Hotels in Atienza

Plaza del Trigo and the upper town

Atienza huddles on the hillside below the castle crag, and its centre is the arcaded Plaza del Trigo and the neighbouring Plaza de España, with the church of San Juan del Mercado. Staying in this area puts you among the cobbled streets, the Arrebatacapas arch and the climb to the castle, from where you can see the hills and plateau of northern Guadalajara.

This is where the village's bars and restaurants are, and at night the square is calm again. The slopes are serious, so bear that in mind if you are travelling with older people or a pushchair. In return, you step out of the door and are soon at the town walls and gates, such as the Arrebatacapas gate, which you pass through to climb towards the crag.

Quarter of the churches

Outside the walls, in the lower part, are several of the Romanesque churches that make Atienza famous, such as San Bartolomé, which houses a museum, and Santa María del Val. It is a more open area, with better car access and houses with some land. It suits you if you arrive with luggage or want to leave early to explore the area, and from here you can walk up to the centre. At sunset, the view of the crag and the castle from this lower part is very photogenic.

Surroundings and Sigüenza

In the hamlets and estates around Atienza there is the odd rural house for whole rental, surrounded by countryside, high plains and very clear skies. You need a car for everything, but you gain space and peace, and it is usually a good option for groups. In winter the cold bites in these hills, so ask about heating before booking.

If you want a small town with more choice, Sigüenza has a cathedral, a castle and an old town with medieval streets and the Renaissance Plaza Mayor. It has good train links with Madrid and lets you see Atienza on a half-day or full-day trip.