Crisp mornings, golden light, and fewer crowds — autumn is the perfect season to explore beyond Segovia’s city walls. If you’re a student settling in for the semester, don’t spend every weekend buried in notes. Grab a jacket, your camera, and maybe a travel buddy — these day trips are quick, affordable, and guaranteed to recharge your brain.

Cuéllar: Castles and Medieval Charm

• Travel time: About 50 minutes by bus or car
  
• Why go: Cuéllar is a small town that feels like a time capsule from Spain’s medieval past. Its star attraction is the Castillo de los Duques de Alburquerque, a fortress that has stood since the 13th century. You can explore its thick stone walls, climb up to the battlements for sweeping views of pine forests, and wander through rooms filled with tapestries, antique furniture, and stories of noble families who once ruled the area.
  
• Hidden gems: Beyond the castle, Cuéllar is famous for its Mudéjar architecture, blending Christian and Moorish styles. Stroll through the historic quarter and you’ll spot red brick churches, old convents, and quiet plazas perfect for an autumn coffee stop. If you’re into legends, ask locals about the tales of secret tunnels connecting the castle to nearby monasteries.
  
• Festivals and events: If your visit lines up with September’s Fiestas de los Encierros, you’ll see one of Spain’s oldest running-of-the-bulls traditions (dating back to 1215!). There are also medieval markets, concerts, and theater performances held inside the castle walls throughout the year.

Our tip: Visit during one of their medieval fairs or book a guided tour for an insider look at secret passageways.

El Espinar: Forest Walks & Mountain Air

• Travel time: 35 minutes by car, 1 hour by bus
  
• Why visit: Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, El Espinar is perfect if you’re craving pine-scented air and a break from city life. It’s known for its traditional houses, peaceful squares, and a slower rhythm that makes a great weekend escape.
  
• Wildlife highlight: El Espinar is famous for its stork colonies. From spring to late summer, dozens of white storks nest on church towers, rooftops, and even lampposts. Bring a camera or binoculars — watching these birds glide over tiled roofs is a real treat.
  
• Outdoor fun: The surrounding forests and trails are ideal for hiking or cycling. Popular routes include gentle walks through pine woods or more challenging climbs up to viewpoints overlooking Segovia’s plains. In winter, the nearby Puerto de Navacerrada offers snowshoeing and skiing.
  
• Cultural gems: Stop by the Church of San Eutropio, a lovely mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, or browse small artisan shops selling local honey, cheese, and hand-carved wood crafts. Cafés on Plaza de la Constitución serve great tapas — perfect for a post-hike snack.

Our tip: Pack layers. Mornings can feel like winter while afternoons still carry a hint of summer.

Ribera del Duero: A Sip of Spanish Wine Country

• Travel time: Around 1 hour by car
  
• Why go: If you’re studying in Segovia and want to explore beyond the city walls, the Ribera del Duero is an unforgettable escape. Just an hour’s drive from Segovia, this region stretches along the Duero River and is one of Spain’s most celebrated wine areas — but it’s not only for wine lovers. History, food, and nature make it an excellent spot for a relaxed day or weekend away.

A Little History (and a Lot of Wine)

The Ribera del Duero has been producing wine since Roman times, but it rose to fame in the 1980s with the creation of its Denominación de Origen (DO). Today, its deep reds — mainly from the Tempranillo grape — are world-famous. Many vineyards offer tours where you can see how wine is made, walk through cool underground cellars, and (if you’re over 18!) enjoy a tasting.

Our tips: Even if you don’t drink, visiting a bodega is still worth it for the history, architecture, and the chance to see traditional wine caves carved into hillsides.

Towns Worth Stopping For

• Peñafiel: The star attraction here is its hilltop castle, which houses the Provincial Wine Museum. The view from the ramparts over endless vineyards is stunning.
  
• Aranda de Duero: A lively town with medieval wine cellars beneath its streets. Perfect for a casual lunch of roasted lamb or tapas.
  
• Valbuena de Duero & Pesquera de Duero: Smaller villages surrounded by vines, great for a quiet walk and a coffee in a traditional bar.

Foodie Highlights

Ribera del Duero isn’t just about wine — the food is amazing, too. Local dishes include:

• Lechazo asado (roast suckling lamb), slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven.
  
• Artisan cheeses and fresh bread.
  
• Seasonal treats like roasted peppers and wild mushrooms.
  

Vegetarians will find plenty of hearty options like veggie stews, tortilla, and salads made with fresh produce.

Scenic Routes and Outdoor Fun

Beyond its vineyards, Ribera del Duero offers beautiful river landscapes and quiet country roads:

• Walk or cycle along paths by the Duero River.
  
• Take photos of ancient stone bridges and rolling hills dotted with vines.
  
• In summer, rent a kayak or enjoy a picnic by the water.

How to Get There from Segovia

• By car: About 60–75 minutes via the A-601 and A-11.
  
• By bus: Some buses connect Segovia to Peñafiel or Aranda de Duero, though schedules are limited — check in advance.

Make It a Day (or a Weekend)

Spend a relaxed morning touring a winery, have lunch in Aranda de Duero, and finish with sunset photos from Peñafiel Castle. If you stay overnight, many rural hotels offer affordable rooms with vineyard views.

Our tip: Book in advance — autumn is harvest season and spaces fill up fast.

Pedraza: Timeless Streets and Candlelit Vibes

• Travel time: 40 minutes by car
  
• Why go: Pedraza feels like a movie set — cobbled lanes, stone houses, and a quiet main square that glows at sunset. Pop into small galleries, grab a coffee, or just enjoy the laid-back pace of this medieval village.
  

Our tip: Try the local cheese and honey sold in tiny shops — perfect souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

Autumn in Segovia isn’t just about classes and cozy cafés — it’s also about discovering what lies just beyond. Whether you’re craving culture, nature, or a little adventure, these destinations are close enough for a day yet far enough to feel like a getaway.

👉 Ready to explore? Plan your weekend escape, invite your flatmates, and make this autumn unforgettable.