A Train Ride Back in Time: My Day Trip to Segovia, Spain

There’s something magical about your first train ride, especially when it takes you to a place that feels like you’ve stepped straight into a storybook. My very first train experience was on the high-speed train from Madrid to Segovia, and let me tell you, it was unforgettable.

The train sped through the Spanish countryside at nearly 200 miles per hour, through rolling hills, and charming little villages. It took around 45 minutes (my memory’s fuzzy), but it was enough to make my ears pop and my heart race with excitement. I remember feeling like a kid again, amazed by how smooth, fast, and exhilarating the whole experience was.

But nothing prepared me for what was waiting on the other side:

Segovia is a city that seems suspended in time. Cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and a quiet kind of enchantment. The first thing that caught my eye was the Alcázar of Segovia, a majestic castle perched on a rocky cliff, overlooking deep ravines below. With its soaring towers and fairytale charm, it looked like something straight out of Cinderella. Fun fact? Walt Disney is said to have drawn inspiration from this very castle when designing the one in Disneyland.

Wandering through the town felt like walking through a living museum. But what truly blew me away was the ancient Roman aqueduct. This stunning feat of engineering dating back to the 1st century. It stretches over 800 meters long and stands nearly 100 feet tall in places, made entirely of unmortared granite blocks. For centuries, it carried water from the nearby mountains into the city and still stands strong.

Then… there was the pig.

Segovia is famous for its cochinillo asado “roast suckling pig” and let me just say: it was divine. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, seasoned to perfection. It’s such a treasured dish that chefs often cut it with a plate (yes, a plate!) to show how tender it is.

As I roamed the charming alleys, I came across a bit of Segovia's folklore. There's a statue of the devil near the aqueduct. It’s a cheeky, smiling little guy holding a stone. According to legend, a young girl, tired of hauling water from the spring, made a deal with the devil to build her an aqueduct by sunrise. If he finished in time, he’d take her soul. He nearly did it, but the sun rose just in time, and she was saved. The devil lost the bet… but he gained a statue in town as a reminder.

Segovia has the kind of vibe mixed with legend, history, beauty, and just enough magic to make it unforgettable. If you’re ever in Madrid, I highly recommend hopping on a train and making the trip. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're living in a fairytale, even if just for a day.