it for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much is Paid Parking

The only official public parking is at Los Canos, and the price is 9.6 Euros per day or 1.8 Euros per hour.

There is another paid parking space by the college, but pricing is informal and can change at any time.

Final Thoughts

Decoding Setenil de las Bodegas parking can be a bit of a puzzle, but with a little strategy (and maybe a backup plan), it's totally manageable.

If you're confident, then it's entirely possible to find a parking spot in one of the streets close to the main caves, but we don't recommend it.

We usually park at the bus parking lot 15 minutes away or at the public paid parking, just to save time.

Now, go enjoy those tapas under the cliffs! And don't be shy about spending one day in nearby Ronda either!