10 Things to Do in Segovia in Summer
The summer months are the perfect time to visit Segovia, a city full of history, architectural gems and exquisite gastronomy that make it a charming place to escape to for a few days.
When you hear Segovia, the first thing that comes to mind is its famous aqueduct, but this city has so much more to offer and see. From a fairytale medieval castle to an enviable gastronomy, Segovia is the perfect place for your summer holidays.
The weather in Segovia at this time of the year is warm and with hardly any rainfall, so if you decide to visit during these months you can be almost sure that you will enjoy good weather and sunny skies. In addition, summer always arrives in Segovia accompanied by a lively atmosphere and celebrations in style.
1. See Segovia from above on an exciting balloon ride
The first plan I'm going to suggest is perfect for the summer months, as the low temperatures and cold winds of the summer months can make a balloon ride in Segovia from the heights a bit more difficult. 10 Things to Do in Segovia in Winter winds could make an early morning balloon ride in the early hours of the morning not exactly pleasant. However, I can assure you that if you decide to take this fun tour you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of this medieval city below your feet.
That's why I encourage you to book a balloon ride in Segovia where you can fly over its most iconic monuments such as the famous aqueduct, the Alcazar or its beautiful Gothic cathedral. What's more, after a full hour in the air, this fantastic tour includes brunch and a glass of cava at the end of the ride, a flight certificate and even a video so you have a permanent souvenir of this incredible experience that you won't forget.
2. Celebrate the arrival of summer at the San Juan and San Pedro festivities
Every year, the summer solstice is celebrated in Segovia on the magical Night of San Juan. On this special date, the people of Segovia begin the celebrations by lighting the famous bonfires of San Juan. The main bonfire is lit in the Plaza Mayor and from that moment on, a series of days full of festivities and celebrations begin in which you can find open-air dances, concerts, live music shows and even a variety of other activities. 10 Things to do in Segovia with Kids.
With the festivities of San Juan also comes the Theatre Night, which takes place in the Plaza San Nicolás and where you can see performances and plays until the early hours of the morning. After the busy days of festivities comes the Night of San Pedro, which brings the festivities to a close with a grandiose fireworks display.
Practical information
- Where: Mostly in the main squares, but there are musical performances and events in various parts of the city.
- When: The celebrations begin with the Noche de San Juan, which takes place on the night of 23 June.
- Price: only what you spend on food and drink.
3. Taste Segovian gastronomy on the terrace with the best views of the city
The typical gastronomy of this area is one of the most delicious and admired in the country, so you won't be able to leave Segovia without trying some of its best-known traditional dishes. I suggest you take advantage of the good weather to sit on the terrace of the oldest restaurant in Segovia, the legendary Mesón de Cándido, where you can try some of the most exquisite Segovian specialities.
There, you will have the chance to try its famous roast suckling pig, the city's best-known dish, and you can accompany it with another of the stars of Segovian gastronomy, the farm beans. But best of all, on the terrace of this famous restaurant you can enjoy privileged views of the thousand-year-old Segovia Aqueduct, the city's main tourist attraction.
Practical information
- Where: Mesón de Cándido islocated at Plaza Azoguejo 5.
- Opening times: every day from 1.30pm to 11pm.
- Price: from 35€ to 60€ approximately per person.
4. Have fun at one of the longest-running festivals in Spain
Every year during the summer, the Folk Segovia festival returns to the city, a show that has been running for more than 30 years and which brings with it concerts of different musical styles such as fusion music or the sounds of popular folklore. This festival is held after the fiestas of San Juan and San Pedro and its main stage is usually located in the central Plaza de San Martín.
In addition to the performances, during the festival you can find parades, exhibitions, record fairs and numerous activities in the streets. On some occasions, activities have even been held in the century-old Alhóndiga. The festival that turns Segovia into the folk capital for a few days has become one of the most veteran festivals in the country for a reason, as every year it returns with new and exciting surprises, performances and events that will make you have a great time.
5. Enjoy the good weather in Segovia's liveliest square
Segovia's Plaza Mayor is the heart of the city and is surrounded by some of its most emblematic buildings. In this impressive square you will find the Cathedral of Segovia, the Town Hall and the magnificent Juan Bravo Theatre.
Once there, I encourage you to have a drink in one of the terraces of the bars in this emblematic Segovian square, so, apart from enjoying the good weather, you will be able to contemplate the façade of these important buildings full of history in peace and quiet. After a cup of coffee or a good glass of wine, you can take the opportunity to do one of the essential activities of your trip, a visit to the Cathedral of Segovia. Segovia Cathedral Opening Hours.
Segovia Cathedral was built between the 16th and 18th centuries and is a marvellous example of Gothic architecture. It has three large naves and is particularly impressive for its beautiful stained glass windows and its tall, slender tower, which is up to 88 metres high. So, if you travel to this ancient city, be sure to pay a visit to this temple that will captivate you both for its beauty and its interesting history.
6. Take a tour of the main sights of Segovia at sunset
When night falls in Segovia, the streets take on a special charm and its monuments glow under the spotlights, making them stand out more than ever. Therefore, I encourage you to end one of your days in this wonderful city with a tour of Segovia at sunset, where you can admire the city in a totally different way.
