Where to Find Chestnut Roasters in Segovia in November

Castañas asadas are a Segovia November ritual, sold from small carts and shopfronts around the old town and along the Eresma.

The Old Town and Plaza Mayor

From late October through December, chestnut roasters appear in Segovia's Plaza Mayor, usually on the side nearest the Ayuntamiento and along Calle Real. They set up mid-morning and stay until evening, selling small paper cones of hot castañas asadas. You will also find them near the Aqueduct on Plaza del Azoguejo, where foot traffic from the bus and train stations is heaviest. Expect to pay a few euros for a cone; the exact price is posted on the cart. November afternoons are busiest, especially on weekends when madrileños arrive for the day.

The roasters are not formal restaurants, so there is no seating or booking. They are street vendors with a brazier, a metal drum and a folding table. The chestnuts are scored and roasted on site, then wrapped in newspaper or paper cones. Look for carts with a small queue of locals; that is usually a sign of freshness. The Plaza Mayor carts are the most reliable, but they disappear in heavy rain or strong wind. If you are staying near the Aqueduct, the Azoguejo carts are a two-minute walk from most hotels in the commercial centre.

Along the Eresma and Near the Alcázar

A second cluster of roasters operates along the Paseo del Salón and near the Alcázar entrance on Calle de la Judería Vieja. These spots catch visitors walking between the cathedral and the fortress. In November, the roasters here tend to start later, around noon, and finish by early evening. The setting is pleasant: you can buy a cone and eat it on a bench overlooking the Eresma valley or in the Plaza de la Reina Victoria Eugenia. The walk from Plaza Mayor to the Alcázar takes about ten minutes on foot, and you will often pass two or three carts on the way.

Further afield, the Jewish quarter (La Judería) has a few seasonal stalls on Calle Cervantes and Calle Isabel la Católica, though they are less consistent than the Plaza Mayor carts. For a reliable fix, stick to the main squares and the Aqueduct. If you are driving, park in the underground garage at Plaza del Azoguejo or the Acueducto car park; both are within a short walk of the carts. Do not expect roasters at the train station or the bus station—the nearest are a fifteen-minute walk into the old town.

Timing, Weather and What to Expect

November in Segovia is cool, with daytime highs around 12°C and nights close to freezing. Chestnut roasters thrive in this weather, but they may pack up early if it rains or snows. The best months for castañas asadas are November and December, with the peak around the Constitution Day holiday weekend (early December). In November, weekends are busier than weekdays, and the carts are most numerous from 11:00 to 15:00 and again from 17:00 to 20:00. If you visit on a weekday, head to Plaza Mayor around midday; that is when the roasters are most likely to be out.

Chestnuts are sold by the cone or by weight. A small cone is typically enough for one person, and a larger bag is good for sharing. The chestnuts are hot, so hold them with the paper. They are best eaten immediately; once cold, they become starchy. You will see locals peeling them with their fingers, but a small knife helps. There is no need to tip, though rounding up is appreciated. If you want to sit down, nearby cafés in Plaza Mayor serve chestnuts in season, but the street carts are the authentic experience.

Where to Stay and How to Plan

For easy access to the roasters, book a hotel inside the old town, within walking distance of Plaza Mayor and the Aqueduct. The area around Plaza Mayor, Calle Real and the Judería has a range of small hotels and guesthouses; prices in November are generally lower than in spring, with mid-range doubles often between €60 and €100 per night. Hotels near the Aqueduct tend to be slightly cheaper and are still only a ten-minute walk from the main squares. Avoid staying near the train station unless you have a car, as the walk into town is about 25 minutes and not scenic.

If you are coming from Madrid, the high-speed train (Avant) takes about 27 minutes from Madrid Chamartín to Segovia Guiomar station, and then a bus (Line 11) takes you to the Aqueduct in 15 minutes. Buses from Madrid's Moncloa station take about 1 hour 15 minutes and arrive at Segovia's bus station, a 10-minute walk from the Aqueduct. Once in town, everything is walkable. November is quiet enough that you can decide on the day where to go; just head for the Plaza Mayor or the Aqueduct and follow the smell of roasting chestnuts.

Questions, answered

When do chestnut roasters start appearing in Segovia?

Chestnut roasters typically set up from late October through December, with November being a reliable month. They are most common on weekends and around the Constitution Day holiday in early December. Weather affects their presence, so on rainy days they may not appear.

How much does a cone of roasted chestnuts cost in Segovia?

Prices vary by vendor, but expect to pay a few euros for a small cone. The exact price is usually displayed on the cart. Larger bags for sharing cost more. It is a cash-friendly transaction, so carry small bills or coins.

Where exactly in Plaza Mayor can I find the chestnut roasters?

They usually position themselves on the side of the plaza near the Ayuntamiento (town hall) and along Calle Real, which leads into the square. You will see them from mid-morning until evening. The carts are mobile, so look for the small crowd or the smell of roasting.

Are there chestnut roasters near the Aqueduct?

Yes, you will often find one or two carts on Plaza del Azoguejo, right by the Aqueduct. They cater to the heavy foot traffic from the bus and train stations. They usually operate from late morning to early evening, weather permitting.

Can I find roasted chestnuts in Segovia in the evening?

Some roasters stay until around 20:00, especially on weekends, but many pack up by early evening. The Plaza Mayor carts tend to stay later than those near the Alcázar. If you want chestnuts after dark, your best bet is the Plaza Mayor area.

Is November a good time to visit Segovia for chestnuts?

Yes, November is ideal: the weather is cool enough for roasting, and the summer crowds have gone. Weekends are busier, but you will still find roasters without much trouble. It is also a good month for hotel deals compared to spring.

Are chestnuts sold anywhere else in Segovia besides street carts?

Some cafés and bakeries in the old town sell roasted chestnuts in season, but the street carts are the most common and authentic. You might also find them at local markets, though these are less frequent in November.

How do I get to Segovia from Madrid to try the chestnuts?

The fastest way is the Avant train from Madrid Chamartín to Segovia Guiomar (about 27 minutes), then bus Line 11 to the Aqueduct. Alternatively, buses from Moncloa take about 1 hour 15 minutes and arrive at Segovia's bus station, a 10-minute walk from the centre.

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