When you think of a traditional Spanish town, what do you imagine? Airy, open bodegas, the sun glistening overhead and crashing ocean waves blissfully playing in the background might illustrate your vision perfectly.

Well, take the opposite of this picturesque vision, and you’ve got yourself the small town of Setenil de las Bodegas.

Now, don’t get me wrong – Setenil de las Bodegas is still a beautiful place, but it has one unique factor that sets it apart from anything you could ever imagine.

This town, home to around 3,000 people, is living under a rock. Literally.

The Andalucian town, northeast of Cadiz, was built along a narrow river gorge eroded by the Rio Trejo river.

If you are confused why anyone would want to live in this shadowy, rock-obstructed area, don’t worry…you’re not the only one. But in fact, the residents have a pretty good reason for calling Setenil de las Bodegas home.

The covering that the rock provides is essential to blocking out the extreme temperatures the country faces.

The town takes advantage of the rock’s natural beauty – often times constructing homes right into the walls of the gorge itself.

And don’t think living under a rock inhibits a bustling city life, Setenil’s restaurant and bar seen is considered one of the best in the region!

So while some of us take the common phrase, ‘living under a rock’ with a negative connotation, the people of Setenil have a bit of a different opinion!

For a more in depth tour of the town, check out the video below.

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