This tour is perfect if you decide to make your trip during the summer season, as the cold and rainfall of other months of the year could make a tour at night not particularly pleasant. The tour will start at the impressive Segovia Aqueduct, which at night stands illuminated, giving the impression of being taller and more imposing than ever. Next, the tour leader will guide you to the cathedral, the Las Canonjías neighbourhood and finally the Alcázar.
After your tour, I recommend that for dinner you go to the Pasapán Restaurant, a gastronomic space that perfectly combines traditional Segovian cuisine with a touch of modernity and innovation, making its dishes stand out for their quality and originality.
Practical information
- Where: Restaurante Pasapán islocated at Calle Colón 5.
- Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00 and from 20:00 to 24:00.
- Price: from €18 to approximately €40 per person.
7. Go up to a viewpoint and contemplate the fantastic views
Taking advantage of the good weather in Segovia at this time of year, a fantastic way to get to know the city would be to climb up to one of its viewpoints. One of the most beautiful and with the best views is the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos. This viewpoint is located, as its name suggests, in the area belonging to the Church of San Marcos.
In addition to impressive views of the city, from this small grassy clearing next to the Eresma River you will have the best views of the impressive Alcázar of Segovia. Once there, you can sit on the green lawn and relax or even have a small picnic. A tip is to go at sunset, as the orange light at the end of the day over the Alcázar makes this landscape an unforgettable spectacle.
Another very different viewpoint, but with equally good views, is the Mirador del Valle de Clamores. This viewpoint is located at the foot of the Alcázar and from it you can enjoy incredible views of the Clamores Valley, the Jewish Cemetery and the City Wall.
8. Take an excursion to Chorro de Navafría
If during your visit to Segovia you find yourself with higher temperatures than expected, or you are simply a nature lover, I recommend you to take a fantastic excursion to the park El Chorro de Navafría, where the weather is not so hot and you can also enjoy a refreshing swim
El Chorro de Navafría is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, just over 30 minutes drive from Segovia. In this beautiful natural setting you can take different hiking routes starting from the El Chorro restaurant. There, you can marvel at the beauty of the pine forest, swim in the natural pools and contemplate the jewel of this park: the El Chorro waterfall, which has a drop of up to 20 metres.
As if that weren't enough, in this park you will also find a recreational area with barbecue facilities and places to sit and eat. This is the perfect place to spend a peaceful day in nature.
9. Take advantage of the pleasant summer weather to stroll through the historic centre of Segovia
Without a doubt, the best way to get to know a new city is to lose yourself in its streets and take a long walk. That's why the next plan I'm going to suggest is that you enjoy the good weather and take advantage of it to stroll through the streets of Segovia and visit its most iconic buildings.
On your way, you can stroll through the city's most important squares, visit the famous Casa de los Picos, nowadays converted into a School of Applied Arts, and discover the charming Jewish Quarter. Segovia's Jewish Quarter belonged to a large Jewish community from the 12th century until the 15th century, when they were expelled by order of the Catholic Monarchs. The picturesque and narrow streets of this quarter are some of the most beautiful in the city and you can still find some buildings from that period.
Another option if you want to get to know this interesting city without missing anything is to visit the Jewish Quarter of Segovia. Best tours of SegoviaThe Segovia City Tour, in which an expert will guide you through the main points of interest while telling you about the history and some curiosities of this millenary city.
10. Visit the Alcazar of Segovia, a must on this trip
The weather in Segovia during the summer months is ideal if you enjoy travelling in warm temperatures. It will also allow you to explore the city in bright sunshine without worrying about rainfall or the cold of Segovia's harsh winter.
With this in mind, I encourage you to take advantage of the pleasant weather this season by visiting some of the city's main points of interest, and of course, among them is the Alcázar of Segovia, an impressive medieval castle that watches over the city and looks like something out of a movie scene.
The strategic location of this magnificent monument has been used as a defensive fortress by different cultures and today, this Segovian icon is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle as we know it today was built and used as a home by the Kings of Castile in the mid-15th century.
I can assure you that Alcazar of Segovia Tickets and Tours you will not be left indifferent, because from the moment you cross the drawbridge at its entrance, until you finish touring its beautiful halls and rooms decorated with Christian and Mudejar elements, this fortress so full of history will not cease to amaze you.
The climate in Segovia during the summer
Segovia is at an altitude of up to 1000 metres and is situated to the north of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, which means that the cold mountain winds sometimes reach the city. However, summer in this corner of the country is generally hot with maximum temperatures often exceeding 30ºC.
Rainfall during these months is very low, as this is the driest time of the year, and you will rarely encounter a summer thunderstorm. Although temperatures during the day can sometimes be somewhat high, at night they tend to drop quite a bit, reaching an average minimum of 16ºC, so it is advisable to bring some warm clothes even if you travel during the summer months.
As for the hours of sunshine, if you are lucky enough to visit Segovia at this time of year you will enjoy longer days than in other seasons, so you will have more time to make your visits at your leisure and get to know this wonderful city under a sky that is almost always sunny.
The influx of tourists and prices in Segovia in summer
The fantastic weather that Segovia enjoys during the summer months, together with the numerous festivities and the lively atmosphere of the city, have made summer the busiest time for tourists, especially in July and August. During this time of year, hundreds of tourists travel to Segovia for their summer holidays.
This inevitably means that prices are inevitably higher than in other seasons and the availability of accommodation is lower, especially if you book at the last minute. However, if you book your trip in advance, it is very likely that you will find budget accommodation, as prices in Segovia are usually not too excessive.