The almost unknown walled town of Cuenca that is in the middle of a valley

'Empty Spain' holds countless secrets that will delight all rural tourism enthusiasts who discover them. The province of Cuenca is a perfect place to discover these unknown villages where life seems to slow down and are nestled in fascinating places, such as the town of Moya, bordering both Aragon and the Valencian Community.

Although no Cuenca town has made it onto the list of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain," this municipality has plenty of reasons to do so, as it is one of the great rural treasures of Castilla-La Mancha. With an extraordinary history and architectural heritage, this town is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for a relaxing getaway in Spain during these autumn weeks.

Moya, the town in Cuenca that houses incredible ruins

This walled town stands on a lonely hill in the Serranía Baja region, in the westernmost part of Cuenca, although not a single person lives within the walls: everyone left for nearby population centers (the municipality has about 150 inhabitants). Today, the ruins of Moya are one of the area's major attractions, especially for the striking image they create.

Although human presence in Moya dates back to 1500 BC, the reality is that the town's expansion began in the Middle Ages, when it became one of the main settlements in the entire area. Within its imposing walls, only a portion of which remains, stood an incredible castle, several convents, and a multitude of churches, the vestiges of which continue to impress visitors who approach them... although nothing of its former splendor remains within its walls.

Various armed conflicts, such as the War of Independence and the Carlist Wars, caused the population to decline, until finally, all those who lived in the village of Moya moved to hamlets that still administratively belong to it. This is certainly one of Castilla-La Mancha's best-kept secrets and a must-see for rural tourism lovers.

The town of Moya is located one hour and 20 minutes from the city of Cuenca. To get there from the provincial capital, you must first take the N-320a, then exit onto the N-420, which takes several kilometers before turning onto the CM-215. Finally, upon reaching the town of Landete, take the CUV-5003, which leads to the ruins